Iraq's Legislative Agenda: 2024 Oil and Gas Bill, Common Assistance Bill, and Government Committee Bill
In the midst of Iraq's ongoing efforts to stabilize its domestic situation and diversify its economy, three significant bills have gained attention and are poised to be presented to the House of Representatives [1]. These include the Oil and Gas Bill, the Common Assistance Bill (pay scale), and the Government Committee Bill. Each bill carries substantial implications for Iraq's economic and political landscape, aiming to address issues from oil revenue management to public sector reforms.
Oil and Gas Bill: A Crucial Step in Modernizing Iraq's Energy Policy
The Oil and Gas Bill is at the forefront of discussions between the federal Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). This legislation is seen as a critical step in addressing the long-standing dispute over the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan region regarding oil and revenue [2]. The bill's passage is expected to provide a framework for the cost recovery and profit sharing for international oil companies (IOCs) operating in the region. The hope is that by incorporating these contractual rights into Iraq's budget and future laws, it will foster a more stable and predictable environment for investment in the oil and gas sector.
Common Assistance Bill: Pay Scale Reforms for a More Equitable Workforce
The Common Assistance Bill, often referred to as the pay scale bill, is aimed at reforming the public sector's compensation structure. This bill carries the potential to significantly impact the salaries and benefits of public sector employees, addressing disparities and aiming for a more equitable and efficient workforce. By revising the pay scale, the Iraqi government is taking steps to ensure that salaries are competitive and reflective of the skills and responsibilities of public servants, contributing to a more motivated and productive public sector [3].
Government Committee Bill: Strengthening Governance and Accountability
The Government Committee Bill is another legislative effort focusing on enhancing the effectiveness and accountability of government operations. This bill is expected to introduce measures that will streamline decision-making processes, improve the oversight of government bodies, and ensure greater transparency in public administration. By strengthening governance structures, Iraq aims to address issues of corruption and inefficiency, fostering a more responsive and accountable government that can better serve its citizens [4].
Visualizing the Legislative Process: A Timeline of Key Events
To better understand the legislative process and the timeline for these bills, the following timeline provides a visual representation of key even
31/5/2023
Drafting of the Oil and Gas Bill
14/9/2023
First Reading of the Common Assistance Bill
30/9/2023
Consultation on the Government Committee Bill
31/12/2023
Submission of the Oil and Gas Bill to the House of Representatives
9/3/2024
Final Approval of the Common Assistance Bill
29/4/2024
Expected Passage of the Government Committee Bill
Conclusion
As Iraq navigates its path towards economic diversification and political stability, the Oil and Gas Bill, the Common Assistance Bill, and the Government Committee Bill stand as significant legislative milestones. These bills not only address critical issues within their respective domains but also reflect Iraq's broader aspirations for reform and development. By passing these bills, Iraq aims to create a more stable, equitable, and effective governance structure that can accelerate the nation's progress and improve the lives of its citizens.
MP Hadi Al-Salami held State head Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani answerable for pulling out significant regulations from the Place of Agents, most prominently the retirement regulation, on Wednesday.
“The Prime Minister pledged before the House of Representatives to send important laws to implement his government program,” Al-Salami stated.
He added, “The most noticeable regulations that should be shipped off the Place of Agents are the Oil and Gas Bill, the Common Assistance Bill (pay scale), and the Government Committee Bill.”
He brought up that “there are regulations that were removed from the public authority and were not gotten back to the Place of Agents, most eminently the retirement regulation, which is viewed as one of the significant regulations.”
He thought about that the Top state leader bears liability regarding hindering significant regulations.
😊Another article today on establishing a sovereign fundbut this time it is more seriously addressed and more aggressively and not just recommendations. They are going to do it and use all these additional revenues to fund it, such as taxes, customs, tariffs, minerals, and other major financial outlets sectors.
You can go read the entire article titled “PARLIAMENTARY FINANCE COMMITTEE DISCUSSES PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH SOVEREIGN FUND”. The Parliamentary Finance Committee announced, on Monday, discussing a proposal to establish this sovereign fund. They have to park all this money somewhere and let it grow.
Why would Iraq even need this sovereign fund? So, let me explain. At least this is how it was told to me by my CBI contact. Iraq will need to invest its money. But what money?
Are we talking about the oil revenues? Yes, some of this money is from excess oil revenues beyond what they need to pay to run the government and salaries of Kurdistan. This excess comes when the budget is priced lower than the actual outgoing price of oil.
