FRANK26: "TRUMP, PANAMA CANAL - SUDANI, AL FAW GRAND PORT.", 19 MARCH

 KTFA

FRANK26: "TRUMP, PANAMA CANAL - SUDANI, AL FAW GRAND PORT."......F26

Al-Faw Grand Port’s first phase to be completed by end of 2025

 

A container ship moored to a berth at the Al-Faw Grand Port, Photo: PMO

3/17/2025

 

Baghdad –

 

The Iraqi Minister of Transport, Razzaq Al-Saadawi, revealed that the first phase of the Al-Faw Grand Port will be completed by the end of 2025.

Expected to be the biggest seaport in the Middle East, Iraq’s Al-Faw Grand Port stands out due to its open-sea setting, which spans 54 square kilometers, according to Al-Saadawi.

The first phase of the project consists of five piers, which have been completely finished; a 62-kilometer road that connects the Al-Faw Grand Port to Umm Qasr port city; a 2,400-meter-long submerged tunnel; a ship canal; and a container yard, the Iraqi News Agency (INA) reported.

As part of a field tour conducted last November to review the progress made in major projects of the southern Iraqi port, the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, inaugurated the port’s first five container berths.

Al-Sudani reviewed the port’s major projects, including the container yard and the underwater tunnel, which is one of the important parts of Iraq’s Development Road.

The underwater tunnel being built under the Khor Al-Zubair Channel forms part of the new highway being built to link the Al-Faw Grand Port to Umm Qasr Port and the existing transport network, including Iraq’s Development Road.

The Al-Faw Grand Port is located on the Khor Abdallah Channel, near the mouth of Shatt Al-Arab.

According to Maritime Gateway News, the five container shipping berths, which have been constructed by Daewoo E&C, a company located in South Korea, can each hold ships up to 23,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU).

With 100 berths and the capacity to handle 7.5 million TEU annually, the Al-Faw Grand Port is expected to surpass Dubai’s 67-berth Jebel Ali as the largest container port in the Middle East when finished in 2038.

Four million TEU of containers may be handled annually by the port’s first phase, which is anticipated to be finished in 2028.

By connecting the port city of Basra to Turkey via an overland route, the $7 billion logistics project will compete with Egypt’s Suez Canal and establish Basra as a gateway to Europe.

The lofty project, which aims to connect Asia and Europe through gas and oil pipelines, rail networks, and road networks, includes the 2.4-kilometer underwater tunnel as a key component.

 

LINK

 

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Sisi: Suez Canal revenue losses amounted to $800 million due to the situation in the region.

3/18/2025

 

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said that the Suez Canal revenue losses amounted to $800 million due to the situation in the region.

El-Sisi pointed to the difficult circumstances facing the world and the Middle East, explaining that Egypt has managed to move forward with steady, measured steps despite the challenges it has faced over the past fifteen years, including the economic crises that have also affected the world. The country is incurring monthly losses estimated at approximately $800 million in Suez Canal revenue due to the situation in the region.

In contrast, Sisi affirmed that the Egyptian economy is witnessing positive indicators, pointing to the International Monetary Fund's recent approval of a new tranche of aid to Egypt. He also praised the role and cohesion of the Egyptian people and the strength of state institutions, particularly the armed forces and the civil police, as they represent the country's cornerstone in these exceptional times.

LINK

BRUCE HIGHLIGHTS, 19 MARCH

 Tues. 18 March 2025 Bruce

• From today 18 Tues. March until 5 am on Thurs. 20 March we could get our appointments to exchange.

• Any time from Wed. 26 to Fri. 28 March the public should get access to the Med Beds

• If you have a dire need and/or are a Zim Holder  you could get early access to the Med Beds at your Redemption Center exchange.

• Three different sources appeared to be in align with each other that we should be notified tomorrow Wed. 19 March, with the 800s coming from Wells Fargo and set our appointments for Thurs. 20 March.

• Most Redemption Centers will be going for two weeks.

FRANK26….3-18-25…….TRUMP CARD

FRANK26: "THE THEME IN IRAQ IS SECURITY & STABILITY & WE KNOW WHAT ITS FOR.", 19 MARCH

 KTFA

FRANK26: "THE THEME IN IRAQ IS SECURITY & STABILITY & WE KNOW WHAT ITS FOR.".......F26

Iraq adopts a balanced foreign policy to enhance internal stability amid regional tensions.

3/18/2025

Mazhar Mohammed Salih, the Prime Minister's economic advisor, confirmed today, Tuesday, that Iraq is pursuing a rational foreign policy to confront regional geopolitical tensions and their economic impacts.

 

Saleh added in an interview with Al Furat News Agency that "Iraq is committed to implementing sound fiscal and monetary policies, as defined by the government program, which focus on economic and social reforms to ensure internal stability." 
Saleh stressed the importance of adopting a balanced diplomatic approach that contributes to mitigating the impact of regional tensions on Iraq, while strengthening diplomatic and regional relations.
He stressed that "Iraqi foreign policy ensures non-alignment with any regional party that might negatively impact the country's stability, while strengthening economic cooperation with neighboring countries to secure energy and food supplies and joint trade." 
 

