Prime Minister: Iraq Needs Bold Reforms To Ensure Regional Stability, 18 APRIL

 Prime Minister: Iraq Needs Bold Reforms To Ensure Regional Stability

Buratha News Agency1052025-04-16   Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stressed on Wednesday (April 16, 2025) that Iraq needs bold and comprehensive reforms, emphasizing the need for the outcomes of reform to be directed towards the poor and marginalized groups. 

In his speech during the ninth Sulaymaniyah Forum, held at the American University of Sulaymaniyah, al-Sudani stated that “Iraq is ready to be a reliable partner and an effective contributor to strengthening regional stability,” noting that “the true value of any reform lies in reaching marginalized groups and saving them from poverty.”

He added that "the government has embarked on implementing the highest production plan to build new power plants, in addition to entering into solar and renewable energy projects for the first time," warning against the use of political rhetoric to defame and distort facts related to government performance.

The forum was widely attended by local and international political, economic, and academic figures, including former President Barham Salih, who emphasized in his opening remarks that "the current situation regarding negotiations between the United States and Iran presents the region with a historic opportunity to achieve stability and a dignified life for its people."

He explained that our region has long suffered from wars and violence, and that the time has come to move to a new reality through dialogue and understanding to build a better future.

The Sulaymaniyah Forum, held this year in its ninth edition at the American University of Iraq, Sulaymaniyah, is one of the most prominent intellectual and political events, bringing together decision-makers and researchers from inside and outside Iraq to discuss pivotal issues related to politics, economics, and regional and international security.  https://burathanews.com/arabic/news/458900

FRANCIS: " Iraq-KRG unity is a prerequisite for rate reform U.S. involvement = global alignment check" , 18 APRIL

Francis

What they're not saying directly, but signaling: Iraq-KRG unity is a prerequisite for rate reform U.S. involvement = global alignment check

Peace in Türkiye & Syria = currency stability buffer All arrows point to RV readiness phase

Diplomacy = cover for economic realignment.

------

IQD RV: IRAQ PRESIDENT MEETS WITH US DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY

Shafaq News/ Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met, on Wednesday, with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Taylor in al-Sulaymaniyah to review ties between the United States, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region.

According to a statement from the Region Presidency, both sides emphasized the need to "sustain dialogue" between Erbil and Baghdad to resolve outstanding issues.

The talks also covered regional developments and their potential impact on Iraq and Kurdistan, with a shared focus on "preserving security and stability."

The meeting followed Taylor's Tuesdaydiscussions with Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani, which explored the peace process in Turkiye and the situation of Kurdish factions in Syria.

FIREFLY: CHECKMATE!! : IRAQ MUST ADD VALUE TO THE DINAR ONCE STOPS THE C...

Al-Sudani: Customs Revenues Increase And Inflation Declines In Iraq, 18 APRIL

 Al-Sudani: Customs Revenues Increase And Inflation Declines In Iraq

Money and Business  Economy News – Baghdad  Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stated on Wednesday that his government has succeeded in maximizing non-oil resources by increasing customs revenues and decreasing inflation in the country.

Al-Sudani said during the forum that today we are entering the second quarter of the twenty-first century and our country is brimming with unique success stories in every corner of it, and in every Iraqi city there is a tireless service and construction workshop, noting that infrastructure has grown in all Iraqi cities.

He added that the inherited stalled projects have decreased to less than 850, after previously numbering in the thousands. He explained, "We have embarked on the highest production plan to build power plants and for the first time, we have entered solar, clean, and renewable energy projects, and the rate of gas flaring cessation has exceeded 70 percent."

He continued, "It is unacceptable for political competition to devolve into the use of defamatory language and the concealment of the truth about government performance. Iraq needs bold and comprehensive reforms." He explained that the true value of any reform lies in reaching the poor and marginalized groups and saving them from the clutches of poverty.

Al-Sudani revealed that customs revenues increased by 128 percent and the annual inflation rate declined, noting that Iraq is proceeding with confidence in agriculture, ensuring food security, and achieving self-sufficiency.

Al-Sudani also stressed that Iraq has maintained its firm and principled positions, especially its position on the Palestinian issue, and that Iraq is prepared to be a reliable partner and an effective contributor to regional stability.

