FRANK26….8-7-24……ALAK

KTFA

Wednesday Night Conference Call

FRANK26….8-7-24……ALAK

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUHf5x4My_s

Frank26…..8-5-24,,,,,,,MOVE OVER

KTFA

Monday Night Conference Call

Frank26…..8-5-24,,,,,,,MOVE OVER

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD41-LtraVY

Some Friday “Iraq News” Posted by Clare at KTFA 8-2-2024

KTFA:

Clare: Iraq Stock Exchange trades more than 60 billion dinars in shares during July

8/1/2024

The Iraq Stock Exchange announced on Thursday that it will hold 21 trading sessions in July 2024, at a rate of five sessions per week. The sessions were not held on the first and tenth of Muharram, which fell during the month. 

According to the trading indicators for the month of July, the number of traded shares reached (61,327,427,127) shares, an increase of (80%) over the month of June, with a financial value of (60,199,416,955) dinars, an increase of (76%) over the month of June.

According to the index, the number of executed contracts reached (11,309) contracts, an increase of (26%) over the month of June.

The ISX60 index closed at 896.25 points in the last session of July 2024, up 1.6% from its June closing of 882.03 points.

The ISX15 free float index closed at (1008.30) points in the last session of July 2024, achieving an increase of (0.2%) from its closing in June (1005.49) last.   LINK

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Clare:  The House of Representatives publishes the agenda of its sessions for next Saturday and Sunday

8/2/2024 Baghdad – 

The Iraqi News Agency (INA) publishes the agenda of the sessions of the House of Representatives next Saturday and Sunday, according to what was announced by the media department of the Council.

TRANSLATION:

Republic of Iraq House of Representatives

The fifth electoral session, the third legislative year, the second legislative term

In the name of God, the most gracious, the most merciful

Republic of Iraq House of Representatives

Agenda for session No. (4), Saturday, August 3, 2024

Reading verses from the Holy Quran

Public Affairs Department No. (27) of 2016. (Committee First:

 First reading of the draft law on the Second Amendment to the Legal Amnesty Law, Security and Defense Committee, Human Rights Committee), (2) Articles.)  the light

Second: First reading of the draft arbitration law. Legal Committee, Finance Committee (47 articles).

Third: Report and discuss the second reading of the draft law on compensation for the properties of those affected by the former regime.

Committee of Martyrs, Victims and Political Prisoners).

The session begins at one o'clock in the afternoon

House of Representatives   LINK

Clare:  Arab currencies top the list of the strongest in the world.. Is the Iraqi dinar among them?

8/2/2024

Four Arab currencies top the list of the 10 most powerful currencies in the world out of 180 currencies recognized by the United Nations. The US dollar comes in tenth place globally. The following is a list of the most powerful currencies in the world:

1. Kuwaiti Dinar: equivalent to 3.27 dollars  

   The Kuwaiti Dinar is the most valuable currency in the world. Since its introduction in 1960, the Kuwaiti Dinar has continued to top the list of the most valuable currencies thanks to Kuwait's economic stability and oil reserves.

2. Bahraini Dinar: equivalent to 2.65 dollars  

   The Bahraini Dinar is the second strongest currency in the world. The Bahraini Dinar is pegged to the US Dollar and is used exclusively in Bahrain, which has a large expatriate community, including a large number of Indians.

3. Omani Rial: equivalent to 2.60 dollars  

   The Omani Riyal is the third most valuable currency in the world. It was introduced after Oman stopped using the Indian Rupee. The economy of the Sultanate of Oman is heavily dependent on the oil sector.

4. Jordanian Dinar: equivalent to 1.41 dollars  

   The Jordanian dinar has been the official currency of Jordan since it replaced the Palestinian pound in 1950, with fixed exchange rates and a diversified economy.

5. British Pound: equivalent to 1.26 dollars  

   The pound sterling is used in Great Britain and has an important place in global finance, thanks to London's status as a financial centre and intense commercial activity.

 6. Gibraltar Pound: equivalent to 1.26 dollars

 7. Cayman Islands Dollar: equivalent to $1.20 

8. Swiss Franc: equivalent to 1.14 dollars

9. Euro: equivalent to 1.08 dollars

10. US Dollar: Equivalent to $1.00

These currencies continue to play a major role in the global economy, as their strength reflects the economic and financial stability of the countries that issue them.   LINK

Some “Iraq News” Posted by Clare at KTFA 8-1-2024

KTFA:

Clare: Mazhar Saleh: A trend towards reforming the government banking sector

8/1/2024

 Baghdad: Imad Al-Emara

The financial advisor to the Prime Minister, Dr. Mazhar Mohammed Salih, considered the reform of the banking system as one of the most prominent priorities of the government program, due to its positive effects on all aspects of the economy.

