The head of the parliamentary financial committee, Atwan Al-Atwani, confirmed on Monday that the launch of the reform plan for the banks is the beginning of reforming the Iraqi economy.
In a speech during the Iraqi banking sector reform conference, which was attended
by the “Economy News” reporter, Al-Atwani said that “the development of the banking sector is a fundamental pillar for the development of the Iraqi economy away from oil rent.”
The chairman of the Finance Committee called for “diversifying sources of revenue to cover the fiscal deficit.”
He pointed out that “the reform and development process must be taken into account by a movement with international banks to regulate external transfers.”
He stressed that “unofficial border ports cause a waste of public money.”
😊 😊The first article is titled “IRAQ JOINS TIR TRANSIT SYSTEM”.
The global TIR transit system became fully operational in Iraq on April 1, 2025. I want to emphasize that this is happening NOW not months or years down the road.
“The International Road Union (IRU) said that Iraq is poised to strengthen its position as a key trade hub in the Middle East, making goods transport more efficient and secure across the country’s borders and beyond. The initiative connects southern and northern Iraq, also providing an efficient trade corridor linking Asia, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region,
Türkiye and Europe.” If you seriously read and take to heart this news today you can’t help but to say WOW! WOW! WOW! Can you say WOW! WOW! WOW!? Can the news get any better in this direction for opening the doors for trade in Iraq?
Remember I always told you in the past the plan for Iraq is to make it a key trade hub and so now we learn this again in this article this is the goal and the infrastructure is being laid NOW to do just that.
They will need the infrastructure to transport these goods and distribute them to market.
If you look at the map you can clearly see Iraq’s centralized position in the middle east.
😊 😊This next article in today’s news is just as good as the first. It is titled “IRAQ SIGNS CONTRACT FOR NEW ECONOMIC CITY”. The National Investment Commission (NIC) has signed the Task Order for Phase One of developing the Al-Tayeb Specialized Economic Service Zone in Maysan Province, positioning it as Iraq’s first integrated economic city. So, it has begun. They are actually NOW (not years from now) beginning to build these new economic cities (industrial cities). We learned about these industrial cities years ago and so now they are happening. I also want to tie this article of today to the issues we keep hearing about the 2025 budget and its holdups. No it’s now about not wanting to show a RV rate change in the budget (how ridiculous) but instead this is the money needed for these cities that they talk about in all these other articles about the triparte budget for 2023-2025. It is all connected. Get it? This money is needed as an addition to the 2025 budget projected in 2022. Why would Iraq spend billions on this project of these new concept cities if the potential for a big payoff later could not be realized? The contract was signed with U.S. firm KBR, and includes strategic economic studies, investment opportunity packaging, and sectoral planning for the area.
Here is the best part about the news in this article and I quote – “We are told this project aims to establish a major economic hub linked to the Development Road project among other benefits.” Are you beginning to see the synergy?
Then a third article also inline with the first two brings us news of a serious investor in Iraq. This company BlackRock has its hands in just about every large company worldwide in one way or the another. It is a behind the scenes capitalist and company builder. It is a huge company and influences just about everything in our lives, only we don’t realize it. So, by BlackRock acquiring a port in Iraq means they are there do business. They are now just laying their infrastructure for their business model. In the future we will see much more of BlackRock in Iraq. Remember that I said this to you when I bring it up again in the near future.
The National Investment Commission (NIC) has signed the Task Order for Phase One of developing the Al-Tayeb Specialised Economic Service Zone in Maysan Province, positioning it as Iraq’s first integrated economic city.
Key Developments:
NIC Chairman Dr. Haider Mohammed Makiyah stated that Al-Tayeb Economic City will attract global investors across agriculture, industry, tourism, housing, and entertainment sectors, serving as a model for future multi-service economic cities in other provinces.
The contract, signed with U.S. firm KBR, includes strategic economic studies, investment opportunity packaging, and sectoral planning for the area.
