THE GOVERNOR OF THE CENTRAL BANK, ALI AL-ALAQ, CONFIRMED THAT JOINT-STOCK COMPANIES CONSTITUTE ONLY 2% OF THE VALUE OF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT IN IRAQ
The Governor of the Central Bank, Ali Al-Alaq, confirmed that joint-stock companies constitute only 2% of the value of the gross domestic product in Iraq, while revealing the reason for the weak size of citizens’ deposits in banks.
Al-Alaq said during the opening and introduction of the International Center for Finance and Trade in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, which was followed by (Al-Rabia), that “financial centers are economic levers and need modern financial infrastructure and technologies,” noting “the importance of financial centers in stimulating the economy and attracting investments, which requires developing the financial infrastructure to keep pace with global changes.”
He pointed out that “these centers focus on the most important engines of the economy,” stressing that “countries that have such centers have been able to achieve great achievements, as financial centers play a major role in stimulating and organizing the economy, as proven by reality, experience, numbers and data.”
He stressed that “the financial aspect in Iraq needs more vitality and innovation to harness resources towards growth and construction,” noting that “there is a huge amount of money inside the country, but it is not invested in the best way, as it is isolated from economic activity or hoarded without real benefit.”
He stressed that “this is a fundamental issue that requires thought, initiatives and innovations to invest this money to serve growth and employment,” noting that “the best way to attract and mobilize this money is to establish joint-stock companies that attract scattered capital, no matter how small its amounts are.” He pointed out that “Iraq suffers from a significant shortage” in joint-stock companies, as their contribution to the GDP is only 2% of the GDP, which is the lowest percentage in the region compared to the Middle East and North Africa countries, where the percentage reaches 55%, while in developed countries it ranges between 80% and 90%, which requires new ideas and centers capable of moving this field.”
The governor stressed that “Iraq has huge investment opportunities that can be exploited through partnerships between various capabilities, especially the available financial capabilities, but they do not find a clear scope for investment, which calls for a major role for financial centers in moving and establishing joint-stock companies in profitable strategic sectors.”
He also pointed to the weak volume of citizens’ deposits in banks, explaining that “the reason is not only due to lack of trust, but also to the availability of other investment opportunities that achieve greater returns than bank interest, as anyone can now invest their money through digital platforms and contribute to global projects without having to rely on traditional bank returns.”
The governor of the Central Bank provided an example of developments in digital investment, noting that “some The platforms allow a group of people to participate in purchasing real estate in global cities such as London, where investment is based on the highest potential returns globally.
He noted that “the world is witnessing a financial revolution supported by technology and artificial intelligence, which will lead to major transformations in the nature of economic activity,” noting that “the 10 largest companies in the world currently belong to the technology and communications sector, outperforming oil and traditional industry companies, as their market value ranges between 2-3 trillion dollars,” stressing that “banks in the near future will transform into fully smart electronic platforms, which will radically change the way financial and investment transactions are conducted.”
He stressed the “necessity of transforming financial centers into strong economic levers, so that they play a fundamental role in attracting investments, regulating financial flows, and benefiting from modern technologies,” indicating that “this center has a major task ahead of it to move in these directions.” The Central Bank reveals the reason for the weakness of citizens’ deposits in banks: The money is huge.