Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Iraq Signs Turkmen Gas Deal to Meet Half of Power Plant Needs, 1 JAN
Iraq Signs Turkmen Gas Deal to Meet Half of Power Plant Needs
Baghdad – INA
Ministry of Electricity said on Tuesday that a new gas supply agreement with Turkmenistan would cover 50% of the fuel needs for its power plants. The ministry also outlined alternative plans to address Iranian gas shortages and confirmed preparations for the summer season.
“The ministry has an agreement with Turkmenistan to supply gas and is working closely with the Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI) to complete financial procedures, including opening letters of credit and transferring funds to the Turkmen side,” ministry spokesperson Ahmed Musa told the Iraqi News Agency (INA). “Once payments are finalized, gas supplies will begin, covering about 50% of the requirements of gas-powered electricity stations.”
Musa said the ministry is maintaining and rehabilitating power stations to prepare for the summer while addressing distribution bottlenecks and increasing grid capacity. “This will improve flexibility in load management between provinces through expanded transmission lines and new substations,” he added.
The official noted that some power plants remain impacted by disruptions in Iranian gas supplies. “We are coordinating with the Ministry of Oil on alternative plans, including Turkmen gas imports and completing associated financial measures,” he said.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani has instructed companies to establish liquefied gas platforms at the Port of Faw, a move Musa said would significantly bolster fuel supplies for power generation. He stressed that the ministry’s progress depends on aligning these efforts with a comprehensive fuel strategy to meet electricity demands and improve production rates.
SANDY INGRAM CC HIGHLIGHTS NOTES, 1 JAN
SANDY INGRAM CC HIGHLIGHTS NOTES
Highlights
Summary
In this video, Sandy Ingram discusses the promising economic outlook for Vietnam, emphasizing the significant growth expected in 2025. The discussion highlights Vietnam’s strategic shift from an export-reliant economy to one focused more on domestic consumption and infrastructure development. Ingram points out that government initiatives aimed at bolstering consumer confidence and enhancing infrastructure are critical drivers of this growth. Furthermore, the recovery of the real estate market and increasing retail sales are positioned as key indicators of economic health. The video also addresses potential external challenges, such as geopolitical tensions and the risk of a U.S. economic slowdown, while maintaining an optimistic tone about Vietnam’s ability to adapt and thrive in the global economic landscape. Ingram encourages investors to explore opportunities in various sectors, particularly as Vietnam’s middle class expands and disposable incomes rise.
- 📈 Vietnam’s Economic Growth: Experts predict Vietnam’s economy will grow between 6.2% and over 8% in 2025, with the government targeting at least 8% growth.
- 🏗️ Infrastructure Investment: The Vietnamese government’s commitment to infrastructure spending is set to stimulate long-term economic growth and improve competitiveness.
- 🏡 Real Estate Market Recovery: The resurgence of the real estate market is a crucial element in boosting consumer confidence and spending.
- 🌍 Domestic Consumption Focus: Vietnam is shifting its economic focus from exports to domestic consumption, fostering a more resilient economy.
- 💼 Investment Opportunities: Sectors such as real estate, banking, consumer goods, and technology present promising investment opportunities due to attractive market valuations.
- 👥 Growing Middle Class: The expansion of Vietnam’s middle class and rising disposable incomes create demand for a wide range of consumer goods and services.
- ⚠️ External Challenges: Although there are potential risks from global political instability and economic slowdowns, Vietnam’s proactive government policies offer a buffer against these challenges.
Key Insights
📊 Vietnam’s Economic Strategy: The Vietnamese government is strategically moving away from dependence on exports to cultivate a more self-sustaining economy. This shift is expected to lead to more robust domestic consumption, which is essential for long-term economic stability. By prioritizing internal markets, Vietnam aims to reduce vulnerability to external shocks, such as trade wars or global economic downturns.