The project aims to:
Establish a major economic hub linked to the Development Road project.
Boost Iraq’s economy and provide local employment in Maysan.
Strengthen interagency coordination for smooth project execution.
The meeting was attended by the Governor of Maysan, members of Executive Order Committee 24771, the Maysan Investment Commission, and representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office. Discussions focused on ensuring timely implementation, promoting sustainable development, and creating attractive investment opportunities in Iraq.
Here is a map below of Iraq with its bordering countries. Can you see now why it is considered a central hup? The main Development Road Project is in blue. The pink and green routes are future road projects that go inward from the central core road. The additional routes extent from the initial road to a specific country’s border or ports of entry/exit.
Think of this road project as the U.S. interstate highway or Germany’s Autobaud systems. What is their real purpose? To align with shipping and transportation of goods within a corridor for trucking.
They too where strategically laid out in a corridor from the port of entry/exit (s) to the interior if you care to study their maps. They also have the same main highways going north to south then east to west. Now Iraq is following this plan too only decades later. If you look at the prosperity of the U.S. and Germany,
we can contribute most of it to the ability to transport these produced goods to markets. The U.S. has even gone one step further in deliveries to the home directly with UPS, Federal Express and now Amazon same day deliveries at no extra charge. Trust me as Iraq too with only its 40 million citizens will need these other middle eastern countries for their markets.
Map of Iraq Development Road Project
HOW TO WIN IN ONE OF THE WORLD’S TOUGHEST MARKETS
From my perspective, I see the largest impacts that are going to “drive” everything else for the Iraqi economy are multi-level including the banking sector and with transportation. I have a very hard time separating only a couple factors but these factors stand out as the highest priority. Of course, security too is a given and I believe the may very well be at a level of needed security, not any more or less then in the U.S. or any other developed country. We have already seen the “desire” of the CBI and the GOI to lead these efforts in the many reforms in the banking sector including this huge project of the new First Rafidain Bank as it ties to the Development Road Project.
In today’s news we get more very good news in this direction. Why am I presenting mainly only this kind of news? It’s because of all the news coming from Iraq this is the news. Get it? These are the issues they are now encountering and moving ahead with. Again I am telling you they have moved mostly now from the “Pillars of Financial Reform” that I have talked about with you for years to the now using these reforms to build their economy and bring in the investors. They keep calling this the “next stage”.
So, Iraq seems to have moved on to a “next stage” and we learn about this stage today in the news articles too. There are three articles in particular that stand out on this subject matter of building the Iraqi economy. They deal with mainly with building the infrastructure of Iraq and how this will benefit Iraq and can be used in itself to be profitable, never mind the long-term benefits to other businesses by having this infrastructure in place. Yes, it will help Iraq to grow even more. It is exponential. By this I mean something allows something else and so on and so forth. Then the working connectivity of all the parts together allow for the synergy of the end result – the whole to be realized.
Define Synergy:The interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
ARAQCHI: IRAN WILL NOT SEEK TO RESEARCH, PRODUCE, OR POSSESS NUCLEAR WEAPONS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stressed that Iran will not seek to research, produce, or possess nuclear weapons under any circumstances.
The minister said in a press statement that the 2015 nuclear agreement included a fundamental commitment from Iran that still stands and the United States has benefited from it.
He explained that there is not even the slightest evidence that Iran has violated its commitment to the 2015 nuclear agreement.
He stressed that diplomatic engagement has proven effective in the past and can remain effective until now.
He continued that it must be clear to everyone that there is no such thing as a military option, let alone a military solution.
He pointed out that the catastrophic failures in the region, which cost previous US administrations more than seven trillion dollars, speak for themselves enough.
April showers bring May flowers and so will we see these lovely flowers? Still no RV and “NO!”, it’s not going to happen this week…lol..lol.. How far must they go until they pull the plug…? Still also no recent news of finalizing the WTO accension for Iraq. I believe this is all related to this Development Road Project too.
