Monday, October 9, 2023
Coffee with MarkZ and joined by Field. 10/09/2023
Replacing the dinar with the dollar. 8 OCT
Replacing the dinar with the dollar
Finally, the Central Bank of Iraq announced in a statement last week that “the coming year will witness the restriction of all internal commercial and other transactions to the Iraqi dinar instead of the dollar, except for those delivered to travelers.”
Financing foreign trade will be directly for merchants dealing in remittances outside the electronic platform, through licensed banks that will deal with correspondent banks in foreign transfer operations and in the local currency of the country from which the merchant wants to import.
Then the dollar auction will be gradually dispensed with and the central bank will intervene to control the exchange rate through a shift in its tools.
Cash, which will be more effective in achieving monetary stability, due to the expected decline of the so-called black market and the emergence of a real parallel market that will effectively contribute to financing the total demand for foreign currencies after the local currencies of the trading countries are traded within the parallel market following the opening of transfer channels for those currencies in a way Official.
Thus, we will witness a new phase in which exchange rates will be more stable than the phases witnessed in previous years if dollar smuggling operations are controlled, which is expected to decline automatically with the decline of the dollar supply on the black market.
At that time, the country will witness the real beginning of an attractive investment environment, as the confusion in the dollar exchange rate was often an element that repelled investors due to their inability to delve into the area of expectations in which the exchange rate was fluctuating, which makes financial feasibility studies more difficult in calculating construction and operating costs and recovery periods. Total costs and profit calculations. This is in addition to other repulsive factors, which were the confusion of the security situation, the incompleteness of legislation related to the investment environment and the regulation of market relations, the failure to activate the package of economic laws that had been legislated, and the spread of corruption and bureaucracy.
However, there is a problem linking the exchange rate and the costs of production in neighboring countries compared to the costs of production inside Iraq.
The lower the exchange rates of neighboring countries’ currencies are against other currencies, such as in Turkey, Iran, and Syria, compared to the exchange rate of the Iraqi dinar, the lower the cost of producing goods in those countries.
The cost of production is comparable to that in Iraq, which makes the investment environment unattractive at the level of production of traditional goods produced in neighboring countries unless borders are controlled to protect the local product in addition to protecting exchange rates from currency smuggling. link
"RV UPDATE" BY MNT GOAT, 9 OCT
Mnt Goat
I was...told [by my CBI contact in Iraq] the real reason why the GOI, under prime minister al-Sudani has not directed full funding distribution for all the projects listed in the budget.
It was for multiple reasons: 1. to first continue to clean up more of the corruption in the provinces; 2. hold back the dollars in the reserves as long as possible needed to back any reinstatement process and global rating for the dinar.
I was...told [by my CBI contact in Iraq] not to over-speculate on the RV and the CBI has a plan and is actively working on it.MENA Climate Week: Energy Ministers Advocate for Responsible Transition to Sustainable Energy, 9 OCT
MENA Climate Week: Energy Ministers Advocate for Responsible Transition to Sustainable Energy, 9 OCT
Key Discussions at MENA Climate Week
The MENA Climate Week 2023, set to take place from 8-12 October in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has drawn attention for its unique perspective on the role of fossil fuels in the fight against climate change. Ministers of energy from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have congregated at the event, arguing that the fossil fuel industry can play a crucial role in facilitating a smooth transition to sustainable energy. They emphasized that discussions about climate change should not hastily condemn oil and gas but instead focus on these resources’ potential to support a responsible transition towards sustainability.
The Iraqi Oil Minister highlighted the continued global demand for fossil fuels and underscored the importance of natural gas in generating electricity. This stance echoes the sentiment of major hydrocarbon producers who, while acknowledging the need for a global shift towards sustainable energy, also recognize the practical challenges posed by an abrupt departure from fossil fuels.
Historical Context and Current Trends
This argument is not entirely new, but its prominence at such a high-profile gathering marks an important shift in the discourse around climate change and renewable energy. Historically, the fossil fuel industry has often been viewed as the villain in conversations about climate change. However, the discussions at the MENA Climate Week suggest a growing recognition of the industry’s potential role in aiding the transition to renewable energy.
The argument hinges on the fact that, despite the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, the global demand for energy continues to rise. Therefore, a sudden withdrawal from fossil fuels could lead to energy shortages and economic instability. This viewpoint advocates for a balanced approach, gradually integrating renewable energy into the existing infrastructure and using natural gas, the cleanest of the fossil fuels, as a bridge between coal and renewable energy.
Future Ramifications
The discussions at the MENA Climate Week could have significant implications for the future of energy policy. If this perspective gains traction, it could lead to greater investment in technologies that reduce the environmental impact of fossil fuels, such as carbon capture and storage. It could also result in increased attention to the development of natural gas infrastructure, particularly in regions that are heavily reliant on coal.
