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Oil Companies Discuss Iraq Projects and Investment
2026-06-25 01:55:31
By John Lee. The Ministry of Oil held a meeting with international oil companies operating in Iraq to discuss challenges facing projects, increasing production, and improving operational performance. According to the Ministry, Minister of Oil Bassem Mohammed Khudair Al-Abadi said companies working in Iraq are considered partners rather than contractors, and called for cooperation to […]
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Adam Smith International consults on Iraqi Efficiency Program
2026-06-25 01:54:49
By John Lee. The Ministry of Finance has held a meeting with representatives of Adam Smith International to discuss support for the transition towards programme and performance-based budgeting. The meeting examined cooperation mechanisms for training Iraqi financial staff and developing technical capabilities to support the gradual move from line-item budgeting to budgeting linked to government […]
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New Hospital Proposal with US Healthcare Company
2026-06-25 01:53:05
By John Lee. Minister of Commerce, Dr. Mustafa Nizar Al-Aani, has held discussions with the the CEO of the American Global Medical Services (AGMS) Dr. Dr. Aizen Marrogi, on expanding economic and healthcare cooperation and strengthening the presence of US companies in the Iraqi market, according to Ministry of Trade media. Discussions focused on the […]
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New CBI Governor Meets US Embassy Chargé d'Affaires
2026-06-25 01:52:21
By John Lee. The newly-appointed Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI), Nizar Nasser Hussein, received US Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Joshua Harris to discuss financial and economic cooperation. The meeting covered strengthening strategic cooperation, supporting monetary and economic stability, and advancing banking sector reforms. Harris said the United States supports efforts to strengthen stability […]
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Iraq Plans National Geospatial Data Framework
2026-06-25 01:51:46
By John Lee. Iraq's Ministry of Planning held a technical meeting to advance work on the country's geospatial information management systems and national data platforms. The meeting was chaired by the Under-Secretary for Technical Affairs, Dr Maher Hammad Jouhan. Jouhan said that developing the geospatial information system is a key pillar in supporting planning, sustainable […]
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Vodafone in Talks with Iraq over National Mobile Licence
2026-06-24 02:20:18
By John Lee. Iraq's Ministry of Communications has held talks with representatives of UK's Vodafone, along with a delegation from the British Embassy, regarding a national mobile telephone licence. According to a Ministry of Communications statement, Minister Mustafa Jabbar Sanad confirmed that the Ministry would press ahead with efforts to improve mobile telephone services in […]
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Iraqi Customs Completes Automation of 25 Border Centres
2026-06-24 02:20:09
By John Lee. Iraq's General Customs Authority has reportedly completed the automation of 25 customs centres and is preparing to launch a single-window electronic system linking it with 15 government ministries and departments. Its Director-General, Thamer Qasim Daoud Al-Shiryan, told the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA) that the Minister of Finance had formally instructed the […]
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Iran's Hormuz Insurance Scheme 'Amounts to Transit Fee'
2026-06-24 02:20:05
By John Crowley, for Arabian Gulf Business Insight (AGBI). Any opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Iran's Hormuz Insurance Scheme 'Amounts to Transit Fee' Iran's plans to require vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz to obtain insurance amount to a transit fee, […]
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Iraq-Uzbekistan Joint Business Council to be Established
2026-06-24 02:18:15
By John Lee. Iraq and Uzbekistan have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a joint economic and trade committee, marking the conclusion of a visit by Iraq's Minister of Trade, Dr Mustafa Nizar Al-Ani, to Tashkent. According to the Ministry of Trade, the MoU was signed by Al-Ani on the Iraqi side and […]
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Iraq Freezes New Govt Investment Projects
2026-06-23 01:53:20
By John Lee. Iraq's Council of Ministers has approved a recommendation from the Ministerial Council for the Economy to suspend new investment project contracts across all ministries, non-ministry-affiliated bodies, and governorates, as part of a public spending rationalisation drive. The freeze also covers spare parts orders and components added to existing projects without a direct […]
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New Governor Takes Charge at Iraq's Central Bank
2026-06-23 01:53:11
By John Lee. A formal handover ceremony has taken place at the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI), with Nizar Nasser Hussein (pictured, right) assuming the role of governor from his predecessor, Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi presided over the ceremony on Sunday. Al-Zaidi stressed the importance of continuing banking reform programmes, achieving financial […]
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Iraq Spuds "First Northern Exploration Well since 1978"
2026-06-23 01:53:06
By John Lee. According to Iraq's Ministry of Oil, drilling has begun on a new exploration well in the Amerli district of Salahadin province - the first such well to be drilled in the northern governorates since 1978. The work is being carried out under a tripartite contract involving North Oil Company (NOC), Iraqi Drilling […]
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Restricted Banks Near Reinstatement to Dollar Transfer System
2026-06-23 01:53:00
By John Lee. A number of banks previously restricted from conducting dollar transactions have now completed the requirements of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI)'s reform plan and met the relevant supervisory and technical standards, including strengthening their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks. The CBI said the reinstatement of these banks to foreign currency […]
