More Iraqi News Monday PM 11-23-20
More Iraqi News Monday PM 11-23-20
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The United Nations is "concerned" about Iraq's economic situation and calls for dealing with a file that "hinders progress"
Pratha News Agency144 2020-11-24 On Tuesday, the representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, Jenin Plasschaert, described the economic situation in Iraq as "worrying," and while stressing the need to address the "quotas and favoritism" file, she welcomed the decrease in attacks on diplomatic missions. In her briefing to the UN Security Council, Blashart said, "The economy in Iraq is worrisome and we are waiting for the reform paper to be implemented through an agreement between the government, parliament and political parties."
She pointed out that "the quotas and favoritism hinder progress in Iraq," stressing the need to "address this file urgently to achieve the hopes and aspirations of the people of Iraq." She added, "Mr. Al-Sistani stressed the importance of voting in the elections freely and without any pressure, and stressed the need for integrity, transparency and oversight," stressing the necessity that "electoral preparations remain free from political interference in all stages."
The representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, "welcomed the decrease in attacks on diplomatic missions. http://burathanews.com/arabic/news/381161
Al-Ansari To "Al-Eqtisadiah News": The Economic Contact Group Will Accelerate The Implementation Of Economic Reforms
Money and business Economy News – Baghdad The economic expert, Aqeel Al-Ansari, said that the formation of the Economic Contact Group for Iraq will contribute to the implementation of economic reforms in Iraq.
He added in a statement to "Al-Iqtisad News" that "the group's role lies in helping the Iraqi government to draw a roadmap to get out of the economic predicament that it is experiencing, as a result of the outbreak of the Corona virus and the low oil prices."
He added, "The importance of the group also relates to that it is a contact group and not a financial or economic alliance, meaning that they will not provide loans like the Kuwait Donors Conference."
"It is hoped that the group will monitor the progress of reforms, provide advice and expertise that is lacking in Iraq, and mobilize the international community to help it and bring it closer to international or legal accounting firms," Al-Ansari said. He pointed out that "the periodic meeting of the group, every three months, will push all the parties to implement what they have agreed upon and to progress according to the drawn road map."
He added that "the international community is represented in this group by the World Bank and the Monetary Fund, as well as the Group of Seven, which gives an indication that the international community is morally committed to helping Iraq out of this ordeal and build a better future." Number of observations 119 Date added 11/25/2020 https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=22885
Parliament Prepares A Package Of Reforms That Includes A "New Salary Scale"
Political Wednesday 25 November 2020 | 06:14 pm| Views: 144 The Iraqi Council of Representatives announced, on Wednesday, that the Finance Committee had submitted a package of economic reforms that included quick solutions to the crisis, a new salary delivery, and the suspension of the work of some embassies in Iraq .
A statement by the Media Department of the House of Representatives stated that "the Financial Committee headed by Haitham Al-Jubouri, Chairman of the Committee, and the attendance of the members held a meeting in which it discussed the economic and financial reforms paper prepared by it, and hosted the General Manager of the Iraqi Company for Bank Services ."
During the meeting held at its headquarters, the Finance Committee reviewed, "the paragraphs of a package of reform measures on the financial and economic sides and included quick solutions to confront the economic crisis the country is going through, leading to maximizing the state's non-oil resources and optimal investment of services at border outlets, establishing a national telecommunications company and offering them as shares for citizens." ".
The reforms also included preparing a new salary scale, reviewing all the allocations previously granted, taking into account the economic situation, achieving social justice and encouraging employees to work in the private sector, as well as revitalizing the industrial and agricultural sectors, protecting investors and building major strategic projects that achieve huge revenues for the state treasury .
The reforms also included "stopping the work of embassies and attachés in countries with which Iraq does not have any diplomatic, commercial or cultural representation, and called for obliging the government to adopt the biometric footprint of the beneficiaries of salaries and financial grants, and to coordinate with the concerned authorities to check the numbers and degrees of real employees ."
