Saturday, June 7, 2025
Economic Council: Broad interest from regional and international companies to participate in the Iraq Investment Forum
Economic Council: Broad interest from regional and international companies to participate in the Iraq Investment Forum.
Iraqi Economic Council Chairman Ibrahim Al-Masoudi Al-Baghdadi affirmed on Friday that Iraq has become a destination for investment in the Middle East, thanks to the government's extensive support for investment and investors. Addressing the Iraq Investment Forum, he revealed widespread interest from regional and international companies to participate, noting that more than 250 investment opportunities will be showcased.
Al-Baghdadi told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “This explains the change and geopolitical orientation towards Iraq, which has today become the investment destination in the Middle East,” noting that “just a year ago, we were facing great difficulty in inviting investors to attend conferences or forums inside Iraq, but today there is a widespread desire from important companies and countries from the Gulf, the Middle East, Europe, America and Arab countries to participate in the Iraq Investment Forum scheduled to be held on June 14 and 15.”
He added, "There is growing demand due to the abundance of quality and profitable opportunities, especially since Iraq has lived through long years of war, siege, and terrorism, creating an urgent need for all types of projects. Today, we are beginning to see the results of the hard work and efforts of the past years."
He explained, "Today's investor is looking for an unsaturated market. For example, building a five-star hotel in Dubai means competing with 650 hotels of the same category, while Iraq currently needs approximately 60 hotels, according to the Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities. This provides a golden opportunity for any investor to operate in an environment virtually devoid of competition."
Al-Baghdadi pointed out that "Iraq is the largest market in the region, and its environment has become attractive to investments," predicting that "the next ten to twenty years will witness Iraqi superiority in investment competition with countries in the region."
Regarding the Iraq Investment Forum, Al-Baghdadi explained that "the forum will showcase more than 250 investment opportunities, including 150 direct opportunities, 31 of which are in the electricity sector, and more than 15 in the oil sector, in addition to dozens of opportunities in industry, agriculture, transportation, information technology, industrial cities, and free zones." He noted that "the Ministry of Industry will showcase 97 opportunities within the partnership mechanism with its companies."
He explained that "these projects will contribute to creating thousands of job opportunities, and may reach hundreds of thousands in the coming years, as part of the National Investment Commission's plans link
TIDBIT FROM FRANK26
Frank26
Everybody is waiting for the new exchange rate ...
When you see that everything is frozen from coming in, being activated...
it's telling you it's waiting on one thing, one thing only and we're this much away from it.
---Question "Do you think $4.81 is a marker or a chance it could open at that?"
No. $4.81 would not be an opener. That would be stupid.
The goal right now is to get [Market rate] to 1310 because then the 1310 is matched up with the American dollar.
That's a 1 to 1 ratio...You are left with the Iraqi dinar and the US dollar.
The US State Department intervenes in the crisis between Baghdad and Erbil
The US State Department intervenes in the crisis between Baghdad and Erbil.
The US State Department considered the recent agreements concluded by the Kurdistan Regional Government with American companies to develop natural gas production an important step to address the chronic imbalance in Iraq's energy sector, calling on Baghdad and Erbil to urgently coordinate to accelerate project implementation and enhance Iraq's energy independence.
A State Department official said in a statement, "The United States believes that Iraq will be more stable and sovereign by achieving energy independence and moving away from the harmful influence of Iran."
He added, "The agreements recently signed by Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani with American companies to expand natural gas production in Iraqi Kurdistan support this goal," noting that "these projects, whether in the region or the rest of the country, are in the interest of all Iraqis, especially in light of the ongoing electricity crisis."
The US official continued, "We encourage Baghdad and Erbil to work together to commence gas production as soon as possible." link
A2Z NOTES on Bruce’s Summary of Key Claims from the Call (June 5, 2025)
A2Z NOTES on Bruce’s Summary of Key Claims from the Call (June 5, 2025)
1. Delays & Timeline: The anticipated timeline for notifications and exchanges has shifted again. Redemption appointments (for those holding currencies like ZIM, IQD, etc.) are now expected Tuesday or Wednesday next week (June 10–11, 2025). (A2Z believes it is any time, but No one knows the timeline, we are watching events play out)
The delay is attributed to leftover banks not yet fully integrated with QFS. (A2Z says FALSE, it’s done.)
