Al-Waeli Meets With A UN Delegation And Confirms: Border Crossings Are Undergoing A Broad Digital Transformation Through The Introduction Of Modern Technologies
Thursday, December 18, 2025 | Politics Number of views: 242 Baghdad / NINA / The Head of the Border Ports Authority, Omar Adnan Al-Waeli, received an official delegation from the International Trade Centre (ITC), a United Nations agency based in Switzerland. The delegation was headed by Pierre Bonthoneau, Director of the Trade and Investment Facilitation Division, and included the Director of Trade Facilitation and Digital Transformation Programs and a Trade Policy Advisor. The meeting aimed to enhance cooperation and facilitate international trade.
Al-Waeli provided a detailed explanation of the Authority's work and efforts to maximize non-oil revenues and combat smuggling in all its forms. He emphasized that the Authority is undergoing a significant digital transformation through the introduction of modern technologies, data exchange among relevant stakeholders, the networking of sonar systems at all border crossings, and the activation of cross-border trade according to the TIR system.
Al-Waeli stressed the continued commitment to strengthening security and stability at border crossings, which will positively impact the volume of trade in Iraq and facilitate international trade.
For their part, the delegation members commended the Authority's measures in the areas of governance and electronic oversight, and expressed their admiration for the efforts exerted in combating smuggling and reconstructing border crossings. They affirmed their readiness to provide technical and training support to enhance the Authority's technical capabilities.
This visit reflects the International Trade Centre's interest in strengthening cooperation with the Border Ports Authority, with the aim of improving operational efficiency and promoting stability and economic development. /End https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?Key=1267327
Iraqi Dinar RV Update: Major Banking Reforms, HCL Momentum & White Paper Signals Point to Change
The Iraqi Dinar (IQD) continues to attract global attention as banking reforms, monetary policy shifts, and political developments accelerate inside Iraq. In the latest community discussion with MarkZ, members reviewed progress on the White Paper reforms, the Hydrocarbon Law (HCL), bond updates, and ongoing speculation about RV timing.
While no one can provide exact dates, the signals coming from Iraq’s government and Central Bank strongly suggest that foundational reforms are nearing completion.
MarkZ Disclaimer: Please consider everything on this call as my opinion. People who take notes do not catch everything and it’s best to watch the video so that you get everything in context. Be sure to consult a professional for any financial decisions.
🔍 Key Highlights from the MarkZ Update
🏦 Iraqi Banking & Monetary Reform Progress
According to MarkZ, recent reports confirm that Iraq’s Central Bank has completed major monetary policy reforms covering 2023, 2024, and into 2025. These reforms are designed specifically to:
“They are telling us they have completed this massive reform… and will finish the remaining banking reforms during the rest of this month.” – MarkZ
📊 White Paper Reforms: Checklist Being Completed
Multiple articles discussed during the update align with Iraq’s White Paper Reform agenda, including:
✔ Digital Tax & Customs Systems
Governance of a comprehensive tax system
Tracking customs revenue before FX transactions
Eliminating undocumented cash and backdoor trade
✔ Port & Transportation Digitization
Modern technologies and sonar networking
Tracking boats, planes, trains, and trucks
Improved trade accountability and logistics control
✔ Energy Independence & Regional Integration
Electrical interconnection with Gulf countries
Reduced reliance on Iranian gas imports
Long-term goal: exporting electricity
These steps significantly reduce outside influence and strengthen Iraq’s financial sovereignty.
🌍 De-Iraning Iraq & Geopolitical Shifts
One “feel-good” article highlighted growing international cooperation aimed at restoring Iraq as a sovereign, stable nation, free from militia influence. This geopolitical realignment supports:
A healthier economy
Stronger investor confidence
A credible, internationally accepted currency system
📜 HCL Update: Why It Matters for the RV
Community members raised an important point regarding the Hydrocarbon Law (HCL):
The Iraqi Prime Minister publicly stated the goal is to complete HCL this year
HCL calculations require a functional and credible currency framework
Many believe this means Iraq is not waiting until 2026
While no official confirmation exists, historically, currency reform and revenue-sharing laws move together.
