Iraq and Australia discuss cooperation in construction and reconstruction projects
Baghdad /NINA/ -The Head of the Asia and Australia Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hamid Al-Jubouri, discussed with the Australian Ambassador to Baghdad, Glen Miles, cooperation with Australian companies in construction and reconstruction projects inside Iraq.
A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Al-Jubouri met with the Australian Ambassador at the Ministry's headquarters and during the meeting, they discussed relations between the two countries and ways to enhance and develop them in various fields, in a way that contributes to achieving common interests.
According to the statement, the prospects for joint cooperation with Australian companies in construction and reconstruction projects inside Iraq were also discussed.
The meeting also reviewed regional and international developments, with a focus on events related to the developments in Syria and the region. / End
Tony said he is 99.9% sure the RV will happen within two days. There is a meeting going on right now discussing when to release the authorization codes.
Tony was told that Tuesday or Wednesday the RV will start for us. The RV will be on Forex this Friday for the general public
Shafaq News / An informed source said on Monday that the commander of the Iranian Quds Force, Ismail Qaani, delivered a message to Baghdad, during his quick visit to it, that his country does not want to be part of the war, and that it does not reserve any decision on the Iraqi armed factions, while informing the factions of the need to abide by the decisions of the Iraqi government.
The source told Shafaq News that “the visit of the commander of the Iranian Quds Force Ismail Qaani to Baghdad took a few hours, during which he met Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, and discussed with him the developments in the region.”
He added that “Qaani assured Al-Sudani that Tehran does not want to be part of the conflict and war, as well as Baghdad does not want that, and stressed Iran’s no reservation on any decision regarding the future of the armed factions in Iraq.”
He added that “Qaani also met with the leaders of the armed factions and discussed the developments of the security situation in the region, especially what happened in Syria and the impact of this on the forces of the resistance axis, and stressed the leaders of the armed factions to stand during the current stage, behind the Iraqi government and abide by the decisions issued by it.”
It is noteworthy that a source revealed yesterday, Sunday, to Shafaq News Agency, that the arrival of the commander of the Quds Force in the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, Ismail Qaani, in the capital Baghdad on a “secret” visit during which he met with a number of leaders of Iraqi armed factions and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani.
The source said at the time that “Qaani arrived in Baghdad on an unannounced visit and met alone with some of the leaders of the factions affiliated with the Popular Mobilization, and it is scheduled to hold an extensive meeting in the coming hours with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, the forces of the Coordination Framework and the head of the Mobilization Commission.”
He pointed out that “During its meetings with Iraqi officials, Qaani will discuss a number of files, including restructuring and legalizing the weapon of armed factions and disengaging each other, and may adopt ways and mechanisms to turn some of those factions into political forces or fronts.”
On Sunday, the media office of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani announced that the latter intends to make an official visit to Iran next Wednesday of this week.
The office said in a statement in response to Shafak News Agency, “the visit will include discussing bilateral relations between the two countries, and ways to strengthen them, in light of what was achieved during the visit of Iranian President Massoud Bazhkian to Baghdad in September last year, as well as the developments in the region.”
Al-Sudani had made many visits to the countries of the region after the fall of the regime of Bashar al-Assad, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, where he discussed with the leaders of these countries security issues. Iraq also participated in the Aqaba conference held in Jordan, with the participation of several countries, including the United States.
DINAR REVALUATION UPDATE: RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BANKING SYSTEM OF IRAQ
Highlights
🌍 International Partnerships: Iraqi banks are beginning partnerships with international auditing firms to enhance credibility.
📈 Transparency Boost: Increased transparency is expected to attract foreign investment, crucial for economic growth.
💱 Financial Guarantees: With international collaboration, Iraqi banks can offer financial guarantees, facilitating international transactions.
⚡ Instant Transfers: Improved banking relationships pave the way for instant money transfers, enhancing efficiency for businesses and individuals.
🏦 Regulatory Improvements: This shift may lead to broader regulatory improvements across the entire Iraqi banking sector.
💵 Dollar Dependence: The video highlights Iraq’s ongoing reliance on US dollars for international transactions and remittances.
🔄
Future Currency Changes: Preparations for potential changes to the Iraqi dinar’s status as a tradable currency are underway.
Key Insights
🔍 Building Trust Through Auditing: The partnership between Iraqi banks and international auditing firms is a critical step towards establishing trust. Historically, the Iraqi banking sector has struggled with transparency, which has deterred foreign investment. By collaborating with reputable auditors, Iraqi banks can demonstrate compliance with international standards, thereby reassuring potential investors of their financial integrity. This transparency is essential for building a credible banking environment that encourages local and foreign businesses to engage with the Iraqi market.
🏗️ Attracting Foreign Investment: The video posits that improved auditing and transparency could open the doors for foreign investment into Iraq. When banks show they adhere to best practices and international regulations, they present a more appealing investment opportunity. This influx of foreign capital could stimulate economic growth, enabling Iraqi businesses to expand and innovate, which is particularly crucial for a country looking to recover from years of economic turmoil.
🌐 Enabling International Transactions: The introduction of international correspondence and financial guarantees means that Iraqi banks will be better positioned to facilitate cross-border transactions. This change is not only about compliance but also about operational efficiency. As banks establish effective communication channels with international counterparts, they can streamline processes, making it easier for businesses to conduct transactions globally.
This is particularly advantageous for Iraqi businesses looking to export goods and services.
⚡ Speed of Transactions: The focus on instant transfers is a game-changer for both individuals and businesses in Iraq. In today’s fast-paced financial environment, the ability to conduct transactions swiftly is paramount. By improving relationships with international banks, Iraqi banks can offer quicker transaction services, which is essential for maintaining competitiveness in a global market. This speed can significantly benefit businesses that rely on timely payments and cash flow management.
📊 Economic Stability and Job Creation: As Iraqi banks grow and attract international customers, the potential for job creation increases. More robust banking operations can lead to the hiring of additional staff, contributing to economic stability in the region. This job creation is not just about filling positions; it represents an opportunity for skill development and workforce enhancement in a country that has seen significant economic challenges.
🔄 Currency Independence: The video touches on the ongoing dollar auctions and Iraq’s dependence on US dollars. However, the shift towards allowing banks to process transactions directly signals preparation for a future where the Iraqi dinar could become more independent and possibly tradable. This independence would reduce reliance on the dollar and potentially strengthen the dinar’s position in international markets, which could have profound implications for the country’s economic landscape.
📉 Monitoring Future Changes: The video emphasizes the importance of closely monitoring any changes to the Iraqi dinar’s exchange rate and its broader implications. Stakeholders—including individuals, businesses, and financial institutions—will need to stay informed about these developments. This awareness is crucial as any fluctuations in currency values can significantly impact remittances, foreign exchange rates, and overall economic stability.
The British platform The B1M, renowned for its focus on the construction sector, has ranked two major Iraqi projects—the Central Bank Tower in Baghdad and the Grand Faw Port in Basra—among the world’s most significant mega-projects for 2025.
According to the B1M’s report, the Central Bank Tower secured the 11th position, while the Grand Faw Port claimed the 10th.
This ranking underscores Iraq’s impressive progress in the fields of architecture and infrastructure on the global stage.
TheB1M is recognized as one of the leading channels specializing in the coverage of large-scale construction projects, technological innovations, and emerging trends such as sustainability and smart cities, offering in-depth insights into the ongoing transformations in the global infrastructure sector.