Some “Iraq News” Posted by Clare at KTFA 4-2-2025
KTFA:
Clare: Mazhar Muhammad Salih: The urban renaissance continues thanks to the three-year budget.
4/2/2025
The Prime Minister's financial advisor, Mazhar Mohammed Salih, confirmed that the financial and legal flexibility provided by the budget law (the three-year budget), in accordance with the amended Financial Management Law No. 6 of 2019, has enabled the executive authority to implement its government service program without interruption, which has contributed to achieving a continuous urban renaissance in all governorates of the country.
KTFA:
Clare: Mazhar Muhammad Salih: The urban renaissance continues thanks to the three-year budget.
4/2/2025
The Prime Minister's financial advisor, Mazhar Mohammed Salih, confirmed that the financial and legal flexibility provided by the budget law (the three-year budget), in accordance with the amended Financial Management Law No. 6 of 2019, has enabled the executive authority to implement its government service program without interruption, which has contributed to achieving a continuous urban renaissance in all governorates of the country.
Saleh explained to Al Furat News Agency that "the 2025 financial tables, which will soon be submitted to the House of Representatives in accordance with Article 77/Second of the Triennial Budget Law, will include some important adjustments in spending, revenue sources, and deficit management, especially after the House of Representatives approved, in early February, the amendment to Article 12 of the law, related to the mechanisms for calculating the extraction of Kurdistan Region oil in the areas of production and transportation."
He pointed out that "the financial track is proceeding smoothly and with a high level of governance, transparency, and financial integrity, through coordination between the legislative and executive authorities."
From.. Raghad LINK
Clare: Iraq's foreign reserves rise to a record high
4/2/2025
The Prime Minister's financial advisor, Mazhar Mohammed Salih, confirmed on Wednesday that foreign reserves are at their highest historical levels, helping to achieve economic balance and stability for the country. He also indicated that reserves still cover more than 100% of the currency in circulation.
Saleh said in a press statement: “The slight decline in the Central Bank’s reserves, estimated at 1% of the country’s total foreign reserves, is linked to two factors: First, the increased level of foreign currency reinforcements provided by the Iraqi banking system to its correspondents abroad for the purposes of financing trade and external transfers, which led to a significant decline in the dollar exchange rate against the dinar in the parallel market and an increase in the value of the dinar in that parallel market.”
He explained that "control over domestic liquidity levels has become high, significant, and influential in light of the increasing external value of the dinar, which continues to indicate a decline in the effectiveness of the parallel or secondary market in the country. There has also been a very clear decline in growth rates in the general price level and a very high level of price stability, unlike anything the country has ever witnessed before."
He added, "The other issue depends on the degree of growth in the amounts in which the public finances exchange monthly oil revenues in foreign currency for the dinar for the benefit of total spending (which is the basis of foreign reserves) and converting them into Iraqi dinars," noting that "this is also linked to the degree of discipline and control of public expenditures on the one hand, and thus the slowdown in the liquidation of government foreign currency proceeds into domestic liquidity that can be spent on the other hand through the general budget."
He pointed out that "taking into account the risks of fluctuations in average export oil prices of about $70 or less per barrel in energy markets, which occurred in recent months, this means that the compatibility between the level of replenishment of foreign reserves (through collecting them through cash issuance), which may have become slower and less rapid on the part of public finance, and external transfers in foreign currency for the benefit of financing private sector trade on the part of the monetary authority, which is still at a relatively high pace, is what caused this deficiency or slight decline in foreign reserves."
Saleh continued, "Foreign reserves remain at their highest historical levels, achieving economic balance and stability for the country. The function of foreign reserves remains to defend price stability. However, it is also wise for the Central Bank of Iraq to closely monitor the movements of the current account of the balance of payments to maintain the stability of foreign reserves and monitor their growth safely."
He stressed that "these foreign reserves still cover more than 100% of the currency in circulation and enjoy a high commercial efficiency of more than 15 months of imports, compared to the global standard of three months." He added that "the monetary authority is the only competent entity responsible for managing the country's monetary policy at the domestic and external levels, with a high degree of consensus in terms of balance and transparency to
achieve and maintain economic stability." LINK
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Clare: The performance of the Iraqi banking sector during the year: decline in some indicators and growth in others.