2. Currencies & Forex Activity: 24 currencies are said to be revaluing. (A2Z says FALSE, we know for a fact it’s more than 34)
New Currencies; Russian Ruble is noted as still in “pending” status, Korean Yuan (likely a mistaken reference—North Korea uses the won, and South Korea uses the won too, not a “Korean Yuan”) and new Taiwan Dollar (NTD) supposedly had codes entered. (A2Z says possible but those were not on anyones radar or ever mentioned before as part of the baskets, he is the only one discussing)
Iraq is expected to revalue the Iraqi Dinar (IQD) over the Eid al-Adha holiday (June 7–10, 2025), similar to how the Kuwaiti Dinar allegedly revalued decades ago. (A2Z says the holiday actually starting today 6/6)
3. System Changes (Unconfirmed):
A. Claims that the IRS, IMF, and SWIFT system are gone or being dismantled.
B. Quantum Financial System (QFS), using Starlink and blockchain tech, is allegedly live.
C. Transfers are said to now occur instantaneously through “ledger-to-ledger” operations. (A2Z says this is all done)
4. USN & Account Conversions: U.S. bank accounts are supposedly being switched from USD to USN (U.S. Note). (A2Z says FALSE: our sources say this is already done, however it is still to be announced publicly)
5. Q Phones: Mention of receiving satellite phones at redemption centers or vouchers for them. (A2Z has no comment on this)
6. Deep State Removal: Vague mention of ongoing actions to remove “Deep State” elements behind the scenes. (A2Z believes they are probably taking out sudani with the amount of military activity in Baghdad)
A2Z has taken time to compare Bruce’s update with updates from our sources. We have highlighted times in the past when our updates aligned, and now, when they are not. It’s important to note how far along we are in the process.
Reminder: Take the time to Discern everything you are hearing from all the sources you follow!!
We are grounded. We focus on facts. We are glad you’re here.
❤️ A2Z DREAMZ ♠️
140 trillion dinars enter the Iraqi treasury in one year, 91% of which comes from oil
140 trillion dinars enter the Iraqi treasury in one year, 91% of which comes from oil.
The Iraqi Ministry of Finance revealed on Saturday that the revenues in the 2024 federal budget exceeded 140 trillion dinars, confirming that oil contributed 91% of those revenues.
Shafaq News Agency reviewed the data and tables issued by the Ministry of Finance in May for the previous fiscal year's accounts, which showed that oil remains the primary source of revenue for Iraq's general budget, accounting for 91% of the total. This indicates that the rentier economy remains the foundation of the budget structure.
The tables indicate that total revenues in 2024 amounted to 140 trillion, 774 billion, 106 million, 157 thousand, and 464 dinars, while total expenditures amounted to 125 trillion, 214 billion, 440 million, 53 thousand, and 991 dinars.
According to the tables, oil revenues amounted to 127 trillion, 536 billion, 400 million, and 812 thousand dinars, representing 91% of the general budget, while non-oil revenues amounted to 13 trillion, 237 billion, 705 million, and 728 thousand dinars.
In this regard, economic expert Mohammed al-Hasani told Shafaq News Agency, "Iraq's reliance on oil for its public revenues indicates that the country is still suffering under the burden of a rentier economy, disguised unemployment, and other economic problems that constitute an obstacle to any progress."
He added, "Iraq needs major economic reforms focused on diversifying the economy, improving spending efficiency, and combating financial waste to ensure a sustainable economic future."
In March 2021, the Prime Minister's financial advisor, Mazhar Mohammed Salih, told Shafaq News Agency that the reasons for the economy remaining rentier are due to the wars and economic blockade imposed over the past decades, as well as the political conflicts Iraq is currently witnessing, which have led to the dispersion of economic resources.