Al-Sudani announced his intention to run in the elections scheduled for November of this year, stressing that the alliances will be announced in the coming days. He added that the elections represent an opportunity to support a reform project in Iraq.

He also touched on the relationship between Baghdad and Erbil, saying that it had moved to a technical and legal dialogue for the first time, and that the oil and gas law had become an urgent necessity. He also stated that the Popular Mobilization Forces were an essential part of the security system.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister announced that Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara will attend the Arab Summit scheduled to be held in the capital, Baghdad, next month. Al-Sudani stated, "Al-Shara is welcome to attend the Arab Summit in Baghdad, and an official invitation has been extended to him in this regard."   https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=54494

AJ UPDATE, 18 APRIL

 AJ 

Iraq has delayed the submission of its 2025 federal budget to parliament, citing technical adjustments linked to oil-related expenditures in the Kurdistan Region, a senior government advisor confirmed Wednesday. Mudhhir Mohammed Saleh, Financial and Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister, sais that the postponement stems from amendments to the Federal Budget Law No. 13 of 2023—particularly Article 12, which was revised in February. The changes, he noted, have complicated the finalization process due to their impact on the financial arrangements with the Kurdistan Region. “Signs of a global oil market downturn are becoming evident due to geopolitical volatility, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, instability in the Middle East, and recent OPEC+ decisions.” On Tuesday, the Parliament’s Finance Committee expressed concern over the delay. Member Saad Al-Noubi remarked that Planning Minister Mohammed Tamim and Finance Minister Taif Sami had previously assured lawmakers that the tables were ready for Cabinet review.

12:35 PM · Apr 16, 2025

Iraqi Dinar RV: The Number’s Set, Just Not Public Yet! @DINARREVALUATION #iraqidinar #iraq

 

Economist: Financial Debts Have Caused A Liquidity Crisis In Government Banks And The Pension Fund., 17 APRIL

 Economist: Financial Debts Have Caused A Liquidity Crisis In Government Banks And The Pension Fund.

Time: 2025/04/16 12:35:41 Read: 2,010 Times  {Economic: Al Furat News} Economic expert Salah Nouri confirmed on Wednesday the existence of a liquidity crisis at a number of government banks, including Rafidain and Rashd banks, in addition to the Trade Bank of Iraq and the Iraqi Employees' Retirement Fund. He attributed the reason to the accumulation of internal debts at the Ministry of Finance as a result of its reliance on domestic borrowing to cover the budget deficit over the past years.

Nouri told Al Furat News Agency, "There is a liquidity crisis plaguing government banks and the pension fund, as a result of the Ministry of Finance's mounting internal debts to cover the budget deficit for several consecutive years. "

He added that "this crisis has directly impacted these institutions' ability to meet their obligations," while noting that he "does not have precise figures that can confirm or deny the statements made by several MPs on this matter, due to the Ministry of Finance's directive not to provide government banks with any financial information."

In recent years, the Iraqi Ministry of Finance has relied on a policy of domestic borrowing to cover recurring deficits in the public budget, by borrowing from government banks and the employees' pension fund.

This approach, although a temporary measure to address operating expenses, has led to the accumulation of massive debts for the Ministry of Finance, directly impacting the liquidity of lending financial institutions.  LINK

EXCERPTS FROM MARKZ: " IQD values are going kooky…" , 17 APRIL

 MarkZ  

 [via PDK]  

 Bank stories really do give us hope for timing…and I love this one…: My son was not a believer in the IQD…but he is now. My son is a day trader…and as plugged into the traditional system as you can get… 

 “Here is what he texted: “I noticed lots of movement in the market and IQD  values on the trading views

 (MZ: in other words - he was looking at the screens and saw this) IQD values are going kooky…

so I reached out to a friend at a bank 9, an old friend and employer, and asked what is going on?  The response from the banker was this...

 "You should definitely get some…Hold some dinar…keep it close by…I believe very soon it will be exchanging…I am serious.”   MarkZ:  So now her son is a believer

WALKINGSTICK: "Aki's bank is for the exchange of the three zero notes" @DINARREVALUATION #iqd

 

An Economic Expert Told NINA: US Tariffs Will Contribute To Raising Oil Prices, 17 APRIL

 An Economic Expert Told NINA: US Tariffs Will Contribute To Raising Oil Prices

Wednesday, April 16, 2025 14:55 | Economic Number of reads: 142  Baghdad / NINA / Economic expert Safwan Qusay confirmed on Wednesday that imposing US tariffs on some countries will contribute to raising oil prices and thus reflect on the oil-producing countries of the Middle East.