4/2/2025- Baghdad
The Iraqi banking sector witnessed significant changes in its financial indicators over the past year, according to published data. These data reflect the performance of commercial banks, cash flows, dollar purchases and sales, and the policies of the Central Bank.
Commercial banks: decline in some assets and growth in private deposits
Data showed a 0.92% decline in commercial bank assets, falling from KWD 205.25 trillion at the end of 2023 to KWD 203.36 trillion at the end of 2024. Current deposits also declined by 9.38%, while private deposits increased by 10.63%, indicating increased consumer confidence in private banks compared to traditional current deposits.
Dollar movements: Central bank purchases drop sharply
The Central Bank's dollar purchases recorded a significant decline of 61.97%, falling from $8.35 billion to $3.18 billion. In contrast, cash dollar sales saw a slight decline of 0.92%, reflecting a decline in demand for hard currency in local markets.
Cash: A decrease in the money supply and a decline in the issued currency reserves
The issued currency decreased by 1.36%, while cash outside banks decreased by 10.26% to 130.35 trillion dinars, compared to 145.26 trillion dinars the previous year. The ratio of required reserves to issued currency also decreased from 143.14% to 129.64%, indicating a decrease in cash liquidity available in the market.
Central Bank: Increase in loans and decrease in gold reserves
Loans granted to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) saw a significant increase of 47.02%, reflecting a trend toward supporting economic development through project financing. Meanwhile, gold reserves fell by 8.69% to 189.90 trillion dinars, compared to 207.96 trillion dinars last year.
Inflation and exchange rate: a significant decline
The inflation rate fell by 35.56%, from 4.50% to 2.90%, reflecting improved price stability. The exchange rate on the parallel market also declined by 1.32%, indicating relative stability in the value of the dinar against the dollar. LINK
Clare: The Director General of Rafidain Bank identifies the importance of the AML system in enhancing financial transparency.
The Director General of Rafidain Bank, Dr. Ali Al-Fatlawi, highlighted the importance of the AML system in enhancing financial transparency, while pointing out that the bank has taken important strategic steps in the field of combating money laundering and terrorist financing.
The Director General of Rafidain Bank, Dr. Ali Karim Hussein, said that in light of the escalating challenges associated with financial crimes at the global level, anti-money laundering (AML) systems have become a top priority for financial institutions and governments.
As a cornerstone in protecting the integrity of financial markets and promoting economic stability, he stated, "With countries committed to implementing strict international standards in this area, Rafidain Bank stands out as a leading Iraqi financial institution that has adopted the latest monitoring and compliance systems, strengthening Iraq's position in the global financial system."
Regarding the importance of the anti-money laundering system and its role in financial stability, Al-Fatlawi explained that "money laundering poses a direct threat to economic systems, as it enables illegal activities to integrate into the financial system, leading to monetary instability and weakening economic policies."
He added, "For this reason, financial institutions implement strict measures to ensure compliance with international standards, such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations, which establish a comprehensive framework to combat these financial crimes."
He pointed out that "the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) system aims to prevent, analyze, and detect suspicious financial activities through mechanisms that include:
- Know Your Customer (KYC) verification to ensure knowledge of the true sources of funds;
- Monitoring financial transactions to detect any unusual activity;
- Immediate reporting of suspicious transactions to regulatory authorities;
- Using modern technology in financial analysis to enhance the efficiency of detecting illegal activities."
He continued, "These practices not only enhance the transparency of financial markets, but also contribute to raising countries' financial ratings and improving the business and investment environment," stressing that "there is significant support from the Anti-Money Laundering Office, and absolutely, through the development of the AML system."
He explained that "Rafidain Bank, as a banking institution with a major market share in Iraq, continues its pioneering role in developing the local banking structure in accordance with the latest international standards." He emphasized that "in recent years, the bank has taken important strategic steps in the field of combating money laundering and terrorist financing, reflecting its firm commitment to enhancing financial transparency and achieving full regulatory compliance."
Regarding the launch of the Daily Financial Transactions Monitoring (AML) system, he emphasized that "in a qualitative step, Rafidain Bank announced the launch of an advanced system to monitor daily banking transactions across its branches, making it the first Iraqi bank to adopt this supervisory approach in accordance with the latest global banking technologies."