In its second meeting, the Financial Committee also hosted the General Manager of the Iraqi Banking Services Company and the accompanying staff, to discuss the nature of the company's work and the mechanisms followed by it in transferring money to banks .
The Finance Committee asked the company to "adopt the latest technological methods in securing the transfer of money through fortified cars and protecting them from theft, as well as providing the committee with all the priorities for purchasing the building to be transferred to the company's headquarters ."
The Finance Committee affirmed its support for any reform measures by the company, combating corruption, holding corrupt persons accountable, and the need to conduct an investigation into all suspicions of corruption to preserve public money. https://aynaliraqnews.com/index.php?aa=news&id22=141218
Parliamentary Finance To / NINA /: A Government Approach To Reschedule Foreign Debts ... And This Is The Price Of Oil In Next Year's Budget
Wednesday 25, November 2020 15:13 | Economical Views: 313 Baghdad / NINA / The Parliamentary Finance Committee disclosed the price of a barrel of oil in the federal budget for 2021, and indicated that there is a governmental tendency to reschedule the Iraqi external debt.
The committee's rapporteur, Ahmad al-Saffar, said in a statement to the Iraqi National News Agency ( NINA ), that "the general budget, according to the government's expectations, will be based on the price of 40.51 dollars a barrel of oil," noting that "international oil prices have begun to rise now and have reached To $ 45, and accordingly it will be changed close to the international price. "
He added that "the 2021 general budget will focus on facing the internal debt, because the government is unable to commit to securing internal needs such as salaries and subsidies for the social protection network, as well as the funds at its disposal that are not sufficient to meet these requirements." Economic conditions and the continued rise in world oil prices, to be addressed later. "
The spokesman for the Council of Ministers and Minister of Culture, Hassan Nazim, announced yesterday that the next cabinet session will be devoted to discussing the draft budget law only.
It is noteworthy that the House of Representatives voted in its session late last week on the draft law on financing the fiscal deficit "borrowing" presented by the government. https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?Key=872553
Corruption Hinders The Establishment Of A National Telecommunications Company In Iraq
Reports Economy News - Hassan Brahimi Is the conflict between the Iraqi judiciary and the telecom companies resulting in the birth of a national telecommunications company?
A question that is difficult to answer at the present time, as Iraq is one of the countries that does not have a national telecommunications company, and the telecommunications sector in it suffers from "political and partisan hegemony," according to specialists and stakeholders.
After the judicial decision to prevent the renewal of licenses for workers of mobile phone companies in Iraq, many citizens and those concerned raised questions related to the fate of their calling cards after the end of the work period of these companies.
"Al-Eqtisadiah News" raised this question to the telecommunications companies in Iraq, but closed the door to the agency and refused to make any statements.
Constant refusal
After many attempts, "Al-Eqtisad News" contacted more than one source from within the companies, all of whom preferred not to mention their explicit names.
S.H says, "Talking about the future of companies is still premature because the court decision is still subject to appeal and discrimination."
And confirms that "the work of companies will continue until the end of 2022, according to the work contracts signed with the Iraqi government."
Zain Iraq described the judicial decision as "disastrous and disastrous," noting that it had invested "hundreds of millions of dollars in developing the fourth generation network."
She also confirmed in a statement received by "Al-Eqtisad News" that the decision "will cause destabilization of the confidence of investment companies to work and invest in Iraq."
After the judicial conflict with the mobile phone companies in Iraq, calls to establish a national telecommunications company have come to the fore again. With the aim of enhancing budget revenues and creating a kind of competition with foreign companies operating in Iraq.
The Ministry of Communications refused to comment on this matter, saying only that it had no interest in establishing the company and that it "is working to distribute 7 million home phones that work by optical cable."
Al-Iqtisad News also contacted two sources from the Media and Communication Authority, the party accused of colluding with the telecommunications companies, but they also refused to speak.
The time is not suitable for a national company
In a televised statement, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Ashraf Al-Dahan, said that the authority does not stand against the establishment of a national communication company, but the time is not appropriate now in light of the laws that regulate the work of the telecommunications sector in Iraq and monopolize the infrastructure.