We can call this “surplus revenues”. Right now they put this money in their reserves so they can use it for the proverbial “rainy day” if the oil prices drop below their budgeted price of oil.
What Iraq is now attempting to do, and they will be successful, is to try to harvest all avenues of additional revenues beyond the oil revenues. We can clearly see that the oil industry is not the energy of the future. It is not that oil is running out anytime soon but that there will be cleaner, more efficient energy sources coming our way. Keep in mind what the prophets also told us about three (3) news sources of energy and that these sources would be very affordable and practical. So, then why still use dirty oil. Do you get my point?
To overcome this future situation Iraq must now make the changes and make them way in advance. The plan therefore is to capitalize on ALL and EVERY additional source of revenues besides oil. We were told that a combination of these revenues could rival the oil revenues.
Really? Years ago, when I first heard this, I found this hard to believe, but as time passed I can see that there is enormous potential to get off the oil rentier economy and move more to self-sufficiency. Iraq must take advantage of all these sources of revenues. In addition, they are now kick-starting manufacturing. Yes, I am told the factories are being rebuilt and newer ones coming to life. This too will create more tax revenues, exports and of course jobs.
Having said all this about additional revenues, one must also keep asking but why? Is there more to this that meets the eye? If you really study what is going on in Iraq you then can see it. No, not some stupid intel guru bank stories but take the time to really study. Then out pops the replacement of the petro-dollar and on to the petro-dinar. I want now to reinforce the enormous magnitude of this move if they can pull this off.
Economic Analysis: Impact of Declining Private Sector Deposits on Iraq's Banking System
An unofficial Iraqi financial report has revealed a significant decline in the acquisition of private sector deposits by 12 local banks compared to a significant increase in the share of banks that have banking relationships with American financial institutions.
Shift in Private Sector Deposits
A report by Iraq Future for Economic Studies and Consultations disclosed a shift in the distribution of private sector deposits among Iraqi banks during the first half of 2024. Three Iraqi banks that maintain correspondent relationships with US financial institutions controlled nearly half of all private sector deposits in the first six months of 2024, holding 47% of private deposits, an increase from their 34% share in 2019.
Meanwhile, the 12 banks capable of international financial transactions, but without US correspondent relationships, saw their share of private sector deposits drop to 36% by mid-2024, down from 42% in 2019.
Implications on the Iraqi Banking System
This shift in private sector deposits has profound implications for the Iraqi banking system. The Central Bank of Iraq has acknowledged that reliance on correspondent banks for external transfers plays a crucial role in this new distribution of deposit shares. The rise of US-linked banks is expected to continue, with these banks accounting for more than 50% of private sector deposits by the end of 2024.
Impact on the Iraqi Economy
The decline in deposits in local banks that lack US correspondents is the result of several factors, including corruption and liquidity risks. Banking expert Abdulrahman Al-Shaikhli explained that corruption in the banking sector and the lack of confidence in local banks have contributed to this trend.
Conclusion
The significant decline in the acquisition of private sector deposits by local banks in Iraq and the increasing dominance of US-linked banks pose challenges to the country's banking system. This trend could potentially lead to an imbalance in the banking sector, impacting the financial stability and growth prospects of the Iraqi economy. Understanding and addressing the underlying issues, such as corruption and lack of confidence in local banks, is crucial for the sustainable development of Iraq's financial sector.
An informal Iraqi monetary report uncovered a huge decrease in the securing of private area stores by 12 neighborhood banks, contrasted with a critical expansion in the portion of banks that have banking associations with American monetary organizations.
This shift is viewed as a critical defining moment in the Iraqi monetary scene, and it reshapes the financial area, yet additionally fundamentally affects the Iraqi economy overall and on the day to day routines of residents.
The ascent of US-connected banks
As per a report gave by the Iraq Future Starting point for Financial Examinations and Meetings, three Iraqi keeps money with journalist associations with US banks represented around 47% of complete confidential area stores in the Iraqi financial framework in the principal half of 2024, a huge increment from the 34% they represented in 2019. In contrast, the proportion of deposits held by local banks without international financial relationships decreased, going from 42% in 2019 to 36% by the middle of 2024.
This pattern is supposed to deteriorate, with US-connected banks expected to represent over half of private area stores toward the finish of 2024. The Central Bank of Iraq has acknowledged that this new distribution of deposit shares is significantly influenced by the reliance on correspondent banks for external transfers. Yet, this shift has expansive ramifications for the Iraqi monetary framework and its residents.