He said in a statement to / NINA /: "Imposing economic tariffs by Washington will contribute to the withdrawal of many American investments in the world, as well as the possibility of increasing the production volume of companies within the US to meet demand within the Washington environment, stressing that raising such tariffs on Chinese goods will contribute to reducing oil consumption in China until China succeeds in finding other markets, and this issue needs some time and will be reflected in oil prices and thus reflect on the oil-producing countries of the Middle East."

He stressed, "Iraq needs to intensify trade conditions with the United States of America to ensure the presence of American goods in the Iraqi market and to support the issue of reducing these tariffs."

He continued, "Iraq can contain this crisis and has succeeded in establishing good relations with the United States of America, and there are no indications of oil prices falling below their current levels of $65, which is a price sufficient to cover operating expenses for this period." /End  https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1198180

Global Banks Preparing for Massive IQD Exchange, 17 APRIL

 Global Banks Preparing for Massive IQD Exchange

Rumors surrounding the Iraqi Dinar (IQD) and its potential revaluation have circulated for years. Now, a recent report from Iraqi Dinar Breaking News alleges that major global banks are actively preparing for a significant exchange event, sparking renewed excitement and speculation among investors holding the currency. The report claims that confidential data leaks point towards a possible revaluation between $4.72 and $6.05 per Dinar.

It is crucial to understand that these reports are based on alleged “leaks” and insider information.  There is no concrete, official confirmation from any recognized financial institution or government body regarding a definitive IQD revaluation. Investing in any currency, especially one as speculative as the Iraqi Dinar, carries significant risks.

While the prospect of a significant IQD revaluation might be enticing, it’s imperative to approach such claims with healthy skepticism and prioritize informed decision-making based on verifiable facts. The information presented in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice.

MNT GOAT: "Things are moving quickly now.!!" @DINARREVALUATION #iqd #iraq #iraqidinar

 

Urgent and confidential: Iraq launches maritime security cooperation with Kuwait without official announcement , 17 APRIL

 Urgent and confidential: Iraq launches maritime security cooperation with Kuwait without official announcement 

4/16/2025

  An official document issued by the Prime Minister's Office revealed that an "urgent and top secret" letter was sent to the Ministry of Defense - General Secretariat, regarding the initiation of maritime security cooperation with the Kuwaiti side.

  According to the letter dated March 26, 2025, and signed by the Prime Minister's Office Director, Ali Razouki Al-Lami, a copy of which was obtained by {Euphrates News}, the directive is based on the approval of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, and stipulates "taking the necessary measures and starting work according to the mechanism for maritime security cooperation with Kuwaiti authorities, temporarily, starting April 1, 2025, without an official announcement."   LINK

TIDBIT FROM WOLVERINE, 17 APRIL

 Wolverine

 Trump’s Executive Order has confirmed that GESARA mandates are now in effect: Exchange Centers have activated, Biometric Confidentiality Agreements in place;

 Quantum Access Cards distributed; Military Courts in progress; Digital Gold Wallets ready and the Starlink controlled Global transition was in full progress. God bless you all Wolverine

BANK STORY FROM MARKZ: "IQD values are going kooky…!! " @DINARREVALUATION #iraqidinarinvestor

 

Al-Hassan: Iraq no longer needs the UN mission, 17 APRIL

 Al-Hassan: Iraq no longer needs the UN mission

4/16/2025 - Baghdad 

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Mohammed Hassan, confirmed on Wednesday that Iraq has reached a stage where it no longer needs a UN mission.

Al-Hassan said in a speech at the Sulaymaniyah Forum, which was monitored by Al-Eqtisad News, that "Iraq today is different from the past, and the gains must be preserved," noting that  "Iraq has reached a stage where it no longer needs theUnited Nations mission."

He continued, "Iraq is facing a constitutional obligation, namely the elections, which we are working to ensure are successful in order to consolidate the path of development and reform," adding, "The region needs Iraq's stability."  LINK

TIDBIT FROM FRANK26, 17 APRIL

  Frank26 

 I don't care about no oil.  I don't care about no HCL.  I don't care about most things other gurus care about.  What I care about is that budget.