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New Shipping Service Between Umm Qasr Port and Khalifa Port
2026-06-22 01:54:18
By John Lee. A weekly shipping service has been launched linking Abu Dhabi's Khalifa Port with Umm Qasr Port in Iraq, aimed at enhancing trade flows across the region. According to Abu Dhabi Ports (AD Ports Group), the service addresses growing container and Ro-Ro cargo volumes and is designed to strengthen connectivity between Lebanon, Syria, […]
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Iraq Now a Key Land Bridge for TIR Transit
2026-06-22 01:53:16
By John Lee. The TIR international road transit system became fully operational in Iraq on 1 April 2025, with transport companies opening seven routes via the country and completing more than 1,000 operations within the first eight months, according to the International Road Transport Union (IRU). Iraq subsequently made TIR mandatory for all goods transiting […]
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Iraq Cuts Internet Transit Fees by 40%
2026-06-22 01:52:46
By John Lee. Iraq has cut internet transit fees by 40 percent as part of a strategy to position the country as a key international corridor for data traffic between East and West, according to the Ministry of Communications. The reduction was formally endorsed by the ministry's advisory board and the board of directors of […]
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FATF Places Iraq Under Increased Monitoring
2026-06-22 01:51:20
By John Lee. Iraq has been added to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring -- commonly known as the grey list -- following the organisation's June 2026 plenary session. Iraq made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and MENAFATF to strengthen the effectiveness of its anti-money […]
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Iraq "Considers Mini-Budget"
2026-06-21 01:53:41
By Nadim Kawach, for Arabian Gulf Business Insight (AGBI). Any opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Iraq considers mini-budget to keep country running Iraq's parliament is pushing for a mini-budget for 2026 after a cabinet change and the halt of most oil […]
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Mechanised Rice Transplanting to Address Water Scarcity in Najaf
2026-06-21 01:52:48
By John Lee. A consultation held in Najaf on 15 June has agreed to expand mechanised rice transplanting in the governorate as a climate-adaptive measure to improve water-use efficiency and support sustainable rice production. The meeting was convened by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and government partners under the Green […]
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WFP Iraq Country Brief, June 2026
2026-06-21 01:51:46
WFP Iraq Country Brief, June 2026 (Reporting Period: April - May 2026) In Numbers 14,762 people assisted in April 2026 (58% female) 13,839 people assisted in May 2026 (59% female) USD 988,900cash transferred between April 2026 - May2026 USD 5 M required in the next six months (June - November 2026) Key Highlights Iraq continues […]
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New Instructions regarding Foreign Workers in Iraq
2026-06-20 01:33:55
By John Lee. Iraq's Ministry of Justice has published "Instructions of Recruiting, Employing and Permitting the Foreign Workers in Iraq". Click here to download the full report. To browse our comprehensive library of reports on Iraq, click here. (Source: Ministry of Justice)
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GKP Shares Rise following Operational Update
2026-06-20 01:32:45
By John Lee. Shares in Gulf Keystone Petroleum (LSE: GKP) closed up more than 2 percent on Friday after the company published an operational and corporate update. Full statement from GKP: 2026 AGM Operational & Corporate Update Ahead of today's 2026 Annual General Meeting ("AGM"), Gulf Keystone, a leading independent operator and producer in the Kurdistan […]
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Ankara's Kurdish Dance in Iraq leaves Erbil in Leading Role
2026-06-20 01:31:48
From Amwaj Media. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Ankara's New Kurdish Dance in Iraq Leaves Erbil with the Leading Role Strengthening a steady rapprochement, Turkiye's Ambassador to Iraq Anil Bora Inan on June 4 met with Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) […]
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Petrel Resources Updates on Iraqi Prospects
2026-06-19 01:07:13
By John Lee. Irish-based Petrel Resources Plc (LON: PET) has published its preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2025. Regarding prospects in Iraq, the company said: "In Iraq, discussions continued regarding several potential development and gas monetisation opportunities. Iraq remains one of the world's most resource-rich hydrocarbon provinces and continues to offer significant long-term […]
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Chinese Carmaker Expands Baghdad Presence with New Showroom
2026-06-19 01:07:08
By John Lee. SOUEAST has opened its first mall showroom in Baghdad, in a step the company says will strengthen its market presence, dealer network and customer service capabilities in Iraq. The showroom is located in Iraq Mall, described as the largest integrated commercial complex in Baghdad. Covering nearly 200 square metres, it features a […]
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Iraq Stock Market Report
2026-06-19 01:07:00
Advertising Feature Rabee Securities Iraq Stock Exchange (ISX) market report (trading week ending: [INSERT]. Please click here to view a table of listed companies and their associated ticker codes. Rabee Securities' Market Indexes Change - Weekly Index Code Closings Change (w/w) (%) Change (YTD) (%) IQD-RSISX 2,780.7 4.6% 8.8% USD-RSISX 2,734.2 4.6% 8.8% IQD-RSIHX 1,670.4 […]
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Iraq Development Plan to 2050 Discussed with UNDP
2026-06-18 01:44:35
By John Lee. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi received United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Abdullah Al-Dardari and his accompanying delegation. According to the Prime Minister's Media Office, the meeting covered several issues including project financing mechanisms, strengthening social protection programmes, establishing a development fund, and support for the return of […]