So, today I have some more interesting news.
For today’s Newsletter I want to continue the news about the ongoing effort for the economic development in Iraq. My impression of this news is that this is Iraq’s time. Why am I only now showing excitement about this effort. This excitement comes because of all the components I see now coming together and I can see the writing on the wall of the end result.
Okay so another analogy coming….Those of my readers who know anything about cooking know that to get a dish that is tasty and satisfying you have to learn to first have the right ingredients then, take the time too blend the ingredients by slowly simmering it on the stove. What could go wrong? If you don’t start with the right mix of food and spices then how can they blend to the taste desired.
So, what are the ingredients needed for Iraq needed to develop its economy (the ingredients)?
Desire to grow the economy
Investment Laws
Local Laws
Lack of Corruption and Bribery
Low Taxes
Ability to Transfer funds into and out of Iraq safely
Safe Iraqi banks
Safe and Efficient Means of Transportation
Overall Safe Environment
Infrastructure (water, electricity, fuel)
Within this analogy of my cooking experience, I am presenting a video of an interview with a potential entrepreneur wanting to invest in Iraq Mr. Mohammed Khudairi. In this video we get a first-hand look at the obstacles facing in Iraq. These are the ingredients for preparing the fine, tasty meal (or RV). It seems from his perspective Iraq is close but still needs some work to completely open its doors to outside investors. Seems some ingredients are still missing.
He tells us a potential investor can navigate through them but still to be cautious. His interview also tells us there are still many obstacles to overcome and possible challenges Iraq needs to make to “smooth cut” to a transition to a capitalistic economy. Yes, Iraq is a tough market to get into, however if you listen carefully, you will see the potential is enormous. This means huge potential for growth which means huge profits. My question to Iraq is this – Why don’t they organize a forum of small businessmen and get their feedback on the challenges facing them. If you have been following my blog all this time you know that the CBI already held these kind of forums for very large investors many times already. These forums were held in Great Britian and Iraq and were held many years ago. Many of the changes we still see for small businesses. We know small businesses (mom and pop) are at the heart of any strong capitalistic system.
IRAQ MOVES UNDER US PRESSURE TO LIMIT HOUTHI ACTIVITIES
The Iraqi government has pledged to restrict the activities of Yemen’s Houthi-aligned government within its borders, confining their operations to media and cultural endeavours, according to sources cited by Al-Araby Al-Jadeed. This decision comes amid heightened international scrutiny and pressure, particularly from the US, which has intensified its aggression against Yemen.
Since 2018, the Houthis have maintained a presence in Baghdad’s Jadriya neighbourhood, operating an office overseen by Abu Idris Al-Sharafi. This office has facilitated coordination with Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) and other pro-Iran factions. According to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP), the Houthis have leveraged Iraqi territory for logistical support, including the smuggling of arms and subsidised fuel to Yemen, often in violation of international embargoes.
The Houthis’ integration with Iraqi resistance factions has extended to joint military operations. In July 2024, Houthi missile specialist Hussein Mastour was killed alongside members of Kataib Hezbollah in a US air strike targeting a drone facility in Jurf Al-Sakhar.
Despite official denials of an operational Houthi presence, sources indicate that “many of their activities — particularly political and media-related ones — have been halted, but the movement’s representatives remain in Iraq.” Abdulrahman Al-Jazaeri of the State of Law coalition acknowledged international pressure to close Houthi offices, stating, “All such activities are being monitored… strictly limited to civilian, media and cultural work only.”
Supporters of the Sanaa-based government, currently only recognized by Iran, argue that Iraq has offered them essential space to resist aggression and support the resistance in Gaza against the occupation state. Far from posing a threat, the Houthis’ presence in Iraq is seen as part of a broader struggle for sovereignty and regional justice in the face of Western-backed encirclement.