The Iraqi state's continued reliance on oil as the sole source of its public budget exposes the country to the risk of global crises linked to oil markets. This forces it to cover its deficit through external or domestic borrowing each time. This indicates a weakness in the management of public funds and an inability to find alternative financing solutions. link
TIDBIT FROM MNT GOAT
Mnt Goat
where...are...we...with the RV saga... The choo-choo train is still moving down the tracks quickly.
It may make stops along the way, such as to combat money laundering, implementing financial reforms, implementing the Development Road Project, etc, etc.
...Many of these plans are already accomplished, some now in motion and some still in the planning stages...
They do not have to implement all of these plans to get there...Later this wealth will sustain the value of the dinar once reinstated...all trains eventually make it to the end of track. This end is coming.
Weekend Coffee with MarkZ. 06/07/2025
Weekend Coffee with MarkZ. 06/07/2025
Some highlights by PDK-Not verbatim
MarkZ Disclaimer: Please consider everything on this call as my opinion. People who take notes do not catch everything and its best to watch the video so that you get everything in context. Be sure to consult a professional for any financial decisions
MZ: The first 45 minutes we spend with CBD guru’s before starting in on the news
Member: GM Mark, marvelous mods and rv patriots!
Member: Any word from historic bond contacts Mark?
MZ: Not a huge amount on the bond side. I don’t think we will get much news until tomorrow.
MZ: I had a couple bond contacts say they didn’t hear anything this week. And a couple contacts said things went very well for them this week. And they have hopes of full release of funding early next week.
MZ: I am crossing my fingers for them
Member: Sounds like the line is moving anyway……even though things are going slower than we want…If some got paid a partial payment and waiting for the rest …..things are still moving.
MZ: Yes….Its the system while they work through everybody. That its continuing to work has me excited. A number of them told me they have received final contracts and are just waiting for the funds to become liquid.
MZ: CMKX and Prosperity packages are very quiet.
Member: I wonder if it's a slow roll out… or does someone keep stopping this?
Member: Maybe revaluations being used as a political football?
Member: Iraqi banks are closed for four days I think. They have a long holiday
Member: Goldilocks posted a video this morning saying the green light has been released.
Member: my credit union has built two new locations with no tellers and have wealth managers now too. But know nothing about RV or new money
Member: t's just better not to ask. At least that's what my Chase guy told me.
Member: Do the Chinese dragon family still live in communist China?
MZ: Many of them currently reside on the west coast of the United States
Member: When we go will there be a blackout for 10 days like some are saying???
MZ: I was told it won’t really be a blackout. But there will be a loop of truth on social media. I was told the internet is still going to work. There will not be a power shutdown for 10 days. But depending on where you are at- if they want to do arrests or a clean-up of bad guys….some things could be shut down for hours or even a day depending on what they need to do. But it will not be a complete apocalyptic shutdown of everything.
Member: I would bet when the financial system switches to the QFS…..there may be a freeze on bank activity for a short time…..maybe. Be sure to have some cash on hand….just in case.
Member: Why shouldn’t we call the banks and ask questions?
MZ: Because 1 out of hundred times you may get something substantial. Most employees have not been informed yet or they would be out buying currency and not working at the bank anymore. By calling the banks you could cause a crap ton of logistical issues for folks.
MZ: And- you could put people who do know is an awkward position. It would be like going to somebody who has an NDA (non disclosure agreement) and asking them non stop questions until you get them in trouble.
Member: Where does the money come from to pay the Zim bonds?
MZ: I’m told it comes from the Humanitarian side and not from the actual gold reset side. So part of it may come from the St. Germaine Trust funds or perhaps Dubai 1 and 2 funds ? I do not know exactly what group of funds they will pull it from.
MZ: From Iraq: “Economic Council: A wide desire from regional and international companies to participate in the Iraq Investment forum” Many countries and companies are showing up in Iraq with hundreds of billions for investment. Iraq is the most attractive place in the middle east to invest.
MZ: There are several articles like this that have already been released this weekend out of Iraq. .
MZ: US Treasury sanctions Iranian Shadow banking network laundering billions for regimes nuclear and terrorist agenda’s” they have found most of the funds are coming from China and not Iraq. This is a positive thing for the Iraqi banking sector.
