Tag Archives | World Bank

World Bank Reaffirms Support for Iraq's Reform Agenda

By John Lee. In a meeting held on Tuesday, Iraq's Minister of Finance, Taif Sami Mohammed, welcomed a delegation from the World Bank's Environment Section, led by Regional Director Ms. Maskeren Bahraini, to discuss closer collaboration on financial reform and sustainable environmental development. The talks covered key World Bank projects focused on environmental protection and […]

Central Bank of Iraq launches Financial Inclusion Strategy

By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has launched its first National Financial Inclusion Strategy, covering the period 2025-2029. The initiative provides an integrated framework aimed at enabling all individuals and businesses to access the financial sector and use appropriate, secure financial services with consumer protection guarantees. The strategy is expected to contribute […]

IFC to help Iraq Develop Industrial Cities

By John Lee. Iraq's Minister of Industry and Minerals, Khaled Battal Al-Najm, met with a delegation from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to discuss potential cooperation in the development of industrial cities and workforce capacity building in Iraq. The meeting included a presentation by the IFC on its […]

World Bank and IMF meet with Iraqi Finance Minister, Central Bank

By John Lee. Iraqi Finance Minister, Mrs Taif Sami Mohammed, along with the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI), Dr Ali Al-Alaq, participated in the Annual Spring Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), held in Washington from 20-23 April 2025. The discussions focused on global economic challenges, financial […]

Conference on Expansion and Modernisation of Iraqi Rail

By John Lee. The General Company for Iraqi Railways held a conference on Tuesday evening focused on the expansion and modernisation of Iraq's railway network. The event was attended by the company's Director-General, Dr. Maki Jabir Nasser, representatives from Italian consultancy firm BTP, and international specialised companies participating virtually. During the conference, Dr. Nasser, alongside […]

Iraqi PM Launches Ambitious Banking Sector Reform

By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani addressed the Conference on Reforming the Iraqi Banking Sector on Monday, outlining an ambitious agenda to modernise Iraq's financial infrastructure and promote sustainable economic development. Key initiatives and achievements highlighted in the Prime Minister's address include: Implementation of a three-year national budget, enabling long-term planning and strategic […]

Tribunal Appointed in Agility Arbitration Case

By John Lee. An arbitration tribunal has been appointed in the case of Agility Public Warehousing Company K.S.C. v. Republic of Iraq (ICSID Case No. ARB/17/7). Its members are: Sarah Grimmer (New Zealand), President, appointed by agreement of the Parties; Stephen L. Drymer (Canadian), appointed by Claimant; and Dr. August Reinisch (Austrian), appointed by Respondent. […]

Iraq Wins in $1bn Arbitration Case against German Firm

By John Lee. Iraq's Ministry of Justice has said it has successfully defended Iraq in a $1-billion international arbitration case filed by Germany's AHG Industry GmbH & Co. KG at the World Bank's International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). According to the statement from the Ministry on Tuesday (11th March), the dispute stemmed […]

World Bank Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Iraq

By John Lee. Iraq's Minister of Finance, Taif Sami, met with Jean-Christophe Carret, the World Bank's representative in Iraq, to discuss strengthening economic and financial cooperation. The discussions focused on strategic projects aimed at stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and developing infrastructure and human capital. Minister Sami emphasized Iraq's commitment to leveraging technical and financial […]

World Bank supports $18m Iraq Pollution Initiative

The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved a US$18.5 million project to support Iraq's efforts to minimize environment and health risks due to Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and other chemical pollution hotspots and improve livelihoods of local communities. The Integrated Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Chemical Hotspots Project is co-financed by a US$13.49 million […]

Int'l Finance Corp meets with Iraq's National Investment Commission

By John Lee. Iraq's National Investment Commission (NIC) held a meeting on Monday with a delegation from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, to discuss joint cooperation in: Technical advisory services, Project financing support, Business environment improvement, and Capacity-building through training and workshops. NIC's Director General of Relations and Media, […]