He noted that "this project was implemented in partnership with specialized international institutions, as it aims to analyze and track all financial transactions in real time, contributing to enhancing the level of banking security and combating any illegal attempts at money laundering."
He explained that "the system included, in its first phase, six major branches of regulatory importance, including Al-Waziriya, Al-Muheet, Al-Rafie, Al-Dura Oil Complex, Zurbatiya, and Safwan, with the system to be gradually expanded to the remaining branches. This system is characterized by its ability to:
- Identify suspicious financial activities immediately, enabling rapid response;
- Analyze big data and its intersection with international sanctions lists, ensuring full compliance with regulatory standards;
- Improve financial audit efficiency by transitioning from paper-based operations to smart digital systems.
He pointed out that "this initiative confirms that Rafidain Bank is adopting a proactive approach to combating financial crimes, which strengthens its position as a trusted banking institution within Iraq, regionally, and internationally."
Regarding the economic and regional repercussions of adopting AML systems in Iraq, Al-Fatlawi explained, "Rafidain Bank's commitment to best practices in combating money laundering leads to strategic outcomes that extend beyond the bank itself to encompass the Iraqi economy as a whole.
Advanced banking systems that adopt advanced AML technologies enable:
- Achieving financial stability by preventing illicit money flows, which may negatively impact liquidity and price fluctuations.
- Strengthening international banking relations, as compliance with global standards enhances opportunities to establish partnerships with foreign correspondent banks, facilitating the smooth flow of money transfers and foreign investments.
- Stimulating foreign direct investment, as international investors seek safe financial environments free from regulatory risks.
- Improving Iraq's global financial reputation, which contributes to raising the rating of the Iraqi banking system with international financial institutions."
He continued, "Rafidain Bank is at the forefront of banking transformation, as the progress it has made in implementing anti-money laundering systems reflects its commitment to international standards and its keenness to protect the Iraqi banking sector."
He indicated that "by employing advanced financial technology, strict adherence to transparency, and integration with international regulatory systems, the bank continues its role as a pivotal financial institution in supporting financial integrity and economic stability."
He went on to say, "As the digital transformation in the Iraqi banking sector continues, Rafidain Bank's experience represents a successful model of how to achieve a balance between regulatory compliance and technological development, paving the way for a more transparent and reliable banking future, both locally and internationally."
https://www.rafidain-bank.gov.iq/verify/index.php?url=/?article=142
FRANK26….4-1-25…….TV TALKING
KTFA
Tuesday Night Conference Call
FRANK26….4-1-25…….TV TALKING
This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only
Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie in Iraq and guests
Playback Number: 605-313-5163 PIN: 156996#
KTFA
Tuesday Night Conference Call
FRANK26….4-1-25…….TV TALKING
This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only
Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie in Iraq and guests
Playback Number: 605-313-5163 PIN: 156996#
What Frank’s suit color’s mean…. FRANKS SUIT COLORS FOR CC'S..... WHITE = NEW INFO…. SILVER = INTEL FROZEN…. RED= HIGH ALERT… PURPLE=GUEST WITH US…. BLUE = AIR FORCE…. BLACK = GROUND/FF’S…. GREEN= MR OR FAB 4 ... GOLD = CHANGE… ORANGE=IMPLEMENTATION
FRANK26….3-28-25…..AFLAC
KTFA
Friday Night Conference Call
FRANK26….3-28-25…..AFLAC
This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only
Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie in Iraq and guests
Playback Number: 605-313-5163 PIN: 156996#
KTFA
Friday Night Conference Call
FRANK26….3-28-25…..AFLAC
This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only
Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie in Iraq and guests
Playback Number: 605-313-5163 PIN: 156996#
What Frank’s suit color’s mean…. FRANKS SUIT COLORS FOR CC'S..... WHITE = NEW INFO…. SILVER = INTEL FROZEN…. RED= HIGH ALERT… PURPLE=GUEST WITH US…. BLUE = AIR FORCE…. BLACK = GROUND/FF’S…. GREEN= MR OR FAB 4 ... GOLD = CHANGE… ORANGE=IMPLEMENTATION
Frank26: PART 2 OF NOT FOR 1310 ……3-25-25