  I care about the Gazette, the two missing gazettes.  I care about that budget. 

 Boy, if we could open those two missing gazettes!  If we could open that budget! 

 Why?  Because I believe that is the origin...The origin of what we're looking for lies...in the budget and in the gazette.

Iraqi Dinar RV: The Number’s Set, Just Not Public Yet! @DINARREVALUATION #iraqidinar #iraq

 

AL-MASHHADANI TO THE AMERICAN DELEGATION: THE UNITED STATES IS ONE OF IRAQ’S MOST IMPORTANT STRATEGIC PARTNERS., 17 APRIL

AL-MASHHADANI TO THE AMERICAN DELEGATION: THE UNITED STATES IS ONE OF IRAQ’S MOST IMPORTANT STRATEGIC PARTNERS.

Al-Mashhadani receives US Chargé d’Affaires Daniel Rubenstein and an economic delegation from the American Chamber of Commerce.

On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the Presidential Palace in Baghdad, Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, received the Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Iraq, Daniel Rubenstein. Rubenstein was accompanied by a large economic delegation from the US Chamber of Commerce, including representatives of 57 American companies, headed by Lotus Steve, and a number of company presidents and investors. The meeting was held as part of the US Chamber of Commerce’s economic conference in Iraq.

Al-Mashhadani affirmed, according to a statement received by Al-Jabal, that “Iraq welcomes all initiatives that contribute to developing its economy and strengthening its international partnerships, particularly with the United States, which represents one of its most important strategic partners in various fields.”

The Speaker of Parliament emphasized “the critical importance of investment in Iraq, particularly in vital and strategic sectors such as oil and electricity, which represent the backbone of the Iraqi economy. He also emphasized the need to stimulate investment in the agricultural and industrial sectors, as well as in service sectors that are vital to the lives of Iraqi citizens, such as the environment, education, and health.”

Al-Mashhadani explained that “the Iraqi Parliament has enacted an investment law that provides a secure and stimulating legal environment for investment, protects investor rights, and encourages transparency and equal opportunities.”

He pointed out that “Parliament, as the ‘house of the people,’ ensures a dignified and safe life for citizens and works closely with the government through effective coordination mechanisms to support development projects and facilitate investment.” He stressed that “the Iraqi Parliament strongly supports the signing of bilateral agreements with friendly countries, which contribute to stimulating economic activity, attracting more foreign investment, and creating new job opportunities that contribute to reducing unemployment and enhancing economic stability.”

According to the statement, Daniel Rubenstein, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Baghdad, affirmed “his country’s commitment to supporting Iraq on its path towards economic development and stability, and strengthening partnerships between the American and Iraqi private sectors.”

Lutz Steve, head of the US trade delegation, emphasized that “Iraq represents a promising investment market, and that US companies are looking forward to cooperation opportunities in various sectors, with a focus on creating job opportunities for Iraqi youth and contributing to the development of infrastructure and vital services.”

FIREFLY UPDATE: , 17 APRIL

 Frank26  

 [Iraq boots-on-the-ground report]  

 FIREFLY:TV showing Sudani is meeting with the US Congressman today.  They're saying they are pleased and happy with Iraq government and what we have accomplished. 

 FRANK:  Then that means he's happy with the monetary reform and with the new exchange rate and with the banking structure of Iraq which includes the new exchange rate.  That has to be what he's talking about because if he's pleased and happy with 1310 then I find that American representative to be stupid LOL!

AMAR: VIETNAM IS DISCUSSING RATE CHANGE!! @DINARREVALUATION #iraqidinarinvestor #iraqidinar

 

AL-MASHHADANI STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF EXPANDING INVESTMENT HORIZONS IN IRAQ., 17 APRIL

AL-MASHHADANI STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF EXPANDING INVESTMENT HORIZONS IN IRAQ.

Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani held an expanded meeting today, Tuesday (April 8, 2025), with the head and members of the Independent High Electoral Commission, in the presence of a number of Sunni bloc leaders, to discuss ongoing preparations for the upcoming electoral process.

According to a statement from his media office, received by Baghdad Today, Al-Mashhadani stressed during the meeting the need for concerted national efforts to ensure the integrity and transparency of the elections, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe environment and strengthening confidence in democratic institutions.