"Iraq is poised to strengthen its position as a key trade hub in the Middle East"
"The global TIR transit system became fully operational in Iraq on April 1, 2025. The initiative connects southern and northern Iraq, also providing an efficient trade corridor linking
Asia, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, Türkiye and Europe. Iraq transport minister H.E. Razzaq Muhaibes Al-Saadawi said:
"The operationalization of the TIR system in the Republic of Iraq, in which IRU played a significant role, marks a significant milestone as it places the country on the brink of a new phase of potential
investments and interregional trade with our neighbors and other countries in the region." US asset management firm BlackRock and Italian shipping company MSC have acquired 43 ports. Iraq has a unique vantage point, from negotiating with global partners to mentoring Iraq's next generation of builders. IRAQ signs contract for new economic city,
In this episode of Money Moves, Muhammed Mekki sits down with Mohammed Khudairi, an Iraqi-American entrepreneur and investor who’s helping rebuild Iraq, one business at a time.
Mohammed’s family company, Khudairi Group, has grown into a multinational spanning oil and gas, construction, and retail. But what sets him apart is his passion for Iraqi startups. From backing the country’s first major tech exit to advising early founders, Mohammed is proving that doing business in Iraq isn’t just possible, it can be incredibly profitable.
They talk about:
What it takes to succeed in frontier markets like Iraq
How the Iraqi diaspora is returning to build the country
Why the future of tech in Iraq is brighter than you think
Real estate, startup exits, and investing in one of the most misunderstood economies on earth
Join Muhammed Mekki as he uncovers Mohammed’s unique vantage point, from negotiating with global partners to mentoring Iraq’s next generation of builders. If you’re curious about tech in the Middle East, emerging market investing, or doing business in post-conflict economies, this conversation is unmissable.
ONE OF THEM IS IN IRAQ…AMERICAN “BLACKROCK” ACQUIRES PORTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
US asset management firm BlackRock and Italian shipping company MSC have acquired 43 ports owned by Hong Kong-based multinational CK Hucheng Holdings in a deal that will give the US asset manager control of 12 ports in the Middle East, located on strategic coasts stretching from the UAE and Oman to Iraq and Egypt.
In March 2025, a consortium of BlackRock and MSC reached a $22.8 billion deal to acquire 43 ports owned by CK Huzhen, a Hong Kong-listed company owned by one of Asia’s richest men, 96-year-old billionaire Li Ka-shing.
The deal made headlines because it would give BlackRock and MSC control of two ports at each end of the Panama Canal, the strategic waterway that US President Donald Trump has threatened to seize to limit China’s influence in the Western Hemisphere.
But the agreement’s impact extends beyond Panama to the Middle East, where Arab countries, particularly the Gulf states, are seeking to diversify their economies away from oil. The shipping and ports sectors represent another source of economic diversification for these countries.
Which ports will BlackRock and MSC acquire in the Middle East?
Under the deal reached between the US-based BlackRock and Italy’s MSC Group, the two companies are set to acquire 12 ports in the Middle East, distributed as follows:
Egypt (5): Alexandria – Dekheila – Abu Qir – Ain Sokhna – and the new B100 berth at Alexandria Port
D-1 and I assume D-2, will start Tuesday-Wednesday.
The Global Announcement should take place right after D-1 starts.
Then the Global Redemption Program starts along with the Redemption Program Buyers being given the Green Light to become Liquid and start calling the Redemption Program Sellers!
Iraq faces economic pressures... US tariffs could be the beginning of upcoming challenges.
4/6/2025
Economic expert Salah Nouri confirmed on Saturday that the government may be forced to revise its general budget estimates in light of emerging economic challenges, particularly with shifts in oil revenues and remittances from the US.
Nouri told Al Furat News Agency that "Iraq will not be directly affected by the new US customs duties on oil exports, as Iraqi oil exports to the United States are not included in these duties."
He explained that "although Iraq imposes customs duties on luxury cars imported from the United States, Baghdad may face future pressure to reduce these duties."
