Experts: Diversifying Revenues Is A Guarantee Of Economic Stability, 11 OCT

 Experts: Diversifying Revenues Is A Guarantee Of Economic Stability

Economic  2024/10/10  Financial and economic experts expect that the recent developments in the Middle East will create a state of instability in the region and in global markets, including the labor market, which is greatly affected by the general conditions prevailing in a region where oil production is concentrated.

Economic expert and former minister Dr. Raed Fahmy, in an interview with “Sabah”, believes that “countries that depend on oil, such as Iraq, despite the country’s attempts to attract foreign capital, will witness a state of fluctuation,” noting that “this is reflected in the average citizen and his purchasing power, because the turmoil in the region will have a negative impact on the course of things in general, and prices in particular.”

Fahmy pointed out that “Iraq is an importing country, and the volume of its imports constitutes about 90-98% of its needs from abroad, including food needs,” indicating that “import and export operations, and the dollar exchange rates will be affected in the coming days and will be reflected in the commercial movement and exchanges, including the price of oil.”

He added that “the turbulent situation and lack of clarity of vision will affect all investors and projects that may be initiated in the region,” expecting that long-term investment decisions in many countries “will witness a state of waiting that will be reflected in economic activity  in general.”

In this context, economic researcher and consulting engineer Imad Al-Muhammadawi told Al-Sabah: “The region is currently witnessing highly tense conditions, which may lead to a rise in oil prices and a change in the dollar exchange rate.”

Al-Muhammadawi considered the country’s reliance on the rentier economy “an obstacle to diversifying the state’s general revenues, as oil revenues constitute about 99% of its exports and 85% of the country’s general budget,” noting that “enhancing non-oil revenues, controlling spending and activating the role of the private sector will work to achieve financial sustainability in such exceptional circumstances.”

It is noteworthy that the government has taken major and important steps to diversify revenues through partnerships with the private sector, reducing tax evasion, rehabilitating factories and paying attention to agriculture.   https://alsabaah.iq/103909-.html