Coffee with MarkZ and Zester. 05/19/2025

 Coffee with MarkZ and Zester. 05/19/2025

Some highlights by PDK-Not verbatim

MarkZ Disclaimer: Please consider everything on this call as my opinion. People who take notes do not catch everything and its best to watch the video so that you get everything in context.  Be sure to consult a professional for any financial decisions

There were some technical difficulties with Rumble this morning. 

Member: Hi Zester, Mark and all the gang

Zester: Good Morning….Hope everyone is having a amazing start to the week. 

Zester: I have a short video update to play for you from pops. This was recorded at 9 AM. 

Member: I saw a video that the Vietnamese dong has been officially revalued? Is it true?

Zester: It has not been confirmed…..lets see if pops mentions this on his update video

Prerecorded update from MZ:

MZ: Good morning all. There are some interesting articles out of Iraq. The links will be available at the originalmarkz.com

Mod: MARKZ DAILY LINKS: https://theoriginalmarkz.com/home/

MZ: on the bond side – I have 3 contacts who say their funds have originated and are expecting them Wed. or Thurs. 

MZ: Not enough information this weekend to give us a clue on timing. 

MZ: this weekend was the Baghdad summit and they have made lots of deals. Someone from Nato is meeting with Sudani and they are looking at Iraq like they are truly international. They just need the last of the restrictions removes so they have a fully international currency. 

MZ: One of the articles says they are outlawing militias. Parliament is working on the Popular mobilization law which folds the militias that fought against Isis into and under control of the Iraqi military. 

MZ: I was told this was a sticking point with the Trump Administration and also with the Chinese elders to make sure Iraq was secure before they pull the trigger to change the rates. This is one of the last security issues that was needed…..I was told. 

MZ: Seems like everything we needed is finally coming into fruition. .

MZ: Enjoy your time with Zester and I will try to stop in tomorrow.  

Member: Wasn’t May 17 supposed to be an announcement or important for some reason?

Member: That is when the Arab summit started in Iraq. Still going I believe. 

Zester: IMO rv will happen when we least expect it. 

Member: I’m always expecting it, every moment of every day! Can’t help it at this point. All my decisions are based on it.

Member: Thanks for being our DJ this morning Zester! You’re great!

Member: God Bless and have a wonderful day. 

Mod: JUST SO YOU KNOW> > >THERE IS NO PODCAST TONIGHT> > SO SWEET DREAMS TO YOU!!!

Mod: Mark's next travel schedule. He leaves on May 17th (which is Mark's dad 80th B-Day) and comes back on May 21st. Zester will host the podcast when Mark is gone. Mark will pop in when he can.

MarkZ: There is quite a bit of news mentioning parity , zeros dropping and possibly 1 to 1 rates

 

Al-Sudani: Iraq to strengthen NATO coordination, host next dialogue

 Shafaq News/ On Monday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met in Baghdad with the new Commander of the NATO Mission in Iraq, Christophe Hintzy, pledging stronger cooperation with the alliance.

According to a statement from the PM’s Office, the meeting marked the departure of Lt. Gen. Lucas Schreurs, whom al-Sudani thanked for his leadership and contributions to NATO’s advisory efforts in Iraq.

Al-Sudani emphasized the need to strengthen joint coordination, referencing progress made during last year’s High-Level Dialogue in Brussels. He announced that Iraq will host the next round of discussions in Baghdad and instructed government institutions to fully support NATO’s mission, 

aiming to bolster its “advisory role” and institutional partnership.

Schreurs, in turn, praised Baghdad for successfully hosting the Arab League Summit, highlighting advancements in infrastructure and economic development that contribute to regional stability.

He further reiterated NATO’s commitment to supporting Iraq through training, technical assistance, and strategic guidance.

TIDBIT FROM FRANK26

 Frank26  

Enough is enough.  They know.  You know.  All the conventions and committees that are occurring especially in the Middle East, they know. 

 The whole group that's coming from Iraq over to Washington DC, they know.  You know.  You know who really knows? 

 Iran.  That was the problem from day 1...Long before you got interested in the Iraq dinar it's been Iran. That has been the sore thorn in the side of Iraq's economy..

DINAR REVALUATION : BLACK MARKET IN IRAQ IN TROUBLE!! @DINARREVALUATION #iraqidinar #iraq

 

Strengthening bonds: Iraq, Libya discuss cooperation

Shafaq News/ On Monday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Libyan Presidential Council President Mohamed al-Menfi held a phone call to discuss bilateral relations, al-Sudani’s office announced.

The two leaders exchanged views on regional developments and discussed strengthening coordination in security and economic fields.

Al-Sudani reaffirmed Iraq’s support for Arab integration, describing the recent Baghdad summit as a key step toward launching joint regional initiatives.

“Iraq views joint action as essential to addressing shared political and security challenges,” he stated.

WHAT RECENT MEASURES IRAQ HAS TAKEN TO REINFORCE THE VALUE OF THE IRAQI DINAR?

 WHAT RECENT MEASURES IRAQ HAS TAKEN TO REINFORCE THE VALUE OF THE IRAQI DINAR?

Iraq has implemented a series of strategic measures in 2025 to strengthen the value of the Iraqi dinar (IQD), improve economic stability and reduce dependence on the US dollar. Below are the key actions taken by the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) and the Iraqi government:

🏦 Measures of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI)

1-Reforms in the exchange market and liquidity control

2-The CBI has increased the monetary policy rate from 4% to 7.5% and raised the reserve requirement ratio from 15% to 18%. These actions seek to reduce excessive liquidity and control inflation, thus strengthening the dinar against foreign currencies.

3-Digitization of payments and transition to a cashless economy

4-Digital Payments Regulation No. 2 of 2024 has been implemented, promoting the use of electronic payment systems such as POS cards and digital wallets. This strategy seeks to channel liquidity into official channels, reducing the size of the parallel dollar market and increasing confidence in the dinar.

5-Exploring a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)

The CBI has announced plans to launch a digital version of the dinar, aligning with global financial digitalization trends. This transition aims to improve payment efficiency and reduce the risk of counterfeiting.

6-Strengthening international reserves

Iraq's gold reserves increased by 45.1% in the last quarter of 2024, reaching 17.83 trillion dinars. This increase contributes to economic stability and provides additional support to the dinar.

💼 Measures of the Iraqi government

1-Tax and customs reforms

2-The implementation of the ASYCUDA system has allowed a significant increase in customs revenues, with an increase of more than 59 billion dinars. This improvement in tax collection contributes to greater economic stability and reduces the need for external financing.

3-Dedollarization and strengthening of the local currency

Since January 2024, the CBI has banned cash dollar transactions, promoting the use of the local currency in daily transactions. Additionally, electronic platforms have been established to regulate international transfers, increasing transparency and reducing the risk of illicit activities.

4-Collaboration with international institutions

Iraq has resumed negotiations to join the World Trade Organization (WTO), which could facilitate access to international markets and improve confidence in the Iraqi economy.

📈 Observed results

-The exchange rate of the dinar against the dollar has improved, going from 147,750 to 145,950 dinars per dollar, reflecting greater stability in the foreign exchange market.

-Annual inflation has remained below 3%, indicating an effective and controlled monetary policy.

-Public confidence in the financial system has increased, with greater use of electronic channels for transactions and payments.

These measures reflect Iraq's commitment to the modernization of its economy and the stability of its currency.

 Although challenges remain, the reforms implemented to date have shown positive results in terms of strengthening the dinar and economic stability.