Salih explained to Al-Sabah that "the government's vision for economic reform focused to a large extent on banking reform, which is one of the priorities of the government program, and the first steps began through Rafidain Bank," noting that "the government banking sector currently dominates more than 85 percent of the banking system's assets, and its banking operations and activities account for almost the same percentage of total deposits and bank credit."   LINK

Clare: Prime Minister's Advisor: We are moving towards reforming the government banking sector

8/1/2024  Baghdad: The pillar of the emirate

The financial advisor to the Prime Minister, Dr. Mazhar Mohammed Salih, stated that reforming the banking system is one of the most prominent priorities of the government program, due to its positive impact on all aspects of the economy, indicating that the first steps of this reform began through the government banking sector, which currently dominates more than 85 percent of the banking system's assets, and its banking operations and activities account for almost the same percentage of total deposits and credit.

Earlier, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani chaired a special meeting to develop the work of government banks, and directed the finalization of procedures for developing the work of Rafidain Bank.

The Prime Minister's media office said that during the meeting, which was attended by representatives of Ernst & Young for auditing and financial consulting, Al-Sudani was briefed on the technical and administrative procedures for the Rafidain Bank development project, which were taken during the period following the signing of the contract with the company specialized in structuring and developing work in the banking sector.

It is noteworthy that the Rafidain Bank development plan includes a comprehensive review and evaluation of the bank's work, and structural administrative reforms, aiming to provide a package of integrated banking services to citizens and companies, relying on advanced electronic programs, modern technology in all banking transactions, optimal use of human and technical resources, and transitioning to automated work, which helps the bank's ability to meet
global banking requirements.

Advisor Saleh told Al-Sabah: "The government's vision for economic reform focused largely on banking reform, which is one of the priorities of the government's program, and the first steps began through Rafidain Bank," noting that "the reform principles established by the government program, which was approved by the House of Representatives, are based on regular executive priorities, foremost of which is reforming the banking sector, as the Prime Minister's vision for economic reform focused on reforming the government banking sector, which currently dominates more than 85 percent of the banking system's assets, and its banking operations and activities account for almost the same percentage of total deposits and bank credit."

Saleh pointed out that this beginning came because these banks are large and important, but they are burdened with the legacy left by the conflicts of the past half century and their repercussions on the efficiency of this large banking system, whose capital base still constitutes only a low percentage not exceeding 22 percent of the total capital of the banking system

 Indicating that "in light of this banking dominance burdened by inherited problems, our country suffers from limited growth in the activity of the banking market and its division between private banks, the number of which exceeds 50 banks, but they are limited in activity in deposits and credit, but they do not have a unified and homogeneous competitive banking market with government banks, as government banks monopolize market shares and banking activity and they are suffering greatly and their activity lives on sovereign banking liquidity as they are banks of a purely rentier nature that deal with large government deposits that affect their liquidity."

The government advisor explained that "in order to advance the Iraqi banking market, the first steps of reform have inevitably begun with government banks, especially major commercial banks such as Rafidain Bank. Based on the above, and with the aim of making government banks operate according to capital efficiency standards and lead the financing and development activity in the country on competitive foundations that provide financial inclusion at the same time, the study being prepared by the global auditing and accounting firm Ernst Young is based on the principle of creating a highly efficient government commercial banking sector that takes the initiative with the rest of the banking market in financing market activity on digital foundations and financial and accounting technologies in accordance with modern financial engineering.

He pointed out that this leads to the birth of a government bank specialized in managing government banking operations exclusively and is a fundamental pillar in organizing the treasury account and stabilizing government cash flow budgets, i.e. at the same time being the arm of public finance in government banking organization."

Saleh believes that these steps can achieve the goals that lead to “the birth of a homogeneous banking market that operates according to competitive principles and can integrate with the local and international financial and banking system with high credit and banking efficiency required by the goals of sustainable development and the requirements of the availability of market institutions and their integration between financing services on the one hand and real investment and production growth on the other hand.”    LINK

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Clare: One of the most prominent defendants in the tax deposit theft case was extradited

8/1/2024   Baghdad

The head of the Integrity Commission, Judge Haider Hanoun, announced the extradition of one of the most prominent defendants in the tax deposit theft case.

Hanoun said in a press conference attended by "Al-Eqtisad News", "The issue of the theft of the century will not die no matter how much the corrupt try to hide it from the oversight agencies and the people's eyes," indicating that "fighting corruption is one of the government's priorities."