MZ: I was told they were hesitant to move forward with the RV and possibly create liquidity for Iran . But now they have clipped those wings.
MZ: They had been under tremendous pressure to pass the Oil and Gas law. And I was told repeatedly that that is when we see a new dinar value.
Member: Hopefully everything will be exposed soon and the explanation of why it has taken so long…
Member: It sounds as though big things are happening this week!
Member: there's always tomorrow, it's only a day away
Member: I wish everyone a great weekend.
Member: God bless the sick and needy. God bless us all.
Mod: THANK YOU ALL FOR JOINING. HAVE A BLESSED WEEKEND! SEE YOU ALL MONDAY MORNING FOR COFFEE @ 10:00 AM EST ~ UNLESS BREAKING NEWS HAPPENS!
TEXASSTREEMAN UPDATE: BOND UPDATE
Good evening Family,
Ok ! The bond people won’t be able the start this weekend. But all good news. Another steps have to be commented first.
Ok ! Steps This weekend the USD has to change hands into the new USTN.
Be released from banks floors for next week.
Then remember the 12th is Trump parade for the 250th years anniversary of the ARMY .
That puts us back on our constitution. ( NESARA ).
Ok ! Here comes the bonds now because they can be pay with USTN.
Wait !! Wait !! Don’t go far.
Be looking for people start going into their appointments starting around 17th.
That will give us 17 days ( lucky 17 number ) to 4th of July. To finish up for Trump so he can tell And show the world the truth.
Remember during those 17 days Trump will be taking down the deep states arrest warrants, Fed reserve, Edison files, the Bronson case, etc.
It’s time to start living under the new restore Republican of the United States of America.
Even this journey didn’t take off this weekend. It’s all fine.
We are not years, years away !! Not months, months away !!
We are just days away.
Also remember Iraq has a holiday till 10th.
Remember Iraq wants 72 hours be able trade in country rates.
What does that do for us !!
That puts us next day after Trump’s parade, and new constitution.
BOOM !!
BOOM !!
THERE GOS THE BONDS !!
GAME ON !!
GO GET YOUR PAPERWORK, CURRENCY, ZIM BONDS, PROJECTS READY…
Be Bless everyone just a little bit longer .
Thanks
Texastreeman
EXCERPTS FROM MARKZ
EXCERPTS FROM MARKZ
Member: : Markz, Why do you feel like we are close to the finish line?
Just a gut feeling?
MZ: My redemption folks/wealth management folks plan on working this Sunday.
It is unusual that Sunday is the day and not Saturday.
MZ: Other than that the bond side is quiet
FRANK26: "BIG MISTAKE !!!"
KTFA
FRANK26: "BIG MISTAKE !!!"........F26
Khamenei rejects US nuclear proposal, White House warns of dire consequences
Tehran (AFP) - Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that the US proposal to reach an agreement with Tehran on its nuclear program contradicts Iran's national interests.
Khamenei said, "The proposal (regarding Iran's nuclear program) put forward by the Americans is 100% inconsistent with our slogan 'We can,'" stressing that Iran is not waiting for the American "green light" to make its decisions.
The White House warned Iran on Tuesday of "serious consequences" if it rejects a proposal by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff aimed at reaching an agreement on its nuclear program.
The White House said that "Wittkoff sent a comprehensive proposal to Iran, and it should accept it."
Meanwhile, White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt said Tuesday that US President Donald Trump intends to attend the NATO summit, scheduled for later this month.
Regarding the Iranian nuclear issue, 10 sources familiar with Iran's nuclear activities, including officials, diplomats, and analysts, believe that the success of any agreement depends on addressing these ambiguities for the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The IAEA's quarterly reports reveal that the main ambiguities are the lack of knowledge about the number of centrifuges Iran possesses, or the location of their production and storage. The agency has also been unable to conduct surprise inspections at sites Iran has not declared.