KTFA
Tuesday Night Conference Call Part 2
Frank26: PART 2 OF NOT FOR 1310 ……3-25-25
This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only
Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie in Iraq and guests
Playback Number: 605-313-5163 PIN: 156996#
KTFA
Tuesday Night Conference Call Part 2
Frank26: PART 2 OF NOT FOR 1310 ……3-25-25
This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only
Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie in Iraq and guests
Playback Number: 605-313-5163 PIN: 156996#
What Frank’s suit color’s mean…. FRANKS SUIT COLORS FOR CC'S..... WHITE = NEW INFO…. SILVER = INTEL FROZEN…. RED= HIGH ALERT… PURPLE=GUEST WITH US…. BLUE = AIR FORCE…. BLACK = GROUND/FF’S…. GREEN= MR OR FAB 4 ... GOLD = CHANGE… ORANGE=IMPLEMENTATION
FRANK26….3-25-25…..NOT FOR 1310
KTFA
Tuesday Night conference Call
FRANK26….3-25-25…..NOT FOR 1310
This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only
Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie in Iraq and guests
Playback Number: 605-313-5163 PIN: 156996#
KTFA
Tuesday Night conference Call
FRANK26….3-25-25…..NOT FOR 1310
This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only
Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie in Iraq and guests
Playback Number: 605-313-5163 PIN: 156996#
What Frank’s suit color’s mean…. FRANKS SUIT COLORS FOR CC'S..... WHITE = NEW INFO…. SILVER = INTEL FROZEN…. RED= HIGH ALERT… PURPLE=GUEST WITH US…. BLUE = AIR FORCE…. BLACK = GROUND/FF’S…. GREEN= MR OR FAB 4 ... GOLD = CHANGE… ORANGE=IMPLEMENTATION
FRANK26…3-21-25……..I GOT A FEELING
KTFA
Friday Night Conference Call
FRANK26…3-21-25……..I GOT A FEELING
Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie in Iraq and guests
Playback Number: 605-313-5163 PIN: 156996#
KTFA
Friday Night Conference Call
FRANK26…3-21-25……..I GOT A FEELING
Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie in Iraq and guests
Playback Number: 605-313-5163 PIN: 156996#
What Frank’s suit color’s mean…. FRANKS SUIT COLORS FOR CC'S..... WHITE = NEW INFO…. SILVER = INTEL FROZEN…. RED= HIGH ALERT… PURPLE=GUEST WITH US…. BLUE = AIR FORCE…. BLACK = GROUND/FF’S…. GREEN= MR OR FAB 4 ... GOLD = CHANGE… ORANGE=IMPLEMENTATION
Some “Iraq News” Posted by Clare at KTFA 3-20-2025
KTFA:
Clare: A Government bank launches "electronic loans" for four categories
3/20/2025
The state-run Rashid Bank announced on Thursday the launch of personal loans for employees, security forces personnel, and retirees whose salaries are domiciled at the bank, as well as entrepreneurship loans.
The bank clarified in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency, "The application must be submitted exclusively through the Rasheed Bank's electronic application."
KTFA:
Clare: A Government bank launches "electronic loans" for four categories
3/20/2025
The state-run Rashid Bank announced on Thursday the launch of personal loans for employees, security forces personnel, and retirees whose salaries are domiciled at the bank, as well as entrepreneurship loans.
The bank clarified in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency, "The application must be submitted exclusively through the Rasheed Bank's electronic application." LINK
Clare: A government meeting discusses the establishment of a private company for the development road project.
3/20/2025
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani chaired the regular meeting of the Higher Committee for Monitoring the Implementation of the Development Road Project on Thursday, in the presence of the Ministers of Transport and Industry, the Chairman of the Investment Commission, the Chairman of the Iraq Development Fund, the Director General of Ports, and representatives of Oliver Wyman, which is providing consulting services for the project.
A statement from the Prime Minister's Office, a copy of which was received by {Euphrates News}, stated that "the meeting followed up on the project's developments, the progress of work in all its details, and discussed establishing a private company for it, in addition to matters related to the conflicts that affect the progress of work on the railway and the highway, the designs of which have been completed, and the progress made in the subject of expropriations, antiquities, and the treatment of the remains of minefields."
The statement added, "The meeting reviewed the Grand Faw Port project and its key developments, such as the submerged tunnel and container yard. A vision was presented regarding the port's expected imports over the coming years, in addition to discussing the costs of insurance and maritime services."
