TNT:

Tishwash: What is the importance of American companies visiting Iraq?

The Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce affirmed on Monday that the visit of American companies is a message to the world that Iraq is a safe environment. It also explained that the visit resulted in an agreement on a regulatory framework for the private sector.

Abdul Razzaq Al-Zuhairi, head of the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce, said, "The visit of American companies to Iraq to invest and work with Iraqi businessmen is a positive and important step for Iraq."

He explained that "Iraq is a fertile environment, and the visit of American companies to Iraq is a positive message to all countries of the world that Iraq is a safe environment."

He added, "American companies have signed numerous agreements with the Iraqi private sector in the fields of electric power and renewable energy. The most important memorandum is the signing of a regulatory framework between the Iraqi and American private sectors by the American Chamber of Commerce and the Iraqi Chamber of Commerce."

He pointed out that "a number of American companies have signed agreements with the private sector, most notably the global company Google, which is seeking to enter Iraq. Its representative came and wrote a positive message about Iraq, stating that Iraq is safe, which is an important message to the world." link

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Tishwash: Representatives of the Iraqi oil ministry, KRG, and APIKUR meet in Erbil, April 20, 2025.

A trilateral meeting was convened in Erbil on Sunday among representatives of the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), and the Association of the Petroleum Industry of Kurdistan (APIKUR) to address critical issues concerning the Kurdistan Region's oil sector, with a primary focus on resuming oil exports. Omid Sabah, Chief of Staff of the KRG Council of Ministers, stated that discussions involved the operational activities of oil companies and explored mechanisms to facilitate the restart of exports.

The meeting also considered the challenges and proposals presented by these companies to create a conducive environment for resuming oil exports promptly.

Despite the Iraqi Parliament's approval of amendments to the federal budget law on February 2, 2025, particularly Article 12 concerning the resumption of Kurdistan's oil exports, disagreements between the federal government and the KRG have hindered the implementation of these provisions. The amendments stipulate that the federal Ministry of Finance will compensate the KRG for production and transportation costs of oil delivered to the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO). An international technical advisory body, to be appointed jointly by the federal and regional governments, was tasked with determining the fair cost of production and transportation for each oil field within 60 days of the law's enactment. However, this deadline has passed without an agreement, prompting concerns from Iraqi lawmakers.

Adnan al-Jaberi, Deputy Chairman of the Iraqi Parliament's Oil and Gas Committee, emphasized that the 60-day period to select a consulting firm has expired without consensus. He noted that, in the absence of agreement, the federal government reserves the right to unilaterally appoint the advisory body.

Meanwhile, oil production companies operating in the Kurdistan Region have expressed skepticism toward the Iraqi Ministry of Oil. These companies demand the settlement of outstanding payments for past production, advance payments, and future guarantees as prerequisites for resuming export operations.

The halt in oil exports since March 2023, following a ruling by the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris, has significantly impacted the Kurdistan Region's economy, leading to delays in public sector salaries and reductions in essential services. Baghdad is under increasing pressure to resolve these disputes to restore financial stability and economic growth across Iraq.

As negotiations continue, the resumption of oil exports remains contingent upon resolving contractual disagreements, ensuring fair compensation for production and transportation costs, and rebuilding trust between the federal government and oil companies operating in the region.

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Tishwash: The Central Bank launches the virtual bank project.

The Central Bank of Iraq announces its adoption of a project to launch a virtual bank in Iraqi universities. This is the first virtual bank to be established in an Iraqi university. The first phase will be held at Al-Muthanna University, which hosted a comprehensive exhibition held on the sidelines of the second scientific conference "Artificial Intelligence and Labor Market Requirements."

The conference was organized by the University's College of Administration and Economics, in cooperation with Mansoura University of Egypt, the Central Bank of Iraq, the Muthanna Chamber of Commerce, and the Muthanna Chamber of Industry.

The exhibition included pavilions representing a group of banks and companies, as well as displays of fine art and heritage.

The virtual bank project aims to provide students and graduates with practical experience in banking, preparing them to develop human resources capable of meeting the needs of financial institutions. It also aims to provide students with practical experience by simulating the work of financial institutions and adopting international best practices.

It also aims to encourage financial institutions operating in Iraq to access and expand financial services to all geographical regions of Iraq, with the aim of strengthening financial inclusion plans.

Central Bank of Iraq
Media Office
April 20, 2025 link

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Mot: Those Voices in da Head!! -- Always important to Listen to um - Ya Knows!!!