Tuesday, November 12, 2024

EXCERPTS FROM MARKZ, 12 NOV

 EXCERPTS FROM MARKZ

Member: What are we waiting on ?

MZ: I think we are just waiting for an announcement …I think they are on a fast track to completion…..Maybe that why we get silence and a brick wall from contacts. 

Member: Is there any chance we go this week or do we have to wait until Dec 10th

Member: It’s possible the PTB are waiting until Jan 1 or after the inauguration Jan 20th. 

MZ: I hate to think we will be waiting that long. I am not hearing that most of my contacts. 

MELANIA HINDS: Veterans Day Intel: Unique Updates You Can't Miss

Parliamentary Finance: 2025 Budget Aims to Achieve More Economic Stability, 12 NOV

 Parliamentary Finance: 2025 Budget Aims to Achieve More Economic Stability

The Finance Committee revealed that the government has begun preparing the budget schedules for next year 2025, while indicating that the desired goals are to achieve development and increase non-oil revenues, in addition to achieving more economic stability for the country.

The head of the committee, Atwan Al-Atwani, said in an interview with “Al-Sabah” followed by “Al-Eqtisad News”, that “the government has begun preparing the infrastructure for the 2025 budget and has determined the requirements for reviewing this budget, as we look forward to these tables arriving next year or perhaps some of the items that the government needs to complete the requirements for their implementation, indicating that the goals set and desired from this budget are to achieve development, increase non-oil revenues, and search for means for clear economic stability.”

Al-Atwani added, "The operating budget has begun to extend over the investment budget, and this burdens the budget and makes it limited in its set objectives. Therefore, from now on, we must search for additional resources and achieve non-oil revenues that can provide stability to the economy," indicating that this matter led to "our move towards rationalizing consumption because it is an important matter."

Regarding the digital transformation process, the Chairman of the Finance Committee believes that this matter is “an essential structure for achieving a significant and noticeable increase in non-oil revenues, and all of this will be included and solutions sought for it in the 2025 budget.”

The head of the Finance Committee also explained that "the budget deficit may be the same as in 2024 because the government has been paying off its foreign loans, and in return, investment projects have been achieved and entered service, and there are other projects being implemented that have had a noticeable impact on the budget and its current expenditures."

The head of the committee continued, saying: “The government has started financing projects in the governorates with a second batch that reached 400 billion dinars for all governorates, and the same is true for financing some ministries to achieve their goals,” noting that “the financing batch during the coming months will be large and in line with what the ministries and governorates need, given that there are projects that these ministries and governorates have started and the governorates and ministries will be required to pay their financial requirements, especially towards private sector companies.”  link

MILITIAMAN CC HIGHLIGHTS NOTES, 12 NOV

 MILITIAMAN CC HIGHLIGHTS NOTES

Summary

Iraq is advancing in digital transformation and financial inclusion by involving the private sector in electronic payments, which could benefit investors.

Highlights

  • 🌐 Iraq is embracing digital transformation in finance.
  • 💳 Private sector participation in electronic payments is welcomed.
  • 📈 Capital in private banks increased by 7.3%, indicating growth.
  • 🔄 New banking reforms aim to modernize Iraq’s financial system.
  • 💼 Focus on non-oil sectors for economic diversification.
  • 📊 ISX index shows significant gains, reflecting investor confidence.
  • 🤝 Increased collaboration with international partners, like Japan, for development.

Key Insights

  • 🌍 Digital Transformation: Iraq’s shift towards a digital economy aligns with global trends, promoting efficiency and transparency in financial transactions. This could lead to a more competitive economic landscape.
  • 💡 Financial Inclusion: Expanding electronic payments to the private sector supports broader access to financial services, potentially uplifting underserved communities and enhancing overall economic health.
  • 📈 Banking Sector Growth: The 7.3% increase in private bank capital signals successful efforts to integrate cash into the banking system, fostering a more stable financial environment.
  • 🏦 Reforms in Banking: The push for new banking technologies and practices indicates a commitment to modernizing Iraq’s financial infrastructure, which is vital for attracting investment.
  • 🌱 Diversifying the Economy: Emphasizing non-oil sectors aims to mitigate reliance on oil revenues, fostering sustainable growth and resilience against market fluctuations.
  • 📊 Investor Confidence: The ISX index’s remarkable rise reflects a growing trust in Iraq’s economic stability and reform efforts, enticing both local and international investors.
  • 🤝 International Collaboration: Engaging with countries like Japan for investment in reconstruction and digital transformation showcases Iraq’s strategic approach to development and modernization.

MILITIAMAN: MM&C News-Private Sector- Electronic Payments-Reconstruction-Development...

Unprecedented" .. Iraq prepares to launch a group of investments worth a quarter of a trillion dollars, 12 NOV

 Unprecedented" .. Iraq prepares to launch a group of investments worth a quarter of a trillion dollars

Iraq is preparing to launch a wide range of projects with the aim of attracting investments worth up to a quarter of a trillion dollars over the next two years, in an unprecedented move in the country.