The meeting discussed "the issue of identifying and arranging economic opportunities for the financial model, as well as discussing the investment zones that will be offered for investment along the development path." LINK
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Clare: Iraq attempts to encourage Amazon to build facilities in Iraq
3/20/2025 Baghdad –
The Director of the General Company for Post and Savings, Zainab Abdul-Sahib, revealed on Wednesday that the Iraqi Ministry of Communications is trying to encourage Amazon and SHEIN to establish branches in Iraq.
In a statement to the state news agency (INA), Abdul-Sahib said that the required facilities and warehouses to establish branches of international e-commerce companies in Iraq have been set up.
The Iraqi official explained that the launch of an e-commerce platform in Iraq has become imminent.
Plans have been developed for 2025 following the establishment of the fundamental infrastructure by the Ministry of Communications, according to Abdul-Sahib.
In order to stay up with global developments, the Iraqi government started planning in 2023 to turn the country’s postal system into automated services as part of its digital transformation initiatives.
Increased internet penetration and changing consumer behavior are two factors that have contributed to the enormous growth in e-commerce in Iraq in recent years. Additionally, this change has increased Iraq’s need for trustworthy e-commerce platforms. LINK
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Clare: US Urges Iraq to Reach Agreements to Allow Resumption of Kurdish Oil Exports
3/20/2025
WASHINGTON DC, United States (Kurdistan 24)
Addressing reporters on Wednesday, State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce explained that the U.S. was “urging the Iraqi Government” to reach an understanding with the international oil companies to allow the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region.
According to Iraqi authorities, those exports are to restart shortly. although the international oil companies say that more discussion is needed to reach an agreement that will allow for the export of Kurdish oil.
As one knowledgeable source told Kurdistan 24, that developments have come as far as this has a lot to do with the pressure exerted by the Trump administration on Baghdad, including the pro-Iranian elements there.
As a second source affirmed to Kurdistan 24, the Trump administration is very friendly toward the Kurdistan Region.
That was apparent, for example, in a post last week by President Donald Trump on X, highlighting the role of the Peshmerga in the recent assassination of a key ISIS figure.
"Today the fugitive leader of ISIS in Iraq was killed,” Trump wrote last Friday. “His miserable life was terminated, along with another member of ISIS, in coordination with the Iraqi Government and the Kurdish Regional Government.”
Background to Oil Export Dispute
Kurdish oil exports stopped in March 2023, when the International Court of Commerce (ICC) ruled in favor of Iraq in a dispute that was first brought to the court by Nouri al-Maliki eleven years before—in 2012—when Maliki, a strongly sectarian Shi’ite figure, was Iraq’s prime minister.
In fact, Maliki’s governance was judged to be so partisan that the Obama administration concluded that he had been a significant factor behind the rise of ISIS. Thus, it demanded his resignation as a pre-condition for returning U.S. troops to Iraq in order to fight the terrorist group, which had emerged suddenly out of the Syrian civil war.
It took nine years for the ICC to issue its ruling that the export of Kurdish oil through the Iraq-Turkey Pipeline (ITP) contravened the original 1973 agreement concerning exports through that pipeline. And now it has taken another two years to reach the point where, it seems, Kurdish oil exports will soon resume.
Of course, these problems could have been resolved much more quickly, but there was little desire to do so in Baghdad—until the Trump administration focused on the issue.
State Department Position
Bruce was asked about the U.S. role in promoting the resumption of Kurdish oil exports.
“We’re urging the Iraqi Government to reach an agreement .. . with the international oil companies to resume oil exports through the Iraq-Turkey pipeline as soon as possible and to honor the existing contracts with U.S.companies,” she replied.
“Reopening the ITP ensures Iraqi oil can reach global, especially European markets,” she continued. “Iraq benefits from the stability of resilient supply chains, as do we all.”
The Trump administration has been focused on cutting off Iranian oil exports, as part of its maximum pressure campaign. Bringing additional sources of oil online helps to reduce the resulting pressure on international oil prices, so it, too, has a strong interest in the resumption of Kurdish oil exports. LINK
Clare: Al-Alaq: We are working to establish a data center that represents a successful foundation for digital transformation.