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Iraqi Central Bank Rejects Rumours of New Dinar Rate
2026-06-18 01:44:20
By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has firmly denied reports that it intends to change the exchange rate of the Iraqi dinar. In a statement, it said a forged document is being circulated claiming that the Prime Minister's office had submitted a request to the Finance Committee of the Council of Representatives […]
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Communications Minister Meets Huawei to Discuss 5G Rollout
2026-06-18 01:44:01
By John Lee. Iraq's Communications Minister, Mustafa Jabbar Sanad has chaired a meeting with Chinese telecoms firm Huawei to discuss the rollout of fifth-generation (5G) network technology in the country. According to the Ministry of Communications, the meeting, attended by senior ministry officials, reviewed the readiness of infrastructure for 5G services and followed up on […]
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Transport Ministry Facilitates Basra-Shalamcheh Rail Project
2026-06-18 01:43:53
By John Lee. The Minister of Transport, Wahab Al-Hussni, received the Spanish Ambassador, Alicia Rico, in Baghdad in what was described as her first official meeting with an Iraqi minister in the current government, following her earlier meeting with the Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. The discussions focused on the Basra-Shalamcheh railway project, which has been […]
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Requirements Delay Mosul International Airport Opening
2026-06-18 01:43:51
By John Lee. According to the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA), the opening of Mosul International Airport has been delayed due to several outstanding technical and operational requirements. The authority said it continues to monitor the project through regular field visits by technical teams and coordination with the Nineveh provincial administration and other relevant parties […]
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New Cmte to Renew Kirkuk-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline Agreement
2026-06-18 01:43:48
From Rudaw. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Iraq forms committee to renew Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil pipeline agreement Iraq has established a high-level committee to prepare a new draft agreement on the Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil pipeline as the current deal expires in July. Salim […]
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World Bank Forecasts Iraq Growth Rebound in 2027
2026-06-17 00:27:12
By John Lee. Real GDP in Iraq is expected to fall by 8.9 percent this year, according to the World Bank's latest Global Economic Prospects report. This represents a significant reduction on the previous forecast of 4.4 percent growth, issued one year ago. The report says: "The sharp slowdowns projected for Iraq, Kuwait, and Qatar will be […]
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Iraq, US Outline Energy, Security and Investment Goals
2026-06-17 00:27:04
Iraq and US Reaffirm Strategic Partnership, Eye White House Meeting in July Iraq-US Joint Statement Outlines Energy, Security and Investment Goals Chevron, Starlink and Pipeline Rehabilitation Among Priorities in Iraq-US Joint Statement By John Lee. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and Tom Barrack, Special Presidential Envoy of President Trump, have reaffirmed the commitment of both governments […]
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Starlink Seeks Licence to Operate in Iraq
2026-06-17 00:26:55
By John Lee. According to the Ministry of Communications, Iraq's Communications Minister Mustafa Jabbar Sanad has chaired a video-conference meeting with Starlink to discuss the company's application for a licence to operate in Iraq. The Iraqi Communications and Media Commission (CMC) was represented at the meeting by its chairman, Baligh Abu Kalal. The minister said […]
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Paris Meetings to Boost Iraq Private Sector Ties
2026-06-17 00:26:49
By John Lee. Two economic meetings have taken place in Paris between a delegation of Iraqi companies and representatives of the French employers' association Mouvement des Enterprises de France (MEDEF) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties between Iraq's private sector and its French and international […]
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Iraq's FTTH Internet Providers to Raise Speeds by 20%
2026-06-17 00:26:45
By John Lee. Internet speeds for subscribers on fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) networks are to be increased by 20% at no additional cost, following an agreement reached between the ministry and private-sector operators. Communications Minister Mustafa Jabbar Sanad convened an expanded meeting with senior ministry staff, the General Company for Telecommunications and Informatics, and representatives of private-sector […]
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Electricity Generation in Iraq Reaches 22,000 MW
2026-06-17 00:26:42
By John Lee. According to the Ministry of Electricity, current electricity generation has reached around 22,000 megawatts, with governorate allocations calculated based on net generation after accounting for exemptions including government hospitals, water stations, losses, loads and auxiliary equipment. The ministry said allocations are distributed according to approved percentages set by the Higher Coordination Committee […]
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Uzbekistan and Iraq Advance Economic Partnership Talks
2026-06-17 00:26:39
By John Lee. Uzbekistan Prime Minister Abdullah Aripov received Iraqi Minister of Trade Dr Mustafa Nizar Al-Aani in Tashkent during Iraq's participation in the Fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum. According to the Ministry of Trade, Aripov confirmed Uzbekistan's interest in expanding economic and trade relations with Iraq, including completing procedures to establish the Joint Trade […]
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