Coffee with MarkZ, joined by Mr. Cottrell. 06/06/2025
Coffee with MarkZ, joined by Mr. Cottrell. 06/06/2025
Some highlights by PDK-Not verbatim
MarkZ Disclaimer: Please consider everything on this call as my opinion. People who take notes do not catch everything and its best to watch the video so that you get everything in context. Be sure to consult a professional for any financial decisions
MZ: Today is the anniversary of “D” Day. Remember those brave men and women . June 6, 1944. They stormed the beaches of Normandy.
Member: Those of us that served in Iraq & Afghanistan understand and salute WWII Vets. PTSD is PTSD.
Member: Also today is the anniversary of RFK Sr.'s death in 1968
Member: Good Friday!! as we get closer to the finish line! fingers crossed toes crossed eyes crossed..
MZ; : I’m with you. Crossing my fingers. Feels like we are moving closer.
Member: : Markz, Why do you feel like we are close to the finish line? Just a gut feeling?
MZ: My redemption folks/wealth management folks plan on working this Sunday. It is unusual that Sunday is the day and not Saturday.
MZ: Other than that the bond side is quiet.
Member: No news is good news?
Member: when the bond people get funded, how long do you think it will be until we get notified?
Member: Mark always said he thought maybe 3-5 days??????
Member: Iraq is quiet because it is Eid Al Adha. Holiday until Monday. All banks closed.
Member: Today, Iraq started their 4 day holiday weekend. For Eid Al Aha
Member: Eid al-Adha holiday 7th -10th
MZ: And the Iraq stock Market will not reopen until Wednesday or Thursday of next week. Many of my Iraqi contacts think this holiday is important and critical …hopefully will be “IT” this holiday.
MZ: I’m a bit burned out watching for holidays……so not getting too excited…yet.
MZ: “Iraq celebrates the launch of the TIR system” I think this is important. The TIR system has been live in Iraq since April of 2025. This ushers in a new era of international logistics and trade. This is truly international and will be very important to their development road project which is a crossroads between the east and the west. .
Member: "The Central Bank is exploring the possibility of opening branches of Turkish banks in Nineveh Governorate increasing cooperation to increase trade exchange between both countries"
Member: Mark. Q: isn't this the same time of the year that Kuwait revealed ? during ElD al- Adha.
Member: Kuwait revalued March 18th 1991 / New York Times
Member: I heard Kuwait revalued over a 4 day holiday. It makes sense to me.
Member: Since this 1991 revaluation, Kuwait has not undertaken any further significant revaluations of its currency
Member: 2007, Kuwait shifted from pegging its currency solely to the U.S. dollar to linking it to a basket of currencies...
MZ: This is the same basket that Iraq is supposed to attach itself to.
Member: Mark, is the IQD placement on FX at the banks value over 4 dinars per 1 UST, or 4+ UST per 1 IQD ???
Member: the article from last week had the dinar at $4.81….wouldn’t that be wonderful?
Member: at. my bank ... manager has heard of new currency…just not heard of the QFS
Member: An article on Recaps today says the Chinese Yuan may go gold backed soon.
Member: Remember hearing many years ago, there would be chaos and rumors of more when this will occur. I think we have enough chaos!
Member: I think the RV may happen on the 4th of July weekend. Financial Independence Day? Just a thought.
Member: Well Flag day is approaching as well as Juneteenth on June 19 to commemorate the end of slavery.
Iraq and Belgium discuss economic ties and regional stability
Shafaq News/ On Thursday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani received Serge Dickschen, the non-resident Ambassador of Belgium to Iraq, in Baghdad to discuss bilateral ties.
According to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Media Office, al-Sudani emphasized Iraq’s commitment to enhancing economic partnerships with European countries and welcomed Belgian investment in infrastructure, services, energy, health, and water sectors.
The Prime Minister also commended Belgium’s role in supporting Iraq’s stability and sovereignty as part of the Global Coalition, calling for advancing bilateral coordination in post-conflict reconstruction and economic recovery.
In turn, Ambassador Dickschen expressed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Iraq, and appreciation for Iraq’s balanced foreign policy and its regional engagement, particularly during the recent Arab Summit hosted in Baghdad.