Hanoun added, "Qasim Mohammed was recovered from the Kurdistan Region and the managing director of the Humpbacked Whale Company after he had fled to Turkey. He is one of the major defendants in the case of stealing tax deposits and the theft recorded against the defendant is 988 billion Iraqi dinars, which are not final numbers," noting that "Nour Zuhair is a defendant who is on bail and will be tried."

He stressed that "the Prime Minister is following up on the issue of tax deposits on a daily basis," stressing that "another accused person, Mohammed Falah Al-Janabi, the managing director of Al-Qant Company, has been arrested. He is accused of stealing more than a trillion dinars through 79 forged checks."  LINK

Clare: By names and addresses.. Details of the arrest of 8 main suspects in the theft case of the century

8/1/2024

The Federal Integrity Commission announced, today, Thursday, an official list of the details of the arrest of 8 main defendants in the case of theft of tax deposits "the theft of the century". They are:

1- Qasim Muhammad Muhammad
was arrested.
Position / Managing Director of Al-Hut Al-Haddab Company
Charge / Receiving 55 checks and 11 eleven appearances
Total stolen amounts
nine hundred and eighty-two billion dinars from the tax deposit account

2- The fugitive accused Abdul Mahdi Tawfiq Mahdi
Location Lebanon
Stolen amounts two trillion two hundred and eighty-three billion Iraqi dinars
Receiving 155 checks for an amount from the tax deposit account

3- The accused Muhammad Falah Abdullah Al-Janabi
Location / United Arab Emirates
Position Managing Director of Al-Qant Company
Receiving 79 checks for
stolen funds / one trillion one hundred and eighty-five billion two hundred and twenty million

4- The fugitive accused Hussein Kawa Abdul Qader Abdul Aziz
Location / Erbil
Position / Managing Director of Baghdad Winds Company
Stolen funds / six hundred and seven billion Iraqi dinars by receiving 40 checks

5- The fugitive accused Abdul Rahman Muhammad Ibrahim
Location / Erbil
Position Managing Director of Badia Al-Masaa Company
Stolen funds / six hundred Twenty-four billion Iraqi dinars through 37 checks

6- The fugitive accused Alaa Khalaf Maran Al-Omar
Location: Lebanon
Position: Office of the former Prime Minister
Stolen funds: Four hundred and ninety-seven billion Iraqi dinars

7- The fugitive accused Abdul Amir Hassoun Ali Taha
Location: State of Kuwait
Position: Managing Director of Al-Fawaris Company
Stolen funds: Receiving an amount of one hundred and twenty-four million US dollars in exchange for facilitating procedures at the Ministry of Finance

8- The fugitive accused Muhammad Hassoun Ali Taha
Location: State of Kuwait Position
: Deputy Managing Director of Al-Fawaris Company.LINK

Clare: Judge Hanoun: The final amount of the theft of tax deposits exceeds what is announced

8/1/2024

Judge Haider Hanoun, head of the Integrity Commission, confirmed: "The final amount of the theft of tax deposits exceeds what is announced, because the Tax Authority has not yet informed us of the actual amount of stolen money.

Hanoun called on the Ministry of Finance and the Tax Authority to provide the Integrity Commission with the names and accounts of the companies from which those funds were stolen and have now become Iraqi money owned by the people. Otherwise, after 15 days, the head of the Tax Authority will be asked to hand over those documents or proceed with all legal measures.

He pointed out: "The amount offered today belongs to the former Director General of the Railway Directorate, which is more than two million dollars and another amount in Iraqi dinars in addition to 9 properties, 5 of which are worth more than 8 billion Iraqi dinars."

He continued: "We are coordinating with the State of Kuwait to extradite two other accused, who are two brothers who were working with the main accused, Nour Zuhair.   LINK

FRANK26….7-31-24……REACHING OUT

KTFA

Wednesday Night conference Call

FRANK26….7-31-24……REACHING OUT

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XugoEWeJWKM&t=15s

FRANK26…..7-29-24…….CATCH UP

KTFA

Monday Night Conference Call

FRANK26…..7-29-24…….CATCH UP

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZanSKEwACo

Some “Iraq News” Posted by Clare at KTFA 7-28-2024

KTFA:

Clare:  Financial inclusion indicators

July 28, 2024

In order for this bank to prepare a database for financial inclusion indicators, which will be the basic foundation for measuring the percentage of financial inclusion in Iraq, we attach to all electronic payment service providers a database for financial inclusion statistics for individuals and companies in an electronic form (Excel file) that will be sent to your institutions’ email . For more, click here.

https://cbi.iq/news/view/2629

Clare: Kurdistan government brings good news to employees under Article 140

7/28/2024

The Kurdistan Regional Government announced on Sunday its intention to distribute plots of land to employees under Article 140. 

