Information / Baghdad.. British oil company Shell announced today, Wednesday, its readiness to increase its investments in Iraq.
A statement from the office of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani received by Al-Maalouma Agency stated that “Al-Sudani received today, Wednesday, at his residence in the capital, London, the CEO of Shell Oil Company, Wael Sawan.”
He added, “During the meeting, the cooperation between Iraq and the company, which is one of the most important oil, gas and petrochemical companies in the world, was discussed, especially since the government announced many investment opportunities in these sectors.”
According to the statement, the company’s CEO announced “readiness to increase investments in Iraq, especially in the field of associated gas, in addition to investing in the free gas sector, for which the government has launched a licensing round to invest in several areas of Iraq.”
There is the schedule for also Sunday voting
They will vote on the budget law only for article 2 which is for Iraq oil revenueNot article 12 (which is HCL for Kurdistan)
Look at the four pictures
I told you no more voting on article 12 for Kurdistan HCL because it was approved December 5, 2024
Iraq is facing financial and economic challenges caused by the decline in oil prices in recent months, while the Ministry of Finance confirms that it has no shortage of liquidity and that it is securing salaries for the current year despite the delay in their payment in the last month of 2024.
Parliament recently hosted Finance Minister Taif Sami to discuss a number of economic issues. After the meeting, Finance Committee Chairman Atwan Al-Atwani said that there were no concerns regarding salaries even if oil prices fell to $50 per barrel.
Former and current MPs believe that the financial crisis exists and has prompted the state to take measures to ease financial obligations towards employees by halting transfers and assignments between ministries, as they require adding new financial allocations.
In this regard, former MP Mohammed Al-Shabaki confirms that Iraq is suffering from a financial crisis, the repercussions of which have been reflected in a series of government decisions.
Al-Shabaki said in an interview with Al-Maalouma Agency, "Iraq's financial situation does not bode well, because all revenues come from the sale of oil and one commodity, and this country will certainly suffer an economic crisis if oil and energy prices fall," indicating that "the financial budget for the year 2025 will be financed by a full deficit according to revenues amounting to 137 trillion dinars and spending of about 159 trillion."
He added, "Diversifying imports is necessary to overcome the current crisis, and there must also be a political decision to streamline some spending units and eliminate financial waste and the like," indicating that "the crisis appeared clearly when the Ministry of Finance announced that there would be no appointments this year and the cancellation of sending a proposal to amend the employee salary scale law to Parliament due to the financial obligations resulting from it, in addition to stopping the transfer and appointment processes because they require adding financial allocations to some ministries."
For its part, the State of Law Coalition warned, on Wednesday, of attempts to create a financial crisis in Iraq through rumors about the salaries of employees and retirees, stressing that the current situation is good and salaries are secured for the current year.
Coalition member Imran Karkoush explained in an interview with Al-Maalouma Agency, "The issue of the financial crisis is not at the level that is being talked about. Compensation, allowances, and delayed entitlements have been paid to employees of some ministries and retirees, and the state is in a good position." He indicated that "what is being rumored are attempts to create a new crisis in Iraq, and at this moment there is no such problem, and the situation requires more reassurances from the state and government to the Iraqi public opinion and not to allow a crisis to occur there."
He believes that "the situation in the region is moving towards a kind of stability, especially with the approaching cessation of the Zionist aggression on Gaza and reaching an agreement to end the war. Iraq also has good understandings with countries, in addition to the stability of oil prices," stressing that "there are no major concerns and the Ministry of Finance confirms that salaries are secured for the current year 2025."
Parliament is scheduled to vote on the 2025 general budget next Sunday after extensive discussions and debate during the past period, while representatives and experts confirm that the budget deficit will be greater than its predecessors and warned of a widening gap between imports and government spending.
Mawazine News – Baghdad The head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, confirmed today, Tuesday, Iraq’s keenness to involve American companies in the field of infrastructure, housing and banking projects, while the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Middle Eastern Affairs, Victoria Taylor, praised Iraq’s pivotal role in the region.
To receive more news, subscribe to our channel on Telegram. Al-Maliki’s office said in a statement received by “Mawazine News”: “The head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, received in his office today, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Middle Eastern Affairs, Victoria Taylor,” indicating that “many issues of common interest were discussed during the meeting, most notably strengthening bilateral relations between Iraq and the United States, and prospects for cooperation in various fields.”
Al-Maliki stressed “the importance of the partnership between Iraq and the United States, which contributes to supporting stability and development in the country,” stressing “the necessity that the partnership not be limited to security and military aspects, but rather in all sectors and fields by activating the strategic framework agreement signed by Iraq with the United States in 2008, which includes a large area in the fields of culture, economy, energy, health, environment, information technology and communications, as well as security and defense.” Al-Maliki pointed out that “Iraq continues the process of construction and reconstruction, and is keen to involve American companies in the field of infrastructure, housing and banking projects, as well as energy, industry and other fields, given the great and diverse expertise that American companies possess,” stressing “respect for Iraqi sovereignty and strengthening constructive dialogue to achieve common interests between the two sides.” For her part, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State stressed “the United States’ commitment to supporting Iraq in its efforts to achieve security and stability,” praising “Iraq’s pivotal role in the region and its efforts to enhance regional dialogue and resolve conflicts.”