However, critics argue that the time and resources spent on these initiatives would be better invested in accelerating the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies. They warn that an over-reliance on natural gas could divert attention from renewable energy and result in the continued emission of greenhouse gases.
Neutral Reporting and Stakeholder Impact
As neutral observers, it is crucial to report these discussions without bias, presenting the arguments of all stakeholders accurately. The debates at the MENA Climate Week represent a significant development in the discourse around climate change and renewable energy, and their outcome could have far-reaching consequences for energy producers and consumers alike.
Iraqi Council of Ministers Advancing Economic Growth, Strengthening Bilateral Relations and Addressing Major Challenges, 9 OCT
Iraqi Council of Ministers Advancing Economic Growth, Strengthening Bilateral Relations and Addressing Major Challenges
Decisive Session of the Iraqi Council of Ministers
The 26th Regular Session of the Iraqi Council of Ministers was recently held, chaired by Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani. The session was significant as it was centered on the overall situation of the country, reviewing the progress of the government’s program, and making crucial decisions that would shape Iraq’s future.
Prime Minister Al-Sudani underlined the importance of the next six months for the government, especially in the wake of the recent approval of the three-year Federal Budget Bill. He urged ministries to streamline delegations and encouraged leadership staff to show commitment to their roles beyond the usual working hours.
Decisions Aimed at Progress and Reform
Several pivotal decisions were made during the session. The Council decided to amend the regulation of foreign labor in Iraq by adding a member from the Ministry of Interior to the Higher Committee for Planning and Operating the Workforce. This move is expected to enhance the regulation and management of foreign labor in the country.
In a significant move towards economic reform, the Council endorsed the recommendation to exclude all foodstuffs from import regulations. This is a step towards reducing the bureaucratic red tape that often hampers trade and commerce. The Council also approved the donation of fixed assets from the Ministry of Construction, Housing, Municipalities, and Public Works to the road departments of several governorates.
Strengthening Intellectual Property and International Relations
The Council approved a bill for intellectual property protection, signaling Iraq’s commitment to safeguarding intellectual rights and fostering innovation. The session also saw the ratification of a strategic partnership treaty between Iraq and France. This new alliance is expected to open up avenues for increased cooperation and mutual growth between the two nations.
The Council reiterated the importance of strengthening the protection and promotion of civil society in Europe. Measures to ensure the long-term effectiveness of the European Convention on Human Rights and the Council of Europe’s policy towards neighboring regions were also discussed.
Aiming for a Brighter Future
The decisions made by the Council of Ministers aim to promote economic growth, protect intellectual property, strengthen bilateral relations, and address major challenges facing Iraq and the Council of Europe. As the outgoing Chairman, Mr. Timo Soini, took stock of Finland’s Presidency, Ms. Amélie de Montchalin outlined the priorities of the incoming French Presidency, setting the tone for future progress and cooperation.
As the Council concluded its session, it reaffirmed its commitment to the progress of Iraq and the betterment of its people, offering a renewed sense of hope for a brighter future.
"RV UPDATED" BY MILITIAMAN, 9 OCT
Militia Man
Article "Director of Al-Sistani’s Office: The authority warned against corruption and called for combating it, but there is no life for whomever you call for." WOW!!
When the Supreme Religious Authority, Ali al-Sistani, speaks of a fatwa to follow laws...the people that fit the shoes and ware them better be careful to make things right and quickly.. Failure...will likely have significant consequences...He issued a fatwa that money any employee or official obtains in violation of the law is forbidden.
Also, wasting public money and appropriating it, or illegal disposal of it, is forbidden. That is some heavy stuff. Think of all those that are guilty in the line up.. [NOTE: The Arabic word fatwa refers, in simple terms, to an edict or ruling by a recognized religious authority on a point of Islamic law.]
Article: "Specialist: The government is obligated to present its vision for next year’s budget in the middle of this month"
The government still being unable to implement the budget for the years 2023, 20224 and 2025 are amid secrecy and strict instructions to officials and advisors not to talk about the issue of the current or upcoming budget.
Think about all of this. They are keeping what we are looking for tight to the chest. Rightfully so.. I love this!
Assigning two international companies to study the Iraqi banking market, 24 NOV
Assigning two international companies to study the Iraqi banking market Economy News – Baghdad The financial adviser to the Prime Minister...
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Frank26 [Bank story] This time we didn't go down, we just called [the bank]... We said we want to see if we can exchange some cu...
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Bank appointment for Currency EXCHANGE Instructions/Checklist Bank Name_________________________________________ Bank 800#____________...
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Walkingstick All these meetings that the CBI had with all these agencies that were helping them with their monetary reform are done. Al...