⏳ RV Timing Speculation: January 2025?
MarkZ addressed questions about a possible January 2nd RV window, stating:
“I think it will… but no one knows the timing.”
The logic behind a new-year implementation includes:
Clean accounting cycles
Budget alignment
Completed banking reforms
Still, expectations remain grounded: hopeful, but realistic.
💬 Community Sentiment: Hope, Humor & Perspective
The session reflected a mix of optimism and patience:
“The RV is happening at continental drift speed.”
“A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.”
Holiday wishes and encouragement filled the chat as members acknowledged the long journey.
❓ Q&A – Featured Snippets
Will the Vietnamese Dong RV at the same time as the Iraqi Dinar?
Most observers, including MarkZ, believe they will move together, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Are bond payouts still expected?
Yes. A recent bond update suggests things are processing and moving forward, though it may still take a few days.
Does HCL require a new dinar rate?
Many believe a credible rate must be in place to finalize revenue-sharing calculations, but Iraq has not publicly confirmed this.
Is Iraq using a QFS-style system?
While not officially labeled as QFS, Iraq’s digital banking, tracking, and transparency systems closely resemble what many refer to as QFS principles.
📌 Featured Insight for Google Discover
Iraq has completed most of its banking and monetary reforms under the White Paper agenda, signaling readiness for increased purchasing power of the Iraqi dinar, though timing remains uncertain.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Iraq’s transformation is no longer theoretical—it’s visible, measurable, and documented. While patience is still required, the alignment of banking reform, political will, energy independence, and digital infrastructure paints a compelling picture.
As always, stay informed, remain grounded, and enjoy the journey.
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
Member: Good Morning Mark, Mods and Members
Member: Someone must make a song “All I want for Christmas is the RV”( like two front teeth?)
Member: So will the dong still go at the same time as the dinar?
MZ: Most people believe it will. I still believe that.
Member: Did you speak with Group leaders last night?
MZ: did I speak with a couple? Yes. Did I hear anything fun or new interesting? No.
MZ: I just received a bond update before this podcast and I still have to process it. The jist of it is they still expect it at anytime and things are going well and “processing” but will probably be a few days….I still have to get into the details. I Will let you know this evening if I find anything different.
Member: Mark, do you believe the HCL will be voted in on the 29th by parliament? If so, doesn’t the rate need to be in place to approve those calculations?
Member: the fact that sudani came out an said they want hcl done this year tells me we are not waiting for 2026 to exchange
MZ:
“Monetary Policy Indicators confirm Central Bank first in 2025” This means they have all the access to banking and monetary reform for the years of 2023 to 2025. They are telling us that they have completed…in 23 and 24 and 2025…that they have completed this massive reform that is soley designed to lift the purchasing power of the dinar. They are telling us they will finish the banking reforms during the rest of this month.
MZ: Another one on that theme: “ The Prime Minister chairs a special meeting to follow up on the Implementation of the governance of the comprehensive tax system” This is so they collect their customs ahead and smooths it foreign exchange process for dollars. They no longer have trucks pulling up in the back and not knowing where its going. They are modernizing the banking system. These are all part of the “White Paper Reforms”
Member: all the news on Iraq banking reform sounds like what we call the QFS system
MZ: “ Ports are witnessing a digital transformation after the introduction of modern technologies and sonar networking” So they are tracking everything from boats, to planes to trains to trucks . Again this is on the checklist of the reforms.
MZ: Another feel good article: “ We will make Iraq great again-Joe Wilson and Sayvaya shape the new American role” they are De-Iraning Iraq. Returning Iraq to a sovereign and healthy state without all of the Iran militias.
MZ: “ Electrical interconnection with the gulf is close to operation in Iraq”Another part of the White Paper reforms. They were importing gas from Iran and other countries in the region….this is changing to turkey and others ….and soon they hope to be exporting electricity in the future. This also elps remove Iranian influence.
Member: Mark, do you still think RV will happen around January 2nd?
MZ: I think it will …but no one knows the timing.