The package of investment opportunities includes projects in the fields of renewable energy, industrial and agricultural cities, and railway networks, in addition to the education, communications, tourism and entertainment sectors, according to the head of the National Investment Commission, Haider Makiya.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Makkia revealed that the authority has completed all the necessary requirements for 103 investment opportunities, in addition to major future projects, and “it is possible that within the next two years there will be funds flowing in the amount of about 250 billion dollars” to Iraq.

This package comes amid the National Investment Commission’s activity to revive dozens of projects that have resumed work, in addition to reactivating others, and addressing the obstacles facing investors with various sectoral bodies. According to the head of the commission, “the number of stalled projects in all of Iraq has reached 249 projects.”

The National Investment Commission was established in 2006. Since then until the end of 2022, the volume of investments flowing into Iraq did not exceed $35 billion. However, after implementing administrative and technical reforms and setting controls to facilitate the investment process, the volume of investment licenses granted increased to $69 billion by last June, according to Makiya.

Commenting on the statement of the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, in late October, that “the volume of investment for the year 2024 reached $100 billion,” Makiya explained that “that number is correct if we add the $69 billion flowing from the same year with other strategic projects such as the Baghdad Metro project and the (Najaf-Karbala Metro) project, the number reaches $100 billion.” link


Coffee with MarkZ. 11/12/2024


Thank you MarkZ for all your time, and encouragement daily….. PDK

MarkZ  Update- 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

Member: Good Tuesday Morning….feels like hope and a bright future are in store for us all. 

Member: Every once in a while throughout the day I get this warm fuzzy feeling. We must be close..

Member: I am very excited to hear what Mark has for us today

​​Member: Mark—can you believe we are still here waiting for this thing?


MZ: I am stunned we are still waiting. 

Member: We all might be in disbelief when it does happen since it’s taken so long!!!!

Member: When I see Mark wearing that golden egg shirt –all my anxiety will be gone. 

​​Member: I was told by an accountant that we are supposed to pay taxes on gains from foreign currency but its a self report they will not send anything to IRS its up to us.. LOL who gonna do that lol

MZ: oops…..lol

Member: Have you heard anything about the bonds?

MZ: I’m still a little bit giddy about the bond contact I mentioned last night who said within 9 days I will stop asking them all those stupid questions…lol….But have not heard from any of my other bond contacts. I have even reached out to Fines and penalties folks in the hope of finding something. And posted a couple of questions to groups both Indian Nations and Wounded Warriers…..but still pretty dry this morning so far. 

MZ: What did Petra Ask?

MZ: Petra was asking about the 9 days or so for bonds which would put us about the 20th. This date has been given by a number of people as a movement date. It is interesting that this person who only holds historic bonds would say that.  It matches with the currency side and the expectations for that as well…. 

Member: As a kid it was the never ending story,,, As an adult it’s the never ending bond days where payday never comes,,, I don’t like either movie,,,

MZ: We do have some interesting news out of Iraq.”Parliamentary Finance: The Government has started preparing the 2025 budget”  they are moving forward….and this includes new projects. This could mean they are moving forward with some rate changes. 

Member: Wish the US would stick to a budget 

MZ: “Vice President: The administrative capital is a project under study and 2025 is the date of the decision”  What does this mean?  They are looking to move the government or the “Capital” outside of Baghdad to alleviate traffic problems ect. The streets were not built for that……It has now become a bustling city with a plethora of automobiles as they step into the modern world. They are looking to build a new “Capital city” A little like their own DC on the fringe of Baghdad. To me this shows they are committed to long term stability.

MZ: This is going to take a lot of money. Where is it coming from to build a whole new administrative city for their government and Parliament???  I think this one is good news. 

MZ: “Will Trump accelerate the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq? ” There was a lot of concern in the region with Trump coming in that the US would not leave. But Trump said they could speed things up. He said they spent billions on the Iraqi embassy and when we get paid back for that- yes…..we are leaving….in other words….Trump clearly said once we have our dollars –we would go. I think that is fantastic for us. 

Member: Sounds like Iraq needs an RV to me…then our troops can leave.

Member: What are we waiting on ?

MZ: I think we are just waiting for an announcement …I think they are on a fast track to completion…..Maybe that why we get silence and a brick wall from contacts. 

Member: Is there any chance we go this week or do we have to wait until Dec 10th

Member: It’s possible the PTB are waiting until Jan 1 or after the inauguration Jan 20th. 

MZ: I hate to think we will be waiting that long. I am not hearing that most of my contacts. 

Member: Its also possible Iraq will pull the trigger by Dec 10th and their Victory Day….keep on hoping

Member: Always heard they want it before Black Friday and Christmas to shop to stimulate economy…fingers crossed.

Member: Can’t imagine having to go through Christmas without an RV!!!

Member: I just wish it was today!!!!

​​Member: I am not speculating a time for the RV, no sense getting excited until it happens.

Member: Thank you Mark and mods for all your time and effort for the community!!!!!

Member: I hope you all have a blessed day.

THE CONTENT IN THIS PODCAST IS FOR GENERAL & EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY&NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE ANY PROFESSIONAL, FINANCIAL OR LEGAL ADVICE. PLEASE CONSIDER EVERYTHING DISCUSSED IN MARKZ’S OPINION ONLY

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