3/20/2025 Baghdad
Central Bank Governor Ali Al-Alaq confirmed on Thursday that the digital currency the bank intends to launch will enhance transparency and limit the flow of cash out of banks. He also revealed plans to establish a data center that will serve as a successful platform for digital transformation.
Al-Alaq said in a statement reported by the official news agency, and reviewed by "Al-Eqtisad News," that "financial technologies are developing rapidly, in line with the requirements of the financial and banking sector in terms of speed, accuracy, and economic efficiency, in addition to transparency and oversight. The reality of the digital revolution is imposing itself on all sectors, including the financial and banking sector, which is the most beneficiary of the major transformations taking place."
He added, "Digital currency can serve many purposes, limit the leakage of cash outside banks, and achieve a high degree of transparency, as funds can be tracked, whether in the areas of consumption, investment, savings, or even in legitimate and illegitimate businesses. It also provides important databases for analytical purposes, not just for the movement of paper money, in addition to the economic benefits digital currency offers from printing and tracking currency."
Al-Alaq confirmed that "we have begun taking steps in coordination with international organizations to review initial experiments in the digital currency file, which we do not wish to delay." He explained that "there are existing experiments in some countries in the region, and we are also following up with the Arab Monetary Fund to develop appropriate steps in this direction, and what is required is infrastructure.
" He continued, "The Central Bank has advanced infrastructure, as the new bank building contains a sophisticated data center, and we are also working to establish a data center that will represent a successful foundation for digital transformation." LINK
FRANK26….3-18-25…….TRUMP CARD
KTFA
Tuesday Night Conference calls
FRANK26….3-18-25…….TRUMP CARD
This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only
Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie in Iraq and guests
Playback Number: 605-313-5163 PIN: 156996#
KTFA
Tuesday Night Conference calls
FRANK26….3-18-25…….TRUMP CARD
This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only
Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie in Iraq and guests
Playback Number: 605-313-5163 PIN: 156996#
What Frank’s suit color’s mean…. FRANKS SUIT COLORS FOR CC'S..... WHITE = NEW INFO…. SILVER = INTEL FROZEN…. RED= HIGH ALERT… PURPLE=GUEST WITH US…. BLUE = AIR FORCE…. BLACK = GROUND/FF’S…. GREEN= MR OR FAB 4 ... GOLD = CHANGE… ORANGE=IMPLEMENTATION
FRANK26….3-17-25…..THE TABLES…ARE SET
KTFA
Monday Night Conference Call
FRANK26….3-17-25…..THE TABLES…ARE SET
This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only
Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie in Iraq and guests
Playback Number: 605-313-5163 PIN: 156996#
KTFA
Monday Night Conference Call
FRANK26….3-17-25…..THE TABLES…ARE SET
This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only
Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie in Iraq and guests
Playback Number: 605-313-5163 PIN: 156996#
What Frank’s suit color’s mean…. FRANKS SUIT COLORS FOR CC'S..... WHITE = NEW INFO…. SILVER = INTEL FROZEN…. RED= HIGH ALERT… PURPLE=GUEST WITH US…. BLUE = AIR FORCE…. BLACK = GROUND/FF’S…. GREEN= MR OR FAB 4 ... GOLD = CHANGE… ORANGE=IMPLEMENTATION
FRANK26….3-14-25……GHOSTED
KTFA
Friday Night Conference Call
FRANK26….3-14-25……GHOSTED
This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only
Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie in Iraq and guests
Playback Number: 605-313-5163 PIN: 156996#
KTFA
Friday Night Conference Call
FRANK26….3-14-25……GHOSTED
This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only
Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie in Iraq and guests
Playback Number: 605-313-5163 PIN: 156996#
What Frank’s suit color’s mean…. FRANKS SUIT COLORS FOR CC'S..... WHITE = NEW INFO…. SILVER = INTEL FROZEN…. RED= HIGH ALERT… PURPLE=GUEST WITH US…. BLUE = AIR FORCE…. BLACK = GROUND/FF’S…. GREEN= MR OR FAB 4 ... GOLD = CHANGE… ORANGE=IMPLEMENTATION
“Iraq and Vietnam News” Posted by KTFA Members 3-13-2025
KTFA:
Clare: IMF Discusses Strengthening Iraqi Dinar
12th March 2025 By John Lee.
Iraq's delegation concluded its meetings with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Amman (February 24-26), with participants including Minister of Finance Taif Sami and the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI).