Member: I guess starting at the new year is logical….was just really hoping we would all have a special Christmas this year.
Member: On the backside of ForX it shows the dinar at $4.81 ..Some are saying that’s the rate coming forward again as it was in May 2025
Member: that would be a huge miracle for us all.
Member: There is a rumor that Trump to sign national defense authorization act tonight?
Member: MARK Damn My Ducks are definitely not in a row and some have gone missing. and I’m confident that a couple are not even Ducks
Member: The RV is Happening At Continental Drift Speed ...
Member: Iraq isn't helping their own people with slow roll after decades!
Member: A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.
Member: Amen and LOL…..you can’t control what the world throws at us….but we can control how we react to it and deal with it.
Member: Sending holiday cheer to all……God Bless everyone this season.
MZ: I am traveling tomorrow. You will still have Mr. C and Zester. I am on with Dr. Scott Young at normal time tonight. May take Saturday off…..but besides Christmas Eve and New Years eve- which will be no podcast ….my schedule should be almost the same next week.
MZ: I will be visiting family and enjoying the holidays
Member: Safe Travels Mark….hope we all have a wonderful weekend. We know you will do a podcast the minute the RV happens….so enjoy time with family for now.
Mod: BREAKING NEWS: MarkZ's WEEKEND email address: Don't Write Me@NeverOnWEEKENDS.Com SERIOUSLY, MARK NEEDS A LITTLE TIME FOR HIMSELF FOR REST AND REC. THANK YOU!
StacieZ joins the stream today. Please listen to the replay for her information
THE CENTRAL BANK OF IRAQ ACKNOWLEDGES THE CRISIS: OIL PRICES AND LIQUIDITY WITHDRAWALS HAVE AFFECTED “CASH RESERVES”
The Central Bank of Iraq confirmed on Wednesday that the decline in oil prices and the withdrawal of liquidity from the markets are two factors that negatively affect Iraq’s hard currency reserves.
The bank said in a report, which was received by Shafaq News Agency, that “Iraq’s reserves are closely linked to the size of oil revenues, which makes them vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. Also, the monetary sterilization carried out by the Central Bank to withdraw liquidity from the market has a negative impact, due to the need to utilize foreign reserves.”
The bank added that “oil prices fell from $81 for the second quarter of 2024 to $69 for the same quarter of 2025, and consequently reserves decreased from 142.69 trillion dinars to 126.16 trillion dinars for the same period.”
He pointed out that “the Central Bank’s withdrawal of cash liquidity from the market in order to maintain monetary stability led to an increase in cash receipts (i.e., the bank’s acquisition of dinars in exchange for selling dollars), from 18.37 trillion dinars to 21.66 trillion dinars for the same period (i.e., an increase in dollar sales), in addition to the practice of the general budget deficit, which has an impact on net foreign reserves.”
Frank26 Iraq Boots-on-the-Ground Report: What Was Really Said
A recent televised appearance by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has reignited discussion around Iraq’s monetary reform and exchange rate authority.
What makes this moment important is not what was explicitly said — but how it was said.
Sudani’s Statement: The Exchange Rate Is the CBI’s Responsibility
Solely the responsibility of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI)
This distinction is critical.
The government can:
Stabilize markets
Implement fiscal discipline
Reduce currency spread
But it cannot legally announce or execute a rate change.
Why Sudani Is Speaking Now
FRANK26 Analysis:
This appears to be Sudani’s role in the process:
Preparing Iraqi citizens psychologically
“Massaging” monetary reform messaging
Softening the population for future value changes
Saying the obvious — without violating the constitution
Iraq’s constitution forbids officials from directly stating:
“We are about to raise the value of the currency.”
But they can:
Suggest it
Hint at it
Illustrate mechanisms
Discuss removing zeros to add value
Educate without announcing
This is expectation management, not coincidence.
