The dinar is not going to happen today or the next week as far as I know but this is a pretty big step[the restrictions removed from foreign currency exchange] for them because this allows a lot of liquidity which is necessary inside of Iraq.
Liquidity has always been an issue for Iraq. This will change that.
That means more businesses/people doing exchanges with the currencies. A lot of liquidity in Iraq is what they need.
Iraq, a country rich in natural resources but long affected by conflict and political instability, has been making strides to stabilize and diversify its economy. As of November 7, 2024, the five key economic pillars that define Iraq's status are:
Oil and Gas
Dominant Economic Sector
Oil remains the backbone of Iraq's economy, accounting for over 99% of exports, 85% of the government’s budget, and 42% of gross domestic product (GDP). The sector's dominance exposes the country to macroeconomic volatility, but it also provides a significant revenue stream that has been crucial for recovery efforts.
Recent Developments
In 2021, government revenues surged by 73% year-over-year, driven by higher oil prices averaging $68.3/barrel. These gains have helped turn the overall fiscal balance to a surplus of 5.3% of GDP in 2021, providing a buffer for economic stabilization and development initiatives.
Non-Oil Economy
Diversification Efforts
Despite the dominance of oil, Iraq has been making efforts to diversify its economy. The non-oil sector grew by over 6% in the first nine months of 2021, driven by the services sector as COVID-19 restrictions eased.
This growth highlights the potential for non-oil sectors to contribute to economic stability and job creation.
Challenges
However, attempts to diversify the economy and modernize the financial and banking sectors are hampered by political dynamics and corruption. The private sector and foreign direct investment (FDI) remain underdeveloped, and the country struggles to enhance its export capacity, particularly in agriculture.
Labor Market and Social Protection
New National Strategy
Iraq has launched a new national strategy to reduce inequalities in the world of work, emphasizing inclusivity, equal opportunity, and social protection. This strategy aims to create a more equitable and prosperous future by addressing issues such as unemployment, particularly among displaced populations, women, and informal workers.
Unemployment
As of January 2021, Iraq's unemployment rate was more than 10 percentage points higher than its pre-COVID-19 level of 12.7%. The strategy seeks to reduce these high unemployment rates by fostering a more inclusive and equitable labor market.
Humanitarian and Development Needs
Protracted Needs
Iraq still faces significant humanitarian and development needs, including a complex political environment and a volatile security situation. The country hosts over 300,000 refugees and asylum-seekers, primarily from Syria, and has an internally displaced population (IDPs) of 1.14 million. These populations face barriers to return and integration, including insecurity, lack of livelihood opportunities, and damaged housing.
Crisis Response
The Iraq Crisis Response Plan 2024 aims to support the government in developing inclusive strategies for recovery, peacebuilding, and stabilization. The plan targets 670,000 people and requires $144.7 million in funding, highlighting the ongoing need for international support and collaboration.
Digital Media and Community Resilience
Digital Engagement
The Iraq Community Resilience Initiative (ICRI), funded by USAID, aims to support inclusive and stable communities through digital media. With over 31 million digital media users in Iraq, there is a significant opportunity to bring communities together, encourage collaboration, and share positive narratives.
Grassroots Initiatives
Despite the challenges, grassroots initiatives and media activists have emerged, working to tell positive stories and counteract disinformation. ICRI has awarded grants to local media activists and organizations, enabling the establishment and sustainability of credible social media channels.
Article: “Sudani congratulates Trump and vice President on winning the White House race” Sudani believes it will bring stability to the middle east.
“The election of the new speaker of Parliament will contribute to the legislation of important and obstructed laws” I have a few folks in Iraq that are convinced that sitting the new speaker was important and now I know why. They specifically name the HydroCarbon Law in this article…The HCL!!! There was a lot of meat to go with those potatoes.
Rafidain Bank: Implementing the comprehensive banking system in 48 branches
11/7/2024
Baghdad / Rafidain Bank announced the operation of 48 branches, so far, within its comprehensive banking system.
The bank stated in a statement: "The comprehensive banking system is a qualitative leap in the bank's path, as it supports digital transformation and enhances the bank's ability to efficiently meet the needs of wide segments of customers." He stressed
: "This continuous expansion will include more branches in the future, as part of a well-thought-out plan aimed at providing a modern banking experience that contributes to supporting the national economy and meeting the needs of society with distinguished and comprehensive banking services." LINK