US calls on Baghdad to negotiate quickly: Iraq's independence from Iranian influence comes through Kurdistan's gas
US calls on Baghdad to negotiate quickly: Iraq's independence from Iranian influence comes through Kurdistan's gas
The US State Department considered, on Thursday, that the recent agreements concluded by the Kurdistan Regional Government with American companies to develop natural gas production constitute an important step towards addressing the chronic imbalance in the Iraqi energy sector, calling on Baghdad and Erbil to urgently coordinate to accelerate project implementation and enhance Iraq's energy independence.
A ministry official told Shafaq News Agency, "The United States believes that Iraq will be more stable and sovereign by achieving energy independence and distancing itself from Iran's harmful influence."
He added, "The agreements recently signed by Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani with American companies to expand natural gas production in Iraqi Kurdistan support this goal," noting that "these projects, whether in the region or across the rest of the country, are in the interest of all Iraqis, especially in light of the ongoing electricity crisis."
The US official continued, "We encourage Baghdad and Erbil to work together to begin gas production as soon as possible."
The Kurdistan Regional Government announced the signing of two agreements with American companies HKN Energy and WesternZagros to develop the Miran and Topkhana-Kurdimir fields in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, with a total value estimated at approximately $110 billion, in one of the largest deals in the region's energy sector.
The agreements aim to exploit natural gas resources more widely to meet the region's and Iraq's electricity needs and reduce reliance on Iranian gas imports.
The move sparked protests from the federal government in Baghdad, with the Iraqi Oil Ministry describing the agreements as "null and void," noting that natural resource management falls solely within the purview of the federal government.
Investment efforts in Iraq's energy sector face recurring legal and political challenges, given the absence of a federal law regulating the management of natural resources between the central government and the region.
The energy crisis is one of the most significant challenges facing Iraq, with most of the population suffering from frequent power outages, which worsen during the summer months. Iraq relies heavily on gas imported from Iran, at a time when supplies are affected by political and economic factors, most notably regional tensions and mounting debt issues.
Relations between Baghdad and Kurdistan have recently become strained, particularly after the signing of the gas contract with Washington. The Iraqi Ministry of Finance announced it would halt funding for the salaries of Kurdistan Region employees until May 2025, citing the region's exceeding its budget share and its failure to deliver oil and non-oil revenues to the federal government.
In contrast, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) considered the decision politically motivated and a violation of the constitution and Federal Court rulings. The KRG asserted that Baghdad had failed to honor its financial commitments despite Erbil's previous commitments, and that the decision directly impacts more than 1.2 million employees ahead of Eid al-Adha. link
MILITIAMAN: Iraqi Dinar Update - World Trade Organization - Global Economy
MILITIAMAN: Iraqi Dinar Update - World Trade Organization - Global Economy
Summary
The video transcript centers on Iraq’s ongoing efforts to integrate into the global economic and financial system, emphasizing recent developments related to Iraq’s potential accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), legislative reforms, and digital transformation initiatives within its government sectors.
The speaker highlights the significant progress Iraq has made, notably the comprehensive response to over 450 technical questions posed by WTO members, which demonstrates Iraq’s commitment to transparency and integration into the international trade system.
A key focus is on the passage of Iraq’s oil and gas law, which is seen as crucial to resolving longstanding conflicts between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government.
This law is expected to pave the way for smoother budget approvals, unified salary payments, and improved revenue-sharing mechanisms. The speaker underlines the strategic importance of Iraq’s integration, which is supported not only domestically but also by international financial institutions such as the IMF, World Bank, and European banks.
Another major topic covered is the Iraqi government’s push for digital transformation, particularly within the Ministry of Justice, with the recent official approval to include this project in the 2025 investment budget. This involves contracting internationally recognized IT companies, classified under the Gartner International Foundation indicators, to modernize judicial systems, enhance cybersecurity, and digitize legal processes. This digitalization effort is part of a broader national development strategy to modernize governance, improve public services, combat corruption, and support economic reform.
The transcript also touches upon cooperation between the Central Bank of Iraq and the British Council to improve the language and professional skills of bank employees, further reinforcing Iraq’s movement toward global integration. The overall tone reflects cautious optimism about Iraq’s trajectory, recognizing challenges like internal political dynamics, corruption, and regional geopolitical complexities but indicating that integration into the global economy and financial systems is inevitable and underway.