Al-Dahan emphasized that Iraq needs laws that regulate the work of the Commission, the Ministry and telecommunications companies.
The eligibility struggle
In 2012, the Ministry of Communications instituted a court case that lasted for three years to confirm its eligibility to establish and operate a national communication company, but the Iraqi judiciary gave eligibility to the Media and Communications Commission.
Meanwhile, a member of the Parliamentary Communications Committee, Alaa Al-Rubaie, accuses the Media and Communications Commission of suspending the operation of a national telecommunications company in Iraq.
Al-Rubaie points out, in statements, that mobile phone companies in Iraq operate under a political and partisan cover, indicating that companies ’work contracts must be renewed with amounts of money commensurate with what those companies earn from profits.
In turn, a member of Parliament, Muhammad Shiaa al-Sudani, believes that not establishing a national telecommunications company is an intentional matter, and he attributes this to attempts to restrict the telecommunications market in Iraq to the hands of the three companies operating in it.
He adds that "the Media and Communications Commission has turned a blind eye to many of the violations of the mobile phone companies, and it will face the judiciary as a result of causing a waste of public money."
Al-Sudani asserts that, "according to the currently available data, the fourth license (a national telecommunications company) can be operated within six months."
On the legal front, the legal expert, Ali Al-Tamimi, comments, "The Council of Ministers, in coordination with the Ministry of Communications, must open the door for tenders for mobile phone companies."
In an interview with Al-Eqtisad News, he indicated that this must be "done according to the instructions for implementing government contracts No. 2 of 2014 and ensuring the quality of competing companies."
Al-Tamimi asserts that "in the event that companies' work licenses are not renewed, they are obligated to pay the debts owed by them in accordance with the Government Debt Collection Law 56 of 1977, which is estimated at 2 trillion dinars."
Meanwhile, an information security consultant, Ali Mustafa, reduces the ability of the fourth generation to fight corruption in Iraq.
Mustafa said in an interview with "Al-Eqtisad News" that talking about fighting corruption in Iraq through fourth-generation technology is just government statements that have no basis on the ground, pointing out that "there are no automated systems within government institutions."
And he confirms that the automation of state departments needs a high-speed Internet, which is not available in Iraq, revealing that "one of the Internet companies in Iraq has control of the Ministry of Communications."
Internet for salaries
He added, "The Ministry of Communications has been controlled by Internet and communications companies since 2004," noting that "one of the Internet companies funds the salaries of 17,000 employees of the Ministry of Communications."
Mustafa explains: "The ministry sells the Internet to the company at very exorbitant prices to secure the salaries of its employees," noting that "this is one of the reasons for the Internet hype in Iraq, which is estimated at $ 120 per mica, while its international price is estimated at $ 1."
Fate slides
The information security consultant pointed out that "any company whose work ends must hand over its duties to the company that obtained a work permit while preserving the work of communication chips, as happened with the Iraqna company when MTC Atheer bought it." Number of observations 163, date of addition 11/25/2020 https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=22880
Parliamentary Finance Is Discussing With The Draft Law On The Integration Of The Partnership Between The Public And Private Sectors
Money and business Economy News _ Baghdad Discussed the Chairman of the Finance Committee, Deputy Dr. Haitham Al-Jubouri, with the Program for Improving Performance and Good Governance in Iraq (Takamul), the subject of the White Paper on Economic Reform and the Partnership Law between the Public and Private Sectors.
Al-Jubouri stressed in a statement seen by "Al-Iktissad News", that the economic situation that Iraq is going through now needs real reforms by the government, and we announced our support for it in the Financial Committee, but this is not sufficient unless real steps are taken by the government regarding that. As the white paper is good, but it lacks timeliness in carrying out reforms and their implementing authorities, neglecting the important industrial and tourism sectors, and its results appear after 3 years, while the economic situation in Iraq requires a quick and immediate solution.