Influence on the Iraqi economy
Loss of trust in nearby banks The decrease in stores in neighborhood banks that need US reporters is the aftereffect of a few variables, including debasement and liquidity chances. Banking master Abdulrahman Al-Shaikhli made sense of that debasement in these establishments sabotages trust among contributors and banks. This can restrict banks’ capacity to draw in stores and keep up with liquidity, hampering their job in supporting the economy.
This loss of confidence may exacerbate Iraq’s liquidity crisis, limiting capital flows to local businesses and stifling economic expansion. At the point when confidential banks neglect to move certainty, people and organizations might abstain from saving or go to elective financial choices, restricting the capital accessible for loaning and venture.
Capital focus The rising strength of U.S.- connected banks is prompting a centralization of capital in a couple of foundations, possibly prompting monopolistic patterns in the Iraqi monetary area. Due to their international connections, these banks may provide greater stability, but they may also reduce market competition, resulting in inefficiencies. Small and medium-sized businesses in Iraq that rely on domestic financial services may face higher borrowing costs as a result of this concentration.
In an economy like Iraq, where expansion away from oil is fundamental, the financial area assumes a critical part in supporting new areas. Powerless nearby banks could hamper supporting of crucial areas like farming, industry and non-oil trades, which are basic for long haul reasonable development.
Confining admittance to monetary administrations The downfall of neighborhood banks implies that numerous Iraqi residents, especially in provincial or underbanked regions, may confront decreased admittance to essential financial administrations. Banks partnered with the US might zero in on enormous clients, leaving private ventures and individual contributors with less choices. This could increment monetary avoidance, making it harder for standard Iraqis to acquire credits, set aside cash, or go through with regular financial exchanges.
Besides, reputational chances related with debasement in a few neighborhood banks might make residents hesitant to manage these establishments, restricting their capacity to partake in the conventional economy. This might push more individuals to utilize casual monetary channels, expanding the gamble of extortion or misfortune, and debilitating the soundness of the economy overall.
The enduring of dealers and confidential area laborers Merchants likewise communicated their interests about the challenges they face in managing monetary exchanges through Iraqi banks. Ahmed Al-Fahd, an individual from the Organization of Offices of Business in Baghdad, brought up that the systems connected with monetary exchanges through the electronic stage are frequently confounded and tedious, in some cases arriving at 10 days. This makes deferrals and vulnerability for merchants who depend on quick exchanges to finish global exchange tasks, particularly as to imports.
This low effectiveness in the financial framework leads numerous dealers to turn to cash exchanges or global financial choices, which lessens trust in nearby financial establishments and entangles endeavors to screen monetary streams and direct them as per worldwide norms.
The CBI’s changes, which expect to extend electronic monetary exchanges and give new advantages to contributors, are fundamental stages to modernize the financial area. However, stronger efforts to combat corruption, increase transparency, and restore trust in local institutions must accompany these measures. Without resolving these essential issues, the difference between U.S.- connected banks and nearby banks could develop, prompting a financial framework separated as certain foundations rule the market while others battle.
This developing circumstance presents difficulties to the security of the Iraqi economy in general. A well-working and stable financial area is vital for encourage speculation, support organizations, and construct public trust in the monetary framework. As the public authority tries to draw in unfamiliar venture and empower private area development, the steadiness and proficiency of the financial framework will be of vital significance.
All in all, the latest thing of store focus in banks partnered with U.S. monetary foundations reflects further issues inside the Iraqi financial framework, including debasement, failure, and the powerlessness of nearby banks to rouse certainty among investors. While these banks might give more prominent dependability, their rising strength gambles minimizing neighborhood establishments and confining admittance to essential monetary administrations for some Iraqis. The public authority and the National Bank of Iraq ought to focus on changes that point not exclusively to modernize the monetary framework yet in addition to reestablish trust in neighborhood banks. Addressing these difficulties is basic to guaranteeing supportable monetary development, steadiness, and success for Iraqi residents.
Office for North America and the Economic Studies Unit
Everybody's saying there's a new category of currency come out in the streets of Iraq. We heard it but we didn't see anything. Nothing new, we still with the same currency. For now didn't see anything.
Nader From The Mid East
Community comment: "Iraq is not a safe country."
Why? United States a safe country?
When you look at Chicago, Philadelphia, New York and all that you think it's safe?
Fear. Everywhere it's bad and good are everywhere...
Tell you the truth it's safer in Iraq than Chicago. Visit the country and then judge. You cannot judge because you heard something on the news or somebody told you something. I was there two weeks ago. I've been going back and forth. My kids been going back and forth. Everybody's been happy.
