News, Rumors and Opinions Monday 6-15-2026
KTFA:
Henig: IMO: New industrial clusters equals more industrial output, meaning more money coming into Vietnam. Interesting.
Phú Thọ establishes first three industrial clusters after provincial merger
June 15, 2026 - 17:07
New clusters will create fresh momentum for industrial development while marking the start of infrastructure investment projects aimed at improving the province’s investment climate and promoting modern, synchronised and sustainable industrial growth.
HÀ NỘI — The People's Committee of Phú Thọ Province on Monday announced the establishment of three industrial clusters: Đầm Đuống Industrial Cluster in Đại Đồng Commune, Yên Phương Craft Village Industrial Cluster in Tam Hồng Commune and Sơn Lôi Industrial Cluster in Bình Nguyên and Bình Tuyền communes.
Speaking at the ceremony, Trần Quang Tuấn, director of the provincial Department of Industry and Trade, said these were the first industrial clusters established since the formation of the new Phú Thọ Province through the merger of Hòa Bình, Vĩnh Phúc and Phú Thọ provinces.
Tuấn said the new clusters would create fresh momentum for industrial development while marking the start of infrastructure investment projects aimed at improving the province’s investment climate and promoting modern, synchronised and sustainable industrial growth.
Under the province’s Industrial Cluster Development Plan for 2026–2030, with a vision to 2050, Phú Thọ is expected to develop 133 industrial clusters. So far, the provincial authorities have approved 66 clusters, gradually building a comprehensive infrastructure network to support socio-economic development.
“The establishment of these clusters is particularly significant as Phú Thọ enters a new development phase following the merger,” Tuấn said, adding that they are expected to attract investment, support the growth of key industries, manufacturing and processing sectors, and help relocate scattered production facilities with potential environmental risks into concentrated industrial zones.
At the event, the Department of Industry and Trade also announced the investors responsible for developing the clusters’ technical infrastructure. HSC Đại Đồng High-Tech Paper Joint Stock Company will develop Đầm Đuống Industrial Cluster, 18.9 Investment and Industrial Development Co., Ltd. will develop Yên Phương Craft Village Industrial Cluster, while Trí Đức Investment Group JSC will invest in Sơn Lôi Industrial Cluster.
Tuấn noted that the participation of these investors reflects confidence in the province’s business environment and will encourage continued administrative reforms and stronger support for enterprises. — VNS
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Clare: KRG Delegation to Visit Baghdad for Talks on ASYCUDA, Non-Oil Revenues, and Oil Exports
6/14/2026
A high-level delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is set to visit Baghdad on Tuesday to discuss a number of financial and energy-related issues.
According to sources, negotiations are scheduled to begin on Wednesday, with discussions centered on the implementation of the ASYCUDA system, declining non-oil revenues, and security guarantees for foreign oil companies.
Composition of the Delegation
Channel8 has learned from an informed source that the delegation will include the Minister of Finance and Economy, the Minister of Natural Resources, the President of the Diwan of the Council of Ministers, the Secretary of the Council of Ministers, and a representative from the Ministry of Interior.
Key Issues on the Negotiation Agenda
According to the available information, negotiations will officially begin on Wednesday and will focus on three main files: implementation of the ASYCUDA automated customs system, non-oil revenues and the federal treasury’s share, and the resumption of Kurdistan Region oil exports alongside meeting the requirements of international oil companies.
Previous Understandings on the ASYCUDA System
During previous rounds of talks between the KRG and the federal government, both sides reached an understanding regarding the ASYCUDA system, agreeing that the Kurdistan Region’s local regulations at border crossings concerning customs duties on goods and supplies should be taken into consideration.
The latest Council of Ministers meeting strongly reaffirmed the commitment to this understanding.
Dispute Over Non-Oil Revenues and Federal Demands
On non-oil revenues, the federal government continues to insist that the KRG transfer 120 billion Iraqi Dinars (IQD) each month.
The Kurdistan Regional Government, however, is seeking to reduce the fixed amount, arguing that local revenues have dropped by 70% due to wartime conditions in the region and the administrative transition to the ASYCUDA system.
Oil Output and Security Demands from Foreign Companies
Oil production and exports in the Kurdistan Region have declined sharply to approximately 75,000 barrels per day, with around 55,000 barrels allocated for domestic use and the remainder exported.
International oil companies have suspended most of their operations and are demanding stronger security guarantees from both Erbil and Baghdad before resuming full-scale production. LINK
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Courtesy of Dinar Guru: https://www.dinarguru.com/
Sandy Ingram The Central Bank of Iraq is being accused of printing new dinars. The CBI says this is not true. They say they are not printing new dinars to cover government spending. Instead they say recent operations were part of normal financial management involving Treasury instruments, not reckless money creation...Iraq is facing serious spending pressure. Whenever people...print money, they fear inflation, currency weakness and change to the Iraqi dinar value...The CBI is trying to calm the market before the rumors become panic. What this report shows us is the people of Iraq have a clear understanding of what printing extra or more IQD banknotes is all about...Iraq has a law against printing new money.
Jeff Question: "With Iraq's 2026 budget being considered a 'program budget' and the World Bank assisting, is this an international reflection?" Yes, but indirectly. I would not say that the '26 program budget itself means Iraq is going international in the sense of revaluing the dinar or suddenly entering global markets overnight. However it does fit the pattern of reforms that countries implement when they are trying to become more integrated into the international financial system...The '26 budget is probably not the event itself, but it may be one of the prerequisites for becoming more integrated into the international financial investment system...This is part of that transitional transformational step as Iraq is going international...
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The Last Exit Before a Currency Reset? | GOLD RUSH HOUR
Taylor Kenny: 6-14-2026
Inflation is back in the headlines—but are the official numbers telling the full story? In this episode, we explore the disconnect between official inflation data and real-world price increases, the growing threat of CBDCs, and the historical role of gold and silver during periods of currency instability.