He added that the tools of reform depend on three main factors: the political will, the implemented tools, the legislative and executive environments, for the political will factor is available from the legislative and executive parties, but we do not believe that the executive tools are ready to carry out actual reforms as they are still dependent on partisan quotas and serving at the expense of the fate of Iraq and the future. The next generations .
And he indicated that the Finance Committee has prepared through its subcommittees a paper on economic and financial reform that is more mature and comprehensive than the government’s paper, which includes quick treatments of the Iraqi economy that does not depend on the dangerous borrowing policy in which to compress expenditures and maximize non-oil revenues, and the non-productive government sectors are also activated and reconsidered.
The Chairman of the Finance Committee stressed the need for the government to expedite the sending of the draft federal budget bill for 2021, as, in accordance with Financial Administrative Law No. (6) for the year 2019, it obligated the government to send the law before mid-October so that the Council could vote on it at the specified time.
He touched upon the law on partnership between the public and private sectors, stressing its importance and the willingness of the Finance Committee to complete discussions on it after it had held many workshops to mature it and vote on it in the House of Representatives in conjunction with the Economic and Investment Committee.
For his part, Director General of the Integration Project, Peter Dumtrov, praised, according to the statement, the efforts of the Finance Committee regarding the actual steps taken by it to conduct economic and financial reforms, as well as its efforts to pass the law due to the importance of advancing investment, protecting investors and providing a healthy environment for the advancement of the Iraqi economy.
Dmitrov affirmed his support for the Takamul project and his full readiness to present ideas and opinions to the Finance Committee on the general budget and the law on partnership between the public and private sectors.
Number of observations 69 date of addendum 11/25/2020 https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=22873
Kurdistan Finance Minister: 30% Of The Banking System Has Become Electronic
Erbil Banks Economy News – Baghdad The Minister of Finance and Economy of the Kurdistan Region, Awat Sheikh Janab, announced the transformation of 30% of the banking system in the region to the electronic system.
Sheikh Janab said, during his participation in the second day of the conference of the chambers of commerce of America and the Kurdistan Region, which was held under the title "The priorities of the economy of the Kurdistan Region after Corona", "We made the economic system electronic."
He added, "We have worked to remove obstacles to investment, and we pay great attention to the banking sector."
In turn, the head of the Investment Authority in the region, Muhammad Shukri, said during his participation in the conference, that "the investment law includes good guarantees for investors."
He explained, "Domestic and foreign investments are equal before the law," stressing that "a foreign investor can transfer 100% of his profits abroad." Number of observations 125 Date added 11/25/2020
https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=22868
An Economist Explains The Reason For The Decline Of The Iraqi Economy
Time: 11/25/2020 12:54:20 Read: 2,873 times (Baghdad: Al Furat News) Economist Jamil Antoine confirmed, today, Wednesday, that the reason for the decline of the Iraqi economy is the rampant administrative corruption after 2003.
Antoine said in an interview with Al-Furat News that "the Iraqi economy is proceeding in a random way and in a great impasse, but it is not without hope, and it is possible to return it to its predecessor," noting that "there are still wealth, possibilities and energies, and the issue remains in the management of the economy."
Antoine added, "The issue is not limited to money only. The rampant administrative corruption and the failure to place the right person in the right place greatly affects the issue of the economy."
The economist described the budget as "the mother of two handicaps. The first defect is dependence on the oil resource and not finding another alternative, and the second defect is spending for non-investment purposes."
Regarding the establishment of industrial cities on the outskirts of cities, Antoine pointed out that "we do not need to establish cities and build anew. We have many industrial cities. It is better to invest them and preserve public money from waste, as we are in a financial crisis at the present time." LINK
https://alforatnews.com/news/%D8%AE%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%82%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%8A-%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%B6%D8%AD-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%A8%D8%A8-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AD%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%82%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82
Dollar Exchange Rate In Iraq Today
Time: 11/25/2020 11:00:59 Read: 8,723 times {Baghdad: Al Furat News} The exchange rates of the dollar in Iraq were stable today, Wednesday.
