TNT:

CandyKisses:  Karbala to suspend working hours next Sunday and Monday

Baghdad Today - Baghdad

The head of the Karbala Provincial Council, Qassim Al-Yasari, announced this evening, Wednesday (February 21, 2024), the suspension of official working hours for next Sunday and Monday on the occasion of the Shabani visit.

The leftist said in a statement received by "Baghdad Today", that "on the occasion of the anniversary of the birth of Imam Mahdi (pbuh), we directed to suspend the official working hours on Sunday and Monday, 25 and 26 of this month , for all departments of the province, except for the security and service departments."

"The local holiday comes because of the presence of Husseiniya processes and to enable the people of the province to provide services to visitors," he said.

Iraq calls on the countries of the world to adopt a “new international order” and recommends the formation of a “regional parliamentary” committee

The representative of Iraq at the “Asian Parliamentary Association” conference, on Thursday, called on the countries of the world to establish a “new international order” and recommended the formation of a permanent committee that would enhance “regional parliamentary” cooperation.

Acting President of the Arab Parliamentary Union and the Iraqi House of Representatives, Mohsen Al-Mandalawi, said during his Iraqi speech at the 14th plenary session of the “Asian” Parliamentary Assembly held in the Azerbaijani capital, “Baku,” that we call on the countries of the world to establish a new and just international system and to reconsider some policies to serve common interests. .

Al-Mandalawi confirmed that Iraq sought to formulate a roadmap for a national project that would allow Iraq’s specificity to be integrated with the goals and objectives of sustainable development in the 2030 agenda.

Al-Mandalawi pointed out that "the Zionist entity does not respect international law, and its supporters must stop, and it is our duty to address the crisis situation in Gaza."

Al-Mandalawi called for condemning the aggression against Iraq and some Arab countries, and recommended the formation of a permanent committee responsible for supporting regional parliamentary cooperation.

An Iraqi parliamentary delegation headed by Al-Mandalawi arrived yesterday, Wednesday, in the capital, Baku, to participate in the 14th session of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly.

The Iraqi parliamentary delegation, headed by Al-Mandalawi, will participate in the opening and general sessions of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly today, Thursday. link

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Tishwash:  ITC hosts Iraq National Trade Forum

With support from the government of Iraq, the International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the United Nations (UN) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), organized a two-day trade forum to help Iraqi businesses to identify and develop trade opportunities. The Forum was funded by the European Union (EU).

According to a statement from ITC, more than 450 participants from the agriculture and agrifood sectors, business support organizations, international and regional suppliers, and investors, including over 200 Iraqi and international companies, donors and development partners attended the first day.

The second INTF comes after the successful first edition held in 2022 that helped secure participating companies' potential deals worth $2.5 million through more than 170 business-to-business (B2B) sessions, bridging over 70 Iraqi companies with global suppliers and investors. 30% of participant companies that had participated in 2022, returned for the second year.

The B2B event remained an integral part of the INTF to better connect Iraqi micro, small and medium-sized enterprises involved in farming, food processing, packaging and logistics with international and regional suppliers and investors.

These interactions are key for expanding business networks, facilitating business deals, fostering sustainable investments and promoting innovation while sharing best practices from leading Iraqi agribusinesses.

In addition to plenary sessions, high-level panels with practical workshops and B2B meetings, the 2024 edition of the Forum featured a trade exhibition called 'Iraqi Bazaar' that showcased hundreds of locally produced items in a pop-up store.

The label 'By Iraqi Hands' to stimulate the food industry and encourage people to buy more local products and support sustainable development was launched at the INTF. Iraq's Potato Sector Development Strategy was also officially launched on the occasion.

The ITC flagship report, SME Competitiveness Outlook 2023, was also launched globally on 19 February at the INTF. The report focuses on the impact of fragility on the competitiveness and growth of small businesses.

The European Union Ambassador to Iraq, Thomas Seiler said:

"International trade presents a very good opportunity for Iraq to revitalize its agricultural sector, diversify its economy, and achieve sustainable economic growth. By fostering international partnerships and leveraging its agricultural potential, Iraq can become a player in the global market and an even more important economic actor in the region. The European Union will continue to remain a close partner of Iraq and promote its integration in the global and regional markets."

ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke Hamilton said:

"With over one million MSMEs in operation, smaller businesses account for two-thirds of Iraq's private sector jobs. And they provide much more than that: they deliver crucial goods and services for the functioning of the local economy and for the wellbeing of its communities. As hundreds of Iraqi companies connect with buyers and investors at the Forum, they contribute to sustainable, trade-led development in the country and beyond."

ITC Head of Country Programme in Iraq, Eric Buchot said:

"Small businesses forming two-thirds of Iraq's private employment, are key to its economy. The involvement of 300 businesses at INTF 2024 could be game-changing with a fundamental mindset shift. For real impact, fostering competitiveness and a market focused approach is essential."

Deputy Special Representative, Resident Coordinator for Iraq Ghulam Mohammad Isaczai said:

"The success of the Second Iraq National Trade Forum underscores the vital role of Iraqi SMEs in driving economic growth and sustainable development. Through fostering partnerships and promoting innovation, we are paving the way for a more prosperous future for Iraq. The UN is committed to supporting Iraq's journey towards economic diversification and resilience, highlighting the importance of collaboration at all levels. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive economy that benefits all Iraqis."

The INTF has become a platform for enhancing awareness of pivotal domestic reforms, aimed at fostering robust private sector development. link

Mot: Quiz!!! --- sooo Just How does a Giraffe Take a Nap!!??

Mot:   . Mot Continues to feel Blessed Passing On Such Important Things