The Importance of the “Three Zeros” Language
Sudani and CBI-linked messaging often refer to:
Removing the three zeros
Adding purchasing power
Improving currency efficiency
This language:
Normalizes the concept of value change
Reduces public shock
Builds acceptance before execution
In short: 👉 Education before activation
The 1310 Rate: Alaq’s Statement Under the Microscope
OMAR Reminder:
CBI Governor Alaq stated:
“1310 will be active until the end of December.”
He did not explicitly say what happens after.
FRANK26 Commentary (Opinion, Not Fact):
Frank offers a personal interpretation:
If something is only active until December 31st, then logically it may not be active on January 1st.
Important clarification:
This is Frank’s opinion
This is not an official CBI statement
Misinterpretation online is common
Why Discipline Matters Right Now
Frank also issued an important warning:
Social media is filled with undisciplined speculation
Words are twisted into guarantees
Opinions become “facts” overnight
This is dangerous during sensitive monetary transitions.
Responsible analysis requires:
Separating statements from interpretation
Understanding constitutional limits
Respecting timing and process
Featured Snippet: Who Controls the Exchange Rate in Iraq?
Who has the authority to change Iraq’s exchange rate? Only the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI). The government can stabilize markets and reduce the gap between official and parallel rates, but it cannot legally announce or implement a rate change.
Why This Messaging Matters Right Now
Sudani speaking publicly about:
Exchange rate responsibility
Market gap reduction
CBI authority
…is not accidental.
It signals:
Alignment between GOI and CBI
Confidence in reform progress
A need to educate citizens before change
Historically, this type of messaging appears late in the reform cycle, not early.
Q&A Section
Did Sudani announce an RV?
No. He cannot legally do so.
Does this confirm a rate change is coming?
It confirms preparation and authority, not timing.
Is 1310 ending on January 1st?
That is speculation, not official confirmation.
Why talk about removing zeros instead of “RV”?
Because it is constitutionally acceptable language that prepares citizens.
Key Takeaway
This update is not about hype.
It is about:
Who speaks
What they are allowed to say
Why they are saying it now
Sudani is doing his part. The CBI will do theirs — when the system is ready.
FIREFLY:Sudani was on TV yesterday...talking about it's the responsibility solely of the CBI to change the exchange rate. He said he government has...lowered the gap between the official rate and the parallel market rate. But to actually change the rate is the responsibility of the CBI.
FRANK: It looks like it's Sudani's turn to come out and massage the monetary reform for the Iraqi citizens so they can become nice and tender about receiving it...It's Sudani's turn to say the obvious without directly saying it because it is against the constitution to tell you, 'we're about to raise the value.' But they can tell you, 'We can raise the 3 zeros to add value.' They can suggest it...hint it...exemplify it...illustrate it. Hell, they can draw it on a map...so that it softens the shock of introduction...
OMAR: Don't forget Alaq said 1310 active until the end of December and he left it at that. He didn't say it was ending...
FRANK: That's pretty much the same damn thing isn't it? But we have to be careful because we have so many undisciplined people on the internet...If the doctor told me my body was only going to be active until December 31st, then IMO that means I won't be around on January 1st...IMO 1310 will not be around after January 1st. That's my opinion. That's not what Alaq said...
A NEW FINANCIAL ROADMAP FOR IRAQ: THE SUDANESE GOVERNMENT BEGINS REFORMING SALARIES AND BENEFITS
In a move described as bold and unprecedented, the government of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is moving towards redrawing the financial map of Iraq by opening one of the most sensitive and complex files: the file of salaries and senior privileges in the state.
The government is putting forward a reform vision aimed at streamlining spending and controlling operational expenses, with a focus on ending special privileges for presidencies and senior ranks, in an attempt to achieve financial justice, protect social stability, and ensure the sustainability of the general budget in light of internal challenges and accelerating global economic fluctuations.
On Monday, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani chaired an extraordinary meeting of the Ministerial Council for the Economy, during which a number of important decisions were made aimed at rationalizing expenditures and maximizing the state’s financial resources.
Regarding spending reduction measures, the Council discussed the allocations and salaries of the three presidencies, and the Prime Minister directed that an urgent review of this file be conducted, and that work be done to equalize the salaries and allowances of all employees of the Presidency of the Republic and the Presidency of the House of Representatives with the employees of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, in a step aimed at achieving job fairness and reducing financial disparities.