Discussions focused on Iraq's economic performance and sustainable growth prospects, with the IMF acknowledging the progress made.
KTFA:
Clare: IMF Discusses Strengthening Iraqi Dinar
12th March 2025 By John Lee.
Iraq's delegation concluded its meetings with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Amman (February 24-26), with participants including Minister of Finance Taif Sami and the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI).
Discussions focused on Iraq's economic performance and sustainable growth prospects, with the IMF acknowledging the progress made.
Key discussions included:
Non-oil GDP growth of 5% in 2024, driven by agriculture expansion and increased public spending, with 3.5% growth expected in 2025.
Reduced dependence on oil revenues, improving economic diversification and stability.
Review of actual 2024 expenditures and 2025 revenue forecasts, alongside strategies for deficit financing.
Public debt strategy update, ensuring fiscal sustainability and investor confidence in government bonds.
Financial sector reforms, with the IMF stressing the importance of banking modernization to attract foreign capital.
Expanded collaboration with international correspondent banks to facilitate trade financing.
Increased use of the Iraqi dinar in major transactions to strengthen the national currency.
The IMF reaffirmed its support for Iraq's financial policy development, offering advisors and experts to assist the Ministry of Finance in public debt management and tax system improvements.
The meetings underscored Iraq's commitment to fiscal reforms, promoting economic stability and investment-friendly policies, in line with its strategic partnership with the IMF.
(Source: Ministry of Finance) LINK
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Clare: Important details about the 2025 budget schedules and the date for submitting them to Parliament were revealed.
3/12/2025
The Prime Minister's financial advisor, Mazhar Mohammed Salih, revealed important details about the 2025 budget schedule.
Saleh said in a press statement: "The budget is based on two main wings: the first is the operational wing, which constitutes between 68 and 70% of total public spending, and covers the salaries of employees, retirees, and social care, while the second wing is allocated to investment in development and service projects.
Saleh pointed out that the budget will operate according to spending ceilings estimated at about (200) trillion dinars, with a hypothetical deficit of (64) trillion dinars. This deficit will be financed from internal sources in the event that the average price of a barrel of oil falls below (70) dollars or oil exports fall below (3.4) million barrels per day.
He stressed that the government is committed to guaranteeing the salaries of employees and retirees, pointing out that approximately (8) million citizens receive government income, which contributes to the indirect support of approximately (40) million people. He added that implementing service projects, such as water, electricity, schools, and hospitals, will be a parallel priority to securing salaries.
For its part, the Parliamentary Finance Committee confirmed that the discussion of the 2025 budget will be resolved after it reaches Parliament.
Committee member Jamal Koujar explained that the committee will hold a session to discuss the budget once the schedules are received by the parliament, and will submit a report on the matter to the parliament's presidency. LINK
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Clare: The Association of Private Banks organizes a dialogue session to discuss the latest developments in the banking sector in Iraq.
3/13/2025- Baghdad
The Iraqi Private Banks Association organized a dialogue session to discuss the latest developments in the banking sector in Iraq, including deprived banks and fines imposed by the Central Bank. The session was attended by the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Ali Al-Alaq, and representatives of banks and electronic payment companies.
At the beginning of the session, the Chairman of the Iraqi Private Banks Association, Wadih Al-Handhal, welcomed the Governor and the participants, stressing the importance of joint cooperation between the Central Bank, banks, and electronic payment companies to enhance financial stability and develop the banking system in accordance with the latest international standards.
Al-Handhal stated that the Special Committee for Assisting Deprived Banks, formed within the Ministerial Economic Council, called for the need to assist deprived banks and suspend fines imposed on them, as they are going through difficult circumstances, as everyone knows. He explained that deprived banks work daily to implement global financial requirements and are subject to daily fines, calling for these fines to be suspended and reviewed by the Central Bank of Iraq.
For his part, the Governor of the Central Bank, Ali Al-Alaq, addressed the Central Bank's measures related to banks barred from using the dollar, noting signs of optimism in discussions with the US side on this issue.
He stressed that the Central Bank supports the establishment of digital banks, with 75 banks having applied for them, contributing to accelerating the digital transformation of the banking sector in Iraq. He noted that the first phase will involve granting only one or two licenses for the purpose of experimentation and studying the problems and challenges facing these digital banks.