Highlights
- 🌍 Iraq is making significant progress toward joining the World Trade Organization, answering over 450 technical questions.
- ⚖️ The passage of the oil and gas law is critical to resolving federal-Kurdistan government disputes and enabling unified budget approvals.
- 💼 Iraq’s Council of Ministers has allocated $3 trillion for financing investment projects, highlighting a focus on economic development.
- 💻 The Ministry of Justice digital transformation project has been approved, contracting international IT companies classified under Gartner indicators.
- 📊 Digitalization efforts aim to improve judicial efficiency, enhance cybersecurity, and modernize public services under Prime Minister Al-Sudani’s administration.
- 🤝 The Central Bank of Iraq signed a cooperation agreement with the British Council to improve employee skills in English and professional communication.
- 🌐 Iraq’s integration into the global economy is supported by international bodies including IMF, World Bank, and European financial institutions.
Key Insights
🌐 WTO Accession Marks a Strategic Shift in Iraq’s Global Integration:The extensive grilling via 450 questions underscores the thorough scrutiny Iraq faces as it seeks WTO membership. This process reflects not just a bureaucratic hurdle but a fundamental alignment with global trade norms, indicating Iraq’s intention to modernize its economic frameworks and attract foreign investment. Joining the WTO will potentially open Iraq to broader international markets and enhance its global economic standing.
🛢️ Oil and Gas Law Passage Crucial for Political and Economic Stability: The emphasis on the oil and gas law reflects its dual role—it is both a reconciliation tool for federal-Kurdistan disputes and a financial cornerstone ensuring smoother budget management and revenue flows. A unified and constitutionally sound approach to oil revenues could significantly improve governance, reduce corruption, and enhance the rights and welfare of Iraqi citizens.
💰 Government Financing of Investment Projects Signals Economic Prioritization: The Council of Ministers’ decision to allocate three trillion dollars for investment projects, including sovereign guarantees in key oil fields, represents a tangible commitment to infrastructure and economic growth. This budget prioritization signals that Iraq is seeking to rebuild and modernize its economy, shifting from reliance on operational expenses to strategic investments that drive development.
💻 Digital Transformation in the Ministry of Justice Demonstrates Institutional Modernization: The approval of the Ministry of Justice’s digital transformation project within the 2025 investment budget illustrates a shift from planning to active implementation. Contracting vendors vetted by Gartner International Foundation indicators ensures the use of global best practices and expertise. The project’s focus on judicial digitization, cybersecurity, and case management will likely improve transparency, reduce corruption opportunities, and speed judicial processes.
🌍 Balancing Regional and International Interests through Technology and Diplomacy: The involvement of international companies from different geopolitical spheres, alongside Iraqi efforts to cooperate with Western countries (like the UK via the British Council), reflects a nuanced diplomatic balancing act. This strategic engagement is vital for Iraq, which sits at a regional crossroads influenced by Western, Iranian, and Gulf interests. Digitization and institutional reforms are tools to stabilize governance within this complex environment.
📈 Investment in Training underscores Focus on Sustainable Development: The allocation of funds for training programs linked to digital transformation and the Central Bank’s cooperation with the British Council highlights Iraq’s recognition that mere technological implementation is insufficient. Capacity-building, language skills, and professional development are foundational for sustaining reforms and ensuring employees can operate effectively within globalized systems.
🔄 Inevitable Integration and the End of Informal Economic Practices:The speaker emphasizes that the era of corruption and “cash cows” through informal or opaque economic dealings is over. Iraq’s path toward global financial integration entails transparency, accountability, and the adoption of international standards. This transition might face internal resistance but is portrayed as unavoidable, driven by diplomatic pressures, economic necessity, and international cooperation frameworks.
Overall, this video illustrates a multi-dimensional transformation underway in Iraq, intertwining economic, legal, technological, and diplomatic reforms that collectively aim to position Iraq as a fully integrated player in the global economy by 2025 and beyond.