Al-Sudani also directed the relevant committee in the Ministry of Planning to make the necessary update to the report on unifying the salary scale for all state employees, and to take into account the recommendations submitted in this regard.
The council decided to reduce the allocations for state employees’ travel by 90%, and to prohibit it except in cases of extreme necessity and with the approval of the relevant minister, in addition to reducing the rates of supervision and monitoring of new projects.
As part of reforming the social support system, the Council tasked the Minister of Trade with reviewing the ration card and reforming its mechanisms to ensure that it is directed to its actual beneficiaries from the vulnerable classes.
As for the procedures for maximizing revenues, the Prime Minister directed the ministerial committee formed under Cabinet Resolution No. (550) to reconsider the calculation of non-oil revenues in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, which are currently deposited as a lump sum into the Ministry of Finance’s account, in coordination with the regional government.
The Council also stressed the need to support and enhance the implementation of the pre-declaration system in the Customs Authority in coordination with the Central Bank of Iraq, to strengthen electricity collection, to review the current tariff, and to adopt automation and electronic payment exclusively in all collection operations, especially in the electricity sector, the Baghdad Municipality, and municipalities throughout the country.
A clear roadmap for financial reform
In this regard, the Prime Minister’s Advisor for Financial Affairs, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, affirmed that the meeting of the Ministerial Council for the Economy with Prime Minister Muhammad Shia’ al-Sudani constituted a strategic milestone for setting a clear roadmap for financial reform, confronting the challenges of fluctuating oil prices, and reducing dependence on oil revenues.
Saleh told Al-Eqtisad News in a special statement that the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the reality of fiscal policy in Iraq, and the concept of fiscal consolidation as a tool to address the deficit and reduce the debt gap, especially internal debt, through re-engineering costs and controlling public spending, without resorting to shock measures or harsh economic surgeries, and in a way that preserves social stability.
He added that the Iraqi economy cannot remain dependent on oil revenues in light of global geopolitical fluctuations, noting that operational expenses constitute approximately 70% of total public spending, which necessitates a review of them according to clear and well-thought-out priorities.
Shocking figures
Iraq spends about 100 trillion dinars annually on salaries for employees and retirees, at least 40 trillion of which goes to senior officials.
The 2024 budget amounted to more than 144 trillion dinars, with a deficit exceeding 63 trillion dinars.
In Iraq, there are approximately 6,000 employees out of roughly 4 million who are classified as “special grades,” and this group receives the lion’s share of salaries. Parliament and previous governments attempted to “streamline spending” and establish a “salary scale,” but these efforts failed due to resistance from those holding “high salaries.”
Iraq faces several risks due to its economy’s dependence on “oil,” a commodity that is subject to political and security crises around the world.
The number of job grades for the positions of “Undersecretary” and “Director General” is estimated at more than 500 grades (A) and about 5030 grades (B), a number that exceeds what exists in Britain and America, according to experts.
Employees in Iraq are divided into 10 job grades, in addition to the special grade (A), and they are in positions such as: Undersecretary of a Ministry, Secretary or Advisor in the three presidencies, up to the grade of Ambassador.
The top grade (B) includes the functions of the general manager and senior supervisory tasks, and then the job grades are divided from the tenth sequence down to the first grade.
In addition, there are more than 20 ministers, and more than 300 deputies or undersecretaries, along with the three presidents (of the Republic – Parliament – Ministers), totaling more than 6,000 positions that consume nearly 40% of the state’s total salaries, divided into salaries, allowances, security protections, and travel allowances, according to experts.
Saleh returned to continue his speech, pointing out that “the principle of reform begins from within the state institutions, through reviewing the structure of salaries and privileges, especially in the higher presidencies, as it is a national and social message that confirms the state’s commitment to justice, and consideration of the conditions of the middle and poor classes.”