The exchange rate on the Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya stock exchanges reached 1251 dinars to the dollar, or 125 thousand and 100 dinars per hundred dollars, which is the same as yesterday.
As for the selling price in the money exchange shops in Baghdad, it was 1255 dinars, and the purchase price was 1245 dinars. The exchange rates in Erbil stabilized at 1252 dinars, and the purchase was 1249 dinars.
In Dhi Qar, the selling price of the dollar settled at 1252.5 and the purchase at 1247.5 dinars. LINK
The Council Of Ministers Holds A Regular Session Headed By The Prime Minister, Mr. Mustafa Al-Kazemi
Today, Tuesday, the Council of Ministers held a regular session chaired by the Prime Minister, Mr. Mustafa Al-Kazemi, during which a number of issues and developments in the country were discussed, in addition to discussing the topics included in the agenda.
At the beginning of the session, Mr. Al-Kazemi stressed the need for priority to be invested, especially in large projects, due to its importance in reconstruction, development, providing job opportunities and revitalizing all vital sectors, and the government will facilitate all procedures for investors.
And His Excellency stated that the government, since its inception, has proceeded with maximizing the state's financial revenues, which must be matched by providing the best services to citizens.
His Excellency also indicated that there are problems in the borrowing law approved by the House of Representatives, as it was interspersed with some errors, and that meetings are continuing with the Council to address them.
The Minister of Health gave a detailed presentation on the developments of the Corona pandemic in Iraq, especially with regard to the Corona virus vaccine, and the Minister indicated that Iraq had signed the Kovacs facility, which 184 countries had joined, and would receive the first vaccine produced to cover 8 million people, equivalent to 20% Of the population, who represent high risk groups, and it has been recommended to enter Iraq in financial commitments with other companies producing the vaccine, to ensure coverage of other groups with it.
The Minister of Immigration and Displacement presented a report on the position of the remaining displaced camps, which are voluntarily closed, during October and November 2020.
According to the report of the Ministry of Immigration, the number of camps that closed fifteen camps, and 5180 families (25 thousand displaced) returned, within one month, voluntarily, after securing their return, which took place in coordination between the Ministry of Immigration, the National Security Adviser, the National Security Agency and the leadership Joint operations, the popular mobilization and local governments, under the guidance and follow-up by the Prime Minister.
The number of the remaining camps reached only six camps housing up to 7,696 families, in the governorates of Nineveh, Kirkuk, Diyala and Anbar, and the report confirmed that the voluntary return continues, as there are daily 75-100 families returning from the remaining camps, with the exception of the camps in the Kurdistan region.
The coming weeks will witness the closure of three camps, namely Al-Karama, Laylan and Al-Wand, and three governorates, Kirkuk, Diyala and Salah al-Din, will be declared free of the camps for the displaced, after a decent life has been secured for them by the local governments.
According to the report also, next December will witness the closure of the rest of the camps, and the announcement of the provinces of Anbar and Nineveh to be free of displacement camps, while at the beginning of next year there will be a voluntary return and the closure of camps for the displaced in the Kurdistan region in coordination with the regional government. After the Council of Ministers discussed what was included in its agenda, it issued the following decisions:
First / - The Ministry of Transport immediately implements the road linking the Grand Port of Faw and the Port of Umm Qasr, in coordination with the authorities that own the lands required for the project without the need to transfer the completion of waiting for the ownership of the lands, and in coordination with the General Department of Roads and Bridges, according to Article (20) of the Public Roads Law (35) / Second for the year 2002).
- The Ministries of Finance, Construction and Housing take the necessary measures to transfer the ownership of the lands on which the project will be built to the Ministry of Transport without allowance, provided that prohibitions of the road are determined by the Roads and Bridges Department.
Second: Assigning the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to expedite the finalization of the Scientific Research Authority bill with the State Council.
Third / Approval of conducting the third round of the completed classes.
Fourth / Not appointing any candidate for a higher position (director general upward), if it is proven that he committed one of the crimes stipulated in the dissolved Revolutionary Command Council resolution (18 of 1993) or in the Civil Service Law (24 of 1960) by a final court ruling, until If it includes a general or special amnesty.