From.. Raghad 

LINK

SANDYINGRAM : Iraq IMF | World Bank | Rate & New Fears Facing the Iraqi People, 19 MARCH

 SANDYINGRAM : Iraq IMF | World Bank | Rate & New Fears Facing the Iraqi People

Highlights

Summary

The latest video update focuses on Iraq’s economic status, detailing recent meetings involving key financial leaders such as Finance Minister Ty Sami and representatives from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). These discussions centered around job creation, infrastructure development, and reducing Iraq’s dependency on oil. They also underscored a projected GDP growth driven predominantly by agriculture and public spending. However, there are concerns regarding the potential decline of U.S. support as the Trump Administration redirects attention to other global issues, raising fears of increased instability in Iraq. The Iraqi dinar’s exchange rate fluctuated, seeing a slight increase recently. The ongoing efforts by Iraq’s government to secure foreign investments and manage public debt point to the country’s attempts to foster a more stable economic environment amidst these challenges.

• 🌍 Key Meetings: Finance Minister Ty Sami engages with World Bank representatives to discuss Iraq’s economic growth projects.
• 📈 GDP Projections: IMF forecasts a 5% growth in Iraq’s non-oil GDP for 2024, driven mainly by agriculture and public spending.
• 🚨 US Support Concerns: Iraq fears reduced U.S. military and financial support due to shifting priorities towards Europe and the Middle East.
• 📉 Risks of Withdrawal: Concerns about military withdrawal leading to a resurgence of ISIS and increased Iranian influence in the region.
• 💵 IQD Exchange Rate Fluctuations: The official exchange rate for the Iraqi dinar rose to 1310 against the USD, signaling market volatility.
• 🔄 Economic Reforms Needed: Emphasis on modernizing banking systems to attract foreign investments and reduce oil dependency.
• ⏳ Extended Defense Timeline: Baghdad seeks to extend U.S. military support to secure against potential threats from internal and external forces.

Key Insights

• 🌟 International Collaboration: The engagement with the World Bank and IMF signifies a crucial step for Iraq in accessing funding for development projects. The discussions are not merely bureaucratic; they indicate a serious commitment to enhancing Iraq’s infrastructure and job market. The idea of having a “huge line of credit” available underscores the potential for substantial investment that could provide much-needed stability in a war-torn economy.

• 📊 Focus on Growth Sectors: The projected GDP growth driven by agriculture and public spending points to strategic sectors being targeted for development. Agriculture not only ensures food security but also creates jobs, while public spending can stimulate various industries, indicating a shift toward a more diversified economic approach. This focus may help reduce Iraq’s long-standing reliance on oil revenue, which has historically subjected its economy to fluctuations in global oil prices.

• 🗺️ Geopolitical Risks: U.S. disengagement poses considerable risks for Iraq as it may undermine the progress made in stabilizing the region. The fears related to a potential resurgence of ISIS highlight an enduring threat to security that transcends military presence; the socio-political dynamics in Iraq require deep understanding and ongoing international support.

• 🌐 Iranian Influence: As U.S. resources shift, the growing influence of Iran in Iraq remains a critical concern. The presence of Iranian-backed militias might disrupt delicate political processes and exacerbate sectarian tensions. Iraq is caught in a tense geopolitical landscape where both internal and external players have substantial stakes, complicating its pursuit of sovereignty and stability .

• 💵 Exchange Rate Stability: The fluctuation of the IQD against the USD, especially the rise back to 1310, reflects ongoing volatility in the financial markets. This instability can have direct implications for the Iraqi populace, affecting purchasing power and overall economic sentiment. Understanding the dynamics of both official and parallel market rates is essential for grasping the economic realities faced by everyday Iraqis.

• 🏦 Need for Banking Reforms: Revamping the banking system is not just about attracting foreign investment; it’s also about restoring confidence within the local economy. Modernizing financial institutions could streamline operations, increase efficiency, and foster a climate conducive to growth. Enhanced banking services can also play a pivotal role in facilitating better management of public debt.

• ⏳ Military Assistance and Domestic Security: Iraq’s appeal for a longer timeline in U.S. military support underscores the fragility of its current security environment. Gaining time may allow Baghdad to strengthen its defenses against potential insurgencies and mitigate the expanding impact of Iranian influence. The Iraqi government is faced with the complex task of balancing its security needs with a desire for more independence in governance.

Conclusion

The economic landscape in Iraq is fraught with complexities, combining fiscal challenges, geopolitical risks, and the need for systemic reforms. The interactions among the country’s financial leadership and global institutions indicate a proactive approach to addressing these challenges. 

However, with changing international priorities, particularly regarding U.S. military and financial support, Iraq’s future stability hangs in the balance. The nation’s commitment to economic diversification, infrastructure development, and managing external threats will be crucial in navigating a path toward sustainable growth and security.

 The ongoing updates will serve as critical touchpoints for understanding Iraq’s evolving economic and political situation as it seeks to assert its independence while relying on international partnerships for growth.

MNT GOAT: "SHRINKING THE PARALLEL MARKET", MY CBI CONTACT TOLD US THAT THIS HAD TO HAPPEN #iqd

 

The Iraqi Economy: Challenges And Opportunities In Light Of Global Financial Transformations, 19 MARCH

 The Iraqi Economy: Challenges And Opportunities In Light Of Global Financial Transformations

Time: 2025/03/17  Read: 2,790 times  {Economic: Al Furat News} Mazhar Mohammed Saleh, the economic advisor to the Prime Minister, confirmed today, Monday, that the government is working seriously to reduce reliance on the US dollar in domestic trade and promote the use of the Iraqi dinar in financial transactions.

Speaking to Al Furat News Agency, Saleh highlighted "the importance of continued cooperation with the international financial community to alleviate external burdens and restrictions on foreign currency transfers."

He pointed out that "this approach reflects Iraq's strategy to combat foreign currency smuggling, by strengthening cooperation with international financial institutions to monitor illicit money flows. This contributes to the stability of the national economy and supports Iraq's ability to overcome global financial challenges."  LINK