He explained that “the meeting addressed the existence of clear gaps in public spending and miscalculations in some areas of expenditure, in addition to unjustified support that constitutes a continuous burden on the budget, which requires adopting the principle of reviewing expenditures followed globally, through re-evaluating expenditure items, and deleting or reducing the items that lead to an unjustified expansion in expenditures.”
He explained that the decisions discussed were classified as either measures that could be implemented immediately, or others that required study and gradual implementation, in line with the state’s approach based on gradual reform and avoiding direct economic shocks.
Saleh added that this approach comes as part of early preparations to restructure the 2026 budget, in light of expectations that oil prices will fall to levels that may range between $50 and $60 per barrel, while emphasizing the need to ensure the provision of salaries, wages and pensions as a top priority, without compromising the requirements of development and services.
He stressed that the Iraqi economy has good cash flows, but it needs higher fiscal discipline and more efficient management of resources, to ensure that every dinar is spent in the right way, and to pave the way for a more stable and sustainable economy in the medium and long term.
Accurate financial data
In addition, financial expert Abdul Rahman Al-Sheikhli believes that the recent decisions came in response to accurate financial data aimed at strengthening the state’s financial stability, in light of a relative decline in public revenues compared to rising levels of spending.
He explained that public revenues in the first half of 2025 amounted to about 62 trillion Iraqi dinars, a decrease of nearly 6% compared to the same period of the previous year, with oil revenues declining by 3.4% and non-oil revenues by 14%, which necessitated a review of financial policies in line with these changes.
Al-Sheikhly explained that the Iraqi economy still relies heavily on oil as a primary source of revenue, with oil revenues reaching approximately 56.7 trillion dinars, equivalent to 91% of total revenues, compared to only about 6.2 trillion dinars from non-oil revenues during the first half of the year.
He stressed that these indicators highlight the importance of diversifying income sources and enhancing the flexibility of the general budget in the face of fluctuations in global oil prices.
The financial expert pointed out that the measures taken reflect a reformist approach to address a number of challenges, including high current spending, particularly salaries and wages which account for a large share of public expenditures, in addition to limited investment spending.
He pointed out that rebalancing operational and investment spending is an important step towards supporting sustainable economic growth and enhancing resource management efficiency.
Al-Sheikhli explained that these measures have potential positive effects, most notably improving public finance management and reducing the budget deficit by rationalizing unnecessary operational expenses and directing support to those who actually deserve it, especially with the development of the ration card system and support for the most needy groups.
He also stressed that strengthening electricity collection and expanding reliance on electronic payment systems will contribute to increasing local revenues and raising collection efficiency.
Sheikhly stressed the importance of implementing these steps wisely and with balance, ensuring the maintenance of public services and the continuation of investment projects, while simultaneously working to develop non-oil revenues and encourage investment in productive sectors. He emphasized that the success of these measures requires effective oversight and close cooperation among various state institutions to achieve the desired objectives without imposing additional burdens on citizens.
Al-Sheikhli concluded his remarks by emphasizing that proceeding with these financial reforms has become an urgent necessity to strengthen the resilience of public finances and reduce the deficit gap, noting that these measures represent a real opportunity to lay more stable and sustainable foundations for the general budget, and reduce its vulnerability to fluctuations in oil prices and changes in production and exports.
No previous government has dared to amend the salaries of the three presidencies, not due to a lack of conviction in the necessity of doing so, but rather because of the political complexities and high sensitivity surrounding this issue. Such attempts were typically met with unspoken resistance and behind-the-scenes political pressure exerted by influential forces.
Any move in this direction would be fraught with political risks and could open the door to conflict between influential blocs and parties.
This issue was also viewed as a “red line” that was difficult to approach, for fear of it being exploited politically or interpreted as targeting a particular site or institution. This prompted successive governments to avoid getting involved in it, and to be content with talking about reform without translating that into practical decisions.
However, raising this issue today reflects a shift in the reform discourse, an attempt to break the deadlock in files that have remained unresolved for many years, and to convey the message that financial reform must begin from the top before the base, in a way that enhances public confidence and affirms the principle of fairness in the distribution of burdens, especially in light of the current economic challenges.