🏢 Government Initiatives for Growth: The government’s proactive approach in increasing spending on infrastructure has far-reaching implications. By investing in new highways, airports, and ports, Vietnam is not only enhancing its logistical capabilities but also making the country more attractive to foreign investors. Such infrastructure projects are integral to supporting high-tech industries and fostering innovation, which is vital for economic progression.
💵 Consumer Confidence and Spending: The recovery of the real estate market is a pivotal factor in boosting consumer confidence. As people feel more secure in their investments and job prospects, spending is likely to rise. The predicted retail sales growth of around 6% in 2024 signifies that consumers are ready to engage more actively in the economy, which will further stimulate growth across various sectors.
🏦 Real Estate as an Economic Indicator: The health of the real estate market acts as a barometer for overall economic well-being. With accelerated project approvals and government support, the real estate market’s recovery not only encourages construction-related employment but also enhances demand for materials, creating a ripple effect throughout the economy.
🌐 Geopolitical Resilience: Vietnam’s ability to navigate external challenges, such as the U.S.-China trade war and global economic fluctuations, is commendable. The country’s diversified economy, solid fundamentals, and proactive government measures provide a safety net against potential downturns. This adaptability is essential for maintaining economic growth amidst uncertainties.
🎯 Investment Landscape: The Vietnamese stock market is becoming increasingly attractive to investors, particularly in sectors poised for growth. With a growing middle class and rising incomes, sectors like retail, health care, education, and entertainment stand to benefit significantly. Investors are encouraged to capitalize on these opportunities as Vietnam’s economic landscape evolves.
🔄 Long-term Economic Vision: Despite facing external pressures, Vietnam’s long-term growth strategies appear sound. The government’s commitment to fostering a competitive, efficient economy is evident through its infrastructure plans and efforts to support emerging industries. By focusing on domestic growth and resilience, Vietnam is positioning itself as a favorable destination for investment and economic development.
In conclusion, Vietnam’s economic prospects for 2025 are filled with potential, driven by a combination of strategic governmental policies, recovering key markets, and a burgeoning middle class. This multifaceted approach not only prepares Vietnam to meet the challenges posed by external factors but also sets a solid foundation for sustainable growth and investment opportunities in the coming years.
Iraq: Full security of common border with Iran, 1 JAN
Iraq: Full security of common border with Iran
INA - BAGHDAD
The Border Guard Command announced, on Tuesday, the full security of the common border with Iran.
"The common border areas with Iran have been fully covered and any smuggling or border violations have been prevented. The Iraqi Border Guards are ready to cooperate with the Border Guards of the Islamic Republic of Iran to ensure the protection of the border and facilitate the movement of visitors during the days of the Arbaeen commemoration of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him)," said the Border Guard Commander, Lieutenant General Muhammed Abdul Wahab Sikar, during his meeting with the Border Guard Commanders of the Islamic Republic of Iran, according to a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.
This meeting, attended by the Border Guard Commanders from the provinces of Kermanshah, West Azerbaijan, Khuzestan, Kurdistan, and Ilam, aims to "enhance the level of cooperation, study border and security issues between the two countries, and protect the common border.
In turn, the commander of the Iranian Border Guards, Major General Ahmad Ali Goudarzi, explained that "the border guards of Iran and Iraq work side by side to ensure the security of the people of the two countries."
Goudarzi pointed out "the good cooperation and excellent border relations between the border guards of Iran and Iraq," noting that "Iran has 1609 kilometers of common border with Iraq, and this common and wide border is monitored and managed well thanks to the excellent relations and cooperation between the border guards of the two countries."
EXCERPTS FROM MARKZ, 1 JAN
EXCERPTS FROM MARKZ
MZ: What I am getting from my bond contacts ….I spoke to two who say they will settle their bond contracts between the 2nd and 9th of January. They expect to have money in hand before the 9th.
Member: I think notifications this week- Wednesday night into Thursday morning!!!!!
Closing The Dollar Selling Platform...An American Directive That Raises Concerns About Market Stability And Rising Prices, 5 JAN
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