More News From Iraq Posted by Tishwash at TNT 5-1-2026
TNT:
Tishwash: Urgent: Trump invites al-Zaidi to visit Washington after the government is formed
Prime Minister-designate Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi received a phone call today, Thursday, from the US President, during which he congratulated him on his official appointment to form the new government, and extended an official invitation to him to visit Washington after the government is formed.
The Prime Minister's Media Office stated in a statement received by Al-Furat News that "the call included a review of the strategic bilateral relations between Iraq and the United States, and ways to develop and strengthen them in various fields."
The statement added that "both sides affirmed their joint work and bilateral cooperation in order to consolidate stability in the region." link
Tishwash: Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi discusses the financial situation and monetary policy with Central Bank Governor Ali al-Alaq
Prime Minister-designate Ali Faleh al-Zaidi and Central Bank Governor Ali Mohsen al-Alaq stressed on Thursday the importance of maintaining economic stability.
A statement from his media office, received by "Al-Eqtisad News," stated that "the Prime Minister-designate met with the Governor of the Central Bank, Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq, to discuss the financial situation in the country and monetary policy in light of the current circumstances and challenges."
He noted that "the meeting emphasized the importance of maintaining economic stability and strengthening the Central Bank's procedures to achieve sustainable development in Iraq." ink
**********
Tishwash: Al-Alaq opens the Central Bank's books to Al-Zidi... and Iraq's financial situation
In one day and in two consecutive meetings, Prime Minister-designate Ali Faleh alZaidi clearly outlined his economic priorities. First, Finance Minister Taif Sami came to him to brief him
on the financial situation and the files of revenues and salaries. Then, Central Bank Governor Ali Mohsen al-Alaq came to him to discuss monetary policy and strengthening economic stability, on Thursday (April 30, 202
The Prime Minister’s Media Office stated in a statement received by that“Prime Minister-designate Mr. Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi met today, Thursday, with the Governor of the Central Bank, Mr. Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq.” The meeting witnessed “a discussion of the financial situation in the country and monetary policy in light of the current circumstances and challenges, where the importance of maintaining economic stability and strengthening the Central Bank’s procedures was emphasized, in order to achieve sustainable development in Iraq . link
************
Tishwash: Taif Sami gives Al-Zaidi a full picture of Iraq's financial reality and salaries
In their first meeting
Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zidi met today, Thursday (April 30, 2026), with Finance Minister Taif Sami for their first meeting, to discuss the financial situation in Iraq, as well as the issues of financial revenues and salaries.
The media office of Al-Zaidi stated in a statement, which was followed by , that“Prime Minister-designate Ali Falih Al-Zaidi met today, Thursday with Finance Minister Ms. Taif Sami.” According to the statement, the meeting included a review of the financial situation in Iraq, including financial revenues and the salary file, as well as a discussion of the challenges facing the financial situation under the current circumstances, and the importance of continuing to work on maximizing and diversifying financial resources.
According to the statement, the meeting included a review of the financial situation in Iraq, including financial revenues and the salary file, as well as a discussion of the challenges facing the financial situation under the current circumstances, and the importance of continuing to work on maximizing and diversifying financial resources.
************
Tishwash: MP: This year's budget is a priority for the next government
Member of Parliament, Miqdad al-Khafaji, confirmed on Thursday that the current financial and economic crises necessitate expediting the completion of the general budget, indicating that this file will be at the top of the agenda of the next government as soon as it is formed.
Al-Khafaji stated to Al-Maalomah News Agency that "the exceptional circumstances the country is experiencing and the worsening financial crisis necessitate close coordination between the Council of Ministers and the Parliament to ensure the passage of the budget law for the remainder of this year."
He added that "the incoming government will, immediately after gaining confidence, begin preparing the budget schedules and drafting its articles to align with the scale of the economic challenges," emphasizing the need to resolve the issue to secure salaries and the completion of stalled service projects. link
Tishwash: Launch of the "Merchant Platform" in Iraq: A digital step to support the economy and diversify trade.
The Prime Minister’s economic advisor, Mazhar Muhammad Saleh, confirmed on Thursday that the electronic merchant platform represents a real test of Iraq’s ability to turn economic ambition into reality, while noting that Iraq is witnessing a remarkable expansion in its trade partnerships.
Saleh said in a press statement that "in a step that reflects a serious trend towards modernizing the economic structure, Iraq announced the launch of the electronic (Trader Platform) and the activation of automation procedures, within a strategic path aimed at facilitating trade and enhancing our country's integration into the regional and international economy."
He explained that “(the Merchant Platform) does not merely represent administrative development and high-level governance in transparency, accountability and participation, but rather indicates a qualitative shift in the philosophy of managing the economy, from the traditional pattern based on complexity and bureaucracy, to a more efficient digital model that keeps pace with the requirements of modern market systems that are explicitly stipulated in the constitution.”
He pointed out that “the electronic platform (the merchant platform) is a pivotal tool for empowering the private sector and advancing it institutionally, as it provides an integrated electronic environment for issuing import and export licenses, adopting the (one-stop shop) system for registering companies, in addition to providing banking facilities and loans that support commercial activities, which would reduce time and costs, stimulate investment, open the door to a wider segment of entrepreneurs and improve market climate standards in accordance with the global requirements of the World Trade Organization, the World Bank and other international partners.”
He added, "This step coincides with positive economic indicators, as Iraq continued to record growth in the volume of its foreign trade, which exceeded $65 billion, with a remarkable trade surplus driven by the rise in oil exports in the past few years. This performance also contributed to strengthening Iraq's position among Arab and global economies, reflecting promising potential if it is properly invested."
He pointed out that "the real challenge lies not in the size of the numbers, but rather in their nature, as exports still depend almost entirely on oil, which makes the economy vulnerable to the fluctuations of global markets. This is where the importance of the 'Trader Platform' comes in as a means to support the diversification of the economy, by facilitating non-oil trade and encouraging local production."
On the regional relations front, Saleh affirmed that “Iraq is witnessing a remarkable expansion in its trade partnerships, whether with Arab countries or neighboring countries, indicating the restoration of its role as an active economic center. This trend is reinforced by the (Development Road) project, which is expected to transform the country into a strategic hub for transport and trade, linking the Gulf, Turkey, and Europe.”
He explained that “the relevant official bodies are committed to the success of these projects with precision and to ensuring their actual implementation, providing a stable legal and regulatory environment, in addition to combating bureaucracy and removing obstacles to any real economic reform.”
He pointed out that “digital transformation in the trade sector is not a luxury option, but an inevitable necessity in a world that is rapidly moving towards a digital economy. If this step is properly invested, Iraq has a real opportunity to move from a rentier economy to a diversified economy that is more sustainable and competitive.”
He concluded by saying: “The (Trader Platform) represents a serious test of Iraq’s ability to translate its economic ambitions into tangible reality.
It will either be a gateway to a modern economy, or it will remain just a promising project added to the list of incomplete opportunities.” link