Fifth / The inclusion of the Baghdad Municipality and the Popular Mobilization Authority by Cabinet Decisions (17 and 22) for the year 2020, and shelters and in the quantities that can be provided by the Ministry of Oil, due to the increased weight of this mechanism on the budget of the Ministry of Oil companies.
Sixth / Approval of the third annual report of the Council for Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing for the year 2019, which is linked to the book of the Central Bank of Iraq / Council for Combating Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing, No. 15 dated 7/22/2020, based on the provisions of Article 7/14 From the Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Law No. (39) of 2015, taking into account the continuation of the Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Office to take the necessary measures to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, in coordination with the regulatory authorities.
The Media Office of the Prime Minister 24 November-2020 https://pmo.iq/press2020/24-11-202002.htm
A Jump In Oil Prices
Pratha News Agency93 2020-11-25 Brent crude prices reached their highest levels since March, as news of a promising third coronavirus vaccine supported hopes for a faster recovery in oil demand, while US President-elect Joe Biden received the green light to start the transition process for his leadership.
Brent crude futures increased 45 cents a barrel, equivalent to 1%, to $ 46.51 a barrel, and US West Texas Intermediate crude rose 46 cents, or 1.1%, to $ 43.52 a barrel.
Earlier in the day, Brent rose to its highest level in the session at $ 46.65, the highest price in circulation since early March before the oil price war, which led to the collapse of oil prices.
"Progress in developing and distributing a vaccine reduces the risks on the path to return to normal for the oil markets," said Stephen Ins, senior global market analyst at Axi Financial Services.
And AstraZeneca announced yesterday that its vaccine is 70% effective in basic trials and its effectiveness may rise to 90%, giving the global war against the pandemic a third weapon that can be less expensive, easier to distribute and faster to increase compared to competitors.
This came after positive results from the experiences of Pfizer and Biontech on the one hand, and Moderna on the other hand. http://burathanews.com/arabic/economic/381200
The Financial Committee Is Preparing A Package Of Economic Reforms And Hosting The Iraqi Company For Banking Services
11/25/2020 The Financial Committee, chaired by Deputy Dr. Haitham Al-Jubouri, Chairman of the Committee, was attended by the ladies and gentlemen of the members on Wednesday, 11/25/2020, in which it discussed the economic and financial reforms paper it had prepared, while it hosted the General Manager of the Iraqi Banking Services Company.
During the meeting that was held at its headquarters, the Finance Committee reviewed the paragraphs of the reform package on the financial and economic sides that included quick solutions to confront the economic crisis the country is going through, which are aimed at maximizing the state's non-oil resources and optimal investment of services at border outlets, establishing a national communications company and offering them as shares for citizens.
The reforms also included preparing a new salary scale, reviewing all previously granted allocations, taking into account the economic situation, achieving social justice and encouraging employees to work in the private sector, as well as revitalizing the industrial and agricultural sectors, protecting investors, and building major strategic projects that achieve huge revenues for the state treasury.
The reforms also included suspending the work of embassies and attachés in countries with which Iraq does not have any diplomatic, commercial or cultural representation, and called for the government to adopt the biometric footprint of the beneficiaries of salaries and financial grants and to coordinate with the concerned authorities to check the numbers and degrees of real employees.
In its second meeting, the Financial Committee also hosted the General Manager of the Iraqi Banking Services Company and the accompanying staff, to discuss the nature of the company's work and the mechanisms followed by it in transferring money to banks.
The Finance Committee called on the company to adopt the latest technological methods in securing the transfer of money through fortified cars and protecting them from theft, in addition to providing the committee with all the priorities for purchasing the building to be transferred to the company's headquarters.
The Financial Committee affirmed its support for any reform measures by the company, combating corruption, holding corrupt persons accountable, and the need to conduct an investigation into all suspicions of corruption to preserve public money. Media Department, Parliament, 25-November-2020 LINK
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