The Department of Media and Information said in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency, "In implementation of the decision of the Prime Minister of the Region, the distribution of plots of land to employees will begin within Article 140 of the Constitution in the Kurdish regions outside the administration of the region." 

The regional government had previously announced the distribution of land to all employees, as it began the land survey process.   LINK

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Clare: The Kurdish government resolved crises with “wisdom”.. A ​​former member of the Kurdistan Parliament: Baghdad has no excuse left

7/28/2024  Erbil 

Former member of the Kurdistan Regional Parliament, Rebwar Babaki, confirmed today, Sunday (July 28, 2024), that the current regional government headed by Masrour Barzani was able to resolve the crises.

Babaki said in an interview with “Baghdad Today” that “the wise policy of the current regional government enabled it to resolve the complex disputes with Baghdad, especially in the field of salaries and budget.”

He added, "The financial crisis and delayed salary payments were resolved wisely and diplomatically, even though some Iraqi political parties wanted to put obstacles to ending the dispute and wanted the crisis to continue."

Babaki pointed out that "the regional government did not leave any excuse for Baghdad, and therefore the salary crisis was resolved with wisdom and patience, and other crises were dismantled."

On Thursday (May 30, 2024), the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani, visited the capital, Baghdad, to hold discussions with Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani and a number of senior officials in the federal government, in In addition to meetings with leaders and leaders of political forces.

According to a statement issued by the regional government, Masrour Barzani's meetings during his visit dealt with the latest developments on the political and security arenas in Iraq, and the emphasis on resolving the outstanding issues between the Kurdistan region and the federal government, especially securing the Salaries of the citizens of the Kurdistan region and guaranteeing their financial rights and entitlements.

According to the statement, the discussions also dealt with enhancing cooperation and joint coordination, to ensure security and stability for Iraq and the Kurdistan region.

In this regard, Masrour Barzani wrote on the “X-Twitter” platform, “Today I am in Baghdad to affirm the rights of the people of Kurdistan and resolve differences through dialogue and on the basis of the constitution,” adding that “stability and A strong economy should be our priorities.”  LINK

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Clare:  He is 19 years old and the most important of 150 suspended laws.. Will the powers give up the "golden paper" in oil and gas legislation?

7/28/2024  Politics

The Parliamentary Oil and Gas Committee expressed, today, Sunday, its "optimism" about the imminent approval of the Oil and Gas Law, which has been suspended for 19 years, noting that its delay came because it is a political pressure card used throughout the past years in forming successive governments.

Committee member Nazim Al-Shabli told Sumaria News that the oil and gas law is the most important suspended law, noting that it was “used as a political pressure card in forming governments.”

However, Al-Shabli expected that “the most serious government in this file is the Al-Sudani government,” noting that “clear committees have been formed between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government, but until now the government has not sent the final version to the House of Representatives or the Oil Committee.”

Al-Shabli expressed the hope of the Oil Committee that "the relevant committees will resolve the issue and send it to Parliament, as the law has benefits in regulating oil exports and stopping smuggling or selling oil outside SOMO," believing that "this issue will be resolved in the coming days."

He stressed that "the delay in the law came because it is a political card, especially since the region wants the law and considers it to be in its interest, in addition to the fact that it has old obligations and contracts with foreign companies, in addition to the continuation of smuggling."

About a year has passed since the formation of the committee to draft the oil and gas law, after a 19-year delay in the law that regulates the relationship between Baghdad and Erbil regarding the management of oil in Kurdistan and the rest of the provinces," while the law is considered one of the most important laws that have been suspended for years, amounting to more than 150 laws.  LINK

Clare:  The Ministry of Commerce discusses with World Bank representatives a strategy to support entrepreneurship and establish local companies.

7/28/2024

 The Private Sector Development Department at the Ministry of Trade held a meeting (remotely) with representatives of the World Bank to discuss a strategy to support entrepreneurship, owners of small and medium enterprises and start-ups to advance the local economic reality.

The ministry stated in a statement that "the meeting discussed the basic pillars of the entrepreneurship system that will be evaluated by World Bank experts through surveys and the application of laws specific to these projects, in addition to holding discussion sessions with project owners and presenting recommendations on policies for each pillar."

The statement explained that "the meeting came out with several recommendations aimed at developing the Iraqi private sector to advance the local economic reality," referring to "the pioneering role of the Private Sector Development Department in providing support to owners of small and medium enterprises, which is part of its tasks."