The commission presented a detailed presentation on technical and administrative procedures, including updating the voter registry, distributing biometric cards, and securing polling stations. Commission officials noted particular challenges in liberated areas, calling for greater government support to facilitate their work.

For their part, Sunni bloc leaders expressed their full support for the commission, calling for effective guarantees to prevent any manipulation or interference that could affect the election results. They emphasized the need for effective participation by all components to ensure fair representation.

TIDBIT FROM MILITIAMAN, 17 APRIL

 Militia Man 

 Iraq doesn't have a whole lot of purchasing power at 1310.

  But they have an expectation of purchasing power...The deletion of the zeros project is definitely on their minds, especially the tribal leaders in Iraq, which includes politicians. 

 They're concerned about the deletion of the zeros project but they're fully aware of it and that's where the purchasing power is. 

 The average guy on the street doesn't have a whole of dinars.  They want purchasing power because they want prices to come down so they can afford to live.

  The wealthy, tribal leaders perhaps, have a lot of cash and they put that cash in the banks.  They think they could get more money in and out of the country...Those folks over there are concerned about their purchasing power.

MNT GOAT: We can expect something BIG to occur when these three issues come up !! #iraqidinar

 

AL-NUSAIRI CONFIRMS THAT THE COMPREHENSIVE BANKING REFORM PROJECT ANNOUNCED BY THE CENTRAL BANK WILL YIELD PROMISING RESULTS, 17 APRIL

AL-NUSAIRI CONFIRMS THAT THE COMPREHENSIVE BANKING REFORM PROJECT ANNOUNCED BY THE CENTRAL BANK WILL YIELD PROMISING RESULTS.

Economic and banking advisor Samir Al-Nusairi confirmed that the banking reform project announced by the Central Bank is consistent with the methodology included and adopted in the government program and the Central Bank’s third strategy for the years 2023 and 2024.

It will yield promising results in cooperation with global consulting firms Ernst & Young, K2, and Oliver Wyman to build a transparent information base for comprehensive reform, starting with the banking sector as the first essential link in the economy. Without a sound, solid, and modern banking sector, a strong and robust national economy cannot be built.

Al-Nusairi pointed out that among the important initial results achieved is the commencement of the completion of the actual implementation of the plans drawn up during 2025 and 2026 for comprehensive reform, which are summarized in enhancing financial inclusion and achieving stimulating and sustainable returns for shareholders and investors, and the government and the Central Bank leading projects aimed at modernizing the private banking sector and meeting the needs of the transition to a rapidly growing national economy, creating a fair competitive environment in the banking market, and raising the level of private banks’ ability to confront risks and protect depositors and creditors, thus restoring confidence in the banking sector in general, as well as expanding digital transformation procedures, expanding and diversifying banking services and products, and complying with international standards.

Al-Nusairi pointed out that the above objectives, which were discussed yesterday at the Banking Reform Conference, are established as primary and secondary objectives in the Central Bank’s third strategy for the years 2024-2026, and that work is being done on them with a steady, systematic approach, and that the objectives will be achieved in cooperation with Oliver and Eman at an accelerated pace in the years 2025 and 2026.

It is clear that the Central Bank, in cooperation with relevant authorities, will focus on the following: sharing with the private banking sector detailed criteria and timelines for implementing the reform process, activating support channels, and holding workshops to provide technical assistance. The Central Bank of Iraq is fully committed to achieving this transformation by working closely with all relevant stakeholders to pave the way for a strong, resilient, modern, and inclusive financial and banking system.

AJ : Got a lot of questions about Iraq stock exchange.!!, 17 APRIL

 AJ 

Got a lot of questions about Iraq stock exchange. Here's what you need to know to open a account. As a Non Iraqi Investors The ISX, established in 2004, has grown significantly, listing major companies in banking, telecom, and industry. As a publicly traded company with foreign investor interest foreigners have been allowed to trade on the ISX since 2007, it must have an ISIN for international clearing and settlement.

The Iraq Securities Commission, under Law No. 74 of 2004, mandates compliance with global standards to attract foreign investment, which includes assigning ISINs to listed securities. This applies to both the main market and OTC platforms. To open a brokages account. Here's The details - Iraq Stock Exchange (ISX) Trading Instructions for Non Iraqi Investors

5:23 PM · Apr 15, 2025