He added, "It is likely that Washington will take certain measures to pressure Iraq in this regard, but these scenarios remain mere expectations at the present time."
GOLDILOCK: The RV / GCR : How Tariff's Change CURRENCY RATES
Highlights
Summary
In this episode of Goldilocks Global Banking News, host Freedom Fighter discusses the ongoing developments in the global financial landscape, particularly focusing on the concept of reciprocal tariffs and their implications for currency revaluation.
The commentary underscores the potential for trade wars to affect currency markets negatively, offering a detailed analysis of how tariffs can disrupt international trade relationships.
By exploring the dynamics between countries and their currencies, the video illustrates the interconnectedness of global economies. Freedom Fighter emphasizes that while these trade conflicts may lead to currency fluctuations, governments and central banks may intervene to stabilize their currencies as needed.
Moreover, the host reiterates the need for relationships with wealth managers to navigate these turbulent times, reinforcing the idea that individuals and organizations should prepare to deal with the impact of such economic changes.
As the podcast closes, Freedom Fighter encourages viewers to engage with the content and stay informed about the evolving situation in global banking and currency revaluation.
📈 Goldilocks as a key source for RVGCR insights, encouraging viewers to stay informed.
🌍 The impact of tariffs on global financial systems and currency revaluations.
🔄 Trade wars create currency pressure, leading to potential currency revaluations.
⚖️ The relationship between tariffs and currency values can be complex and multifaceted.
⌛ Short-term market volatility vs. long-term currency adjustments.
💬 The importance of establishing relationships with wealth managers in preparation for economic changes.
🔒 The potential role of stable coins in stabilizing currency values amidst trade fluctuations.
Key Insights
📊 The Interplay of Tariffs and Currency Values: The introduction of tariffs disrupts the regular flow of goods between countries, leading to shifts in demand for foreign currencies. A country that raises tariffs may see its currency strengthen against others because lower imports reduce the demand for foreign currencies. Conversely, retaliatory tariffs can lead to the depreciation of a country’s currency, highlighting the need to monitor these dynamics closely.
🌊 Volatility in Global Markets: The impact of tariffs can lead to uncertainty in the markets, creating “rough waters” in trading. The video suggests that market participants should be prepared for short-term volatility while waiting for longer-term adjustments as central banks might intervene or the trade conflicts could resolve more quickly than anticipated.
🔄 Central Bank Intervention: Governments may deliberately manipulate their currency values to counteract the economic pressures caused by tariffs. This can involve lowering a currency’s value to make exports cheaper or offset higher import costs that result from tariffs. Understanding this strategy is crucial for investors and individuals navigating the currency markets.
⏳ Need for Patience and Preparedness: Freedom Fighter emphasizes that the process of currency revaluation resulting from trade wars is not instantaneous. Individuals need to prepare and establish connections with bankers and wealth managers well in advance of significant changes, suggesting that preparation is key to navigating uncertain economic waters.
📉 The Role of Stable Coins: Digital asset regulations and the stable coin market may play a crucial role in stabilizing currencies during turbulent economic periods. As countries implement reciprocal tariffs, stable coins could help manage the new valuations in global markets, providing essential liquidity and stability to the currency landscape.
🔍 Monitoring Economic Indicators: The influence of tariffs on currency values can vary greatly among nations. Factors such as economic structure, reliance on imports, and the overall strength of a country’s economy will affect how tariffs reshape currency valuations. Understanding these factors will allow investors to make more informed decisions.
⚖️ Trade War Risks and Opportunities: The potential for trade wars to affect economies is significant. Countries that are heavily reliant on exports may face currency depreciation, while those importing goods will experience increased costs. Investors should be aware of these shifts and adjust strategies accordingly, leveraging insights into how different currencies may be affected.
Overall, the Global Banking News episode provides valuable insights into the ongoing complexities of global trade and currency markets, emphasizing the importance of informed preparation and strategic relationships in navigating these challenges.