On the other hand, the Investment Committee of the General Company for Central Markets at the Ministry of Trade held its periodic meeting to discuss its investment projects plan, and the circulars received by the company related to investment projects in Baghdad and the governorates, including the recommendations of the Ministerial Council for Social Services regarding the Iraqi Construction Council, as well as the mechanism for compensating contractors.

The statement added that "the meeting urged the follow-up committees to complete the tasks assigned to them and prepare reports and correspondence to the relevant sectoral authorities to ensure the speedy completion and opening of these projects and set a time frame for their completion and submit periodic reports on the completed work."   LINK

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Clare: Renewing its commitment to the truce... Al-Kataeb: A mysterious faction targeting Americans in Iraq

7/28/2024

The Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigades, one of the factions that form the "Islamic Resistance in Iraq", said on Sunday that it does not know who is carrying out the targeting of the American forces stationed at the Ain al-Assad base in Anbar Governorate, and the forces stationed in the Syrian bases.

A prominent leader in the brigades told Shafaq News Agency, "The Islamic Resistance Group in Iraq, as well as the Resistance Coordination Committee, do not know which party or group is bombing and targeting the American forces, disclaiming responsibility for those operations."

The leader, who asked not to be named, added that the "Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigades" are committed to the calm so far, and perhaps there is a faction working on these operations individually as a means of pressure, but without knowledge from that party.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is seeking to pressure pro-Iranian armed factions to stop their escalation against American interests and targets in Iraq, according to informed sources.

Fearing American reactions that might escalate and confuse the security situation inside Iraq, Al-Sudani contacted Iranian figures in order to pressure those factions to stop escalating their operations, and to give him a new opportunity to end the American presence in Iraq through dialogue and negotiation, but the factions still reject these pressures, according to the sources.   LINK

FRANK26….7-24-24….COMMERCIALS

KTFA

Wednesday Night Conference Call

FRANK26….7-24-24….COMMERCIALS

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#

The Youtube video was removed. But you can still listen to this call at this link: https://fccdl.in/cgrTnpj5XG

FRANK26……7-22-24…..LET’S HAVE DINNER

KTFA

Monday Night Conference Call

FRANK26……7-22-24…..LET’S HAVE DINNER

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nu-OtKHHiaY

The World Trade Organization opens its doors to it.. The Iraqi economy returns strongly to international competition

KTFA:

Clare: The World Trade Organization opens its doors to it.. The Iraqi economy returns strongly to international competition

7/22/2024

The World Trade Organization has accelerated Iraq's steps to join it, following the resumption of negotiations that had been suspended for more than 16 years. The Iraqi delegation is preparing for the next round of negotiations that are expected to resolve this issue, which will open up global trade horizons for Iraq and return it to strong economic competition, in the region and the world, under a multilateral economic system.

According to official officials, the government of Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has only addressed all the previous obstacles that prevented Iraq from joining the international organization, as for the first time the import program was voted on, which includes setting controls for chaos and identifying real traders, in addition to other details related to customs tariffs as well as the necessary legislation for it.

Economic reform and exchange rate adjustment

 Economic expert Naji Al-Obaidi, in an interview with Al-Ahd News, believes that Iraq’s accession to the World Trade Organization will have positive effects, attributing this to the fact that “it will increase pressure on the government to initiate the long-awaited economic reforms.”

Al-Obaidi added that "the World Trade Organization usually intervenes in the exchange rate policy when the concerned country deliberately keeps the value of its local currency low in order to improve the competitiveness of local production and encourage exports at the expense of foreign goods," indicating that "this does not apply to Iraq, where previous governments resorted to raising the exchange rate of the dinar in an artificial and arbitrary manner with the aim of gaining political and popular support."

He pointed out that joining the international organization would contribute to controlling this file.

Customs restrictions and agricultural support

In this regard, the financial advisor to the Prime Minister, Mazhar Mohammed Salih, stated in an interview with “Al-Ahd News” that Iraq has adopted broad open policies towards the world since 2003 and has sought to establish important economic and legislative rules that operate according to the mechanisms of the market system

Most of which have helped improve Iraq’s foreign trade, after an economic blockade that lasted for more than a decade and led to Iraq’s marginalization on the map of the global economic system and deprived it of investment opportunities, progress, development and technological knowledge that should have helped it confront the rapid developments and changes that international markets have witnessed and whose competitive capabilities have changed
dramatically over the past two decades at least.

Saleh pointed out that "the World Organization imposes on the new members of the developing countries group to work under conditions, the first of which