Al-Alaq indicated that banks are required to work to increase the rate of financial inclusion by providing modern banking services that target broader segments of society, emphasizing that the transition to a digital economy is a fundamental step towards enhancing financial stability and economic development. LINK
Henig: US seeks cooperation with Việt Nam in semiconductor, essential mineral & nuclear energy R&D
March 13, 2025 - 22:00
Emphasising the need to continue making economic - trade - investment cooperation a bright spot and driving force of the bilateral relations, the PM said that Vietnamese ministries and sectors are actively addressing the US side's current concerns in economic - trade - investment ties
HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam always considers the United States a partner of strategic importance, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính said while receiving US Ambassador to Việt Nam Marc Evans Knapper in Hà Nội on Thursday.
PM Chính and Knapper acknowledged the results achieved in the relationship between the two countries recently, especially after Việt Nam and the US upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They discussed priority areas for promoting bilateral cooperation on the occasion of the 30th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations between Việt Nam and the US.
The PM highly appreciated Knapper's efforts in promoting the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, maintaining stable development momentum with many positive results, including maintaining and promoting high-level contacts, notably the very successful phone talks between Party General Secretary Tô Lâm and US President Donald Trump before and after being elected.
He affirmed the message of Party General Secretary Tô Lâm and senior Vietnamese leaders that they attach great importance to and want to cooperate closely with President Trump’s administration to promote the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, maintain a stable and increasingly substantive development momentum, and effectively implement the contents of the Joint Declaration and Action Plan to implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for the common interests of the two countries.
In the context that the two countries are organising activities to celebrate the 30th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations, PM Chính requested the US Ambassador and Embassy to coordinate with relevant Vietnamese agencies to implement measures to deepen cooperative relations, including promoting visits and meetings at all levels, especially high-level ones.
Emphasising the need to continue making economic - trade - investment cooperation a bright spot and driving force of the bilateral relations, the PM said that Vietnamese ministries and sectors are actively addressing the US side's current concerns in economic - trade - investment ties, including sending the Minister of Industry and Trade as a Special Envoy to work in the US to co-chair the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council’s meeting.
According to the government leader, Việt Nam's relevant ministries, sectors and agencies are actively reviewing the tariffs on goods imported from the US, encouraging increased imports of products that the US has strengths and Vietnam has demand, especially agricultural products, liquefied petroleum gas and high-tech products.
He emphasised that the Vietnamese Government always pays due attention to creating conditions for US businesses and investors operating in Việt Nam, affirming that Việt Nam wants to build balanced, stable, harmonious and sustainable economic - trade - investment cooperation relations with the US for the common interests of the two countries.
The PM also proposed the US continue to take steps towards recognising Việt Nam as having a market economy and creating conditions for Việt Nam to import high-tech equipment from the US.
On this occasion, PM Chính requested the Ambassador and the Embassy to continue to prompt the US Government and Congress to increase support projects to overcome the consequences of war in Việt Nam, especially the dioxin detoxification project at Biên Hoà airbase, assist people with disabilities and war victims, and support the search for fallen Vietnamese soldiers; transfer technology and improve the capacity to examine the DNA of Vietnamese martyrs.
Thanking the PM for his recognition and appreciation, Knapper pledged to continue to coordinate closely with Vietnamese ministries and sectors to promote and further deepen the Việt Nam - US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The Ambassador expressed his joy with the two sides actively implementing the Joint Declaration and Việt Nam - US Action Plan for 2023, affirming that Việt Nam - US relations have achieved many positive results, in accordance with the desires and interests of both sides.
He affirmed that the US prioritises developing relations with Việt Nam based on the principle of respecting Việt Nam's political institutions, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, supporting a strong, independent, self-reliant and prosperous Việt Nam.
The US wants to expand cooperation in all fields, including cooperation in overcoming the consequences of war, defence - security, and education - training; support Việt Nam in training high-quality human resources and human resources in the semiconductor industry, and cooperate with Việt Nam in essential mineral exploitation and nuclear energy research and development, the diplomat said.
Knapper emphasised that 2025 is of important significance in the bilateral relationship, with the two sides celebrating the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The US Embassy in Hà Nội will work together with Vietnamese agencies to build an effective agenda, thereby deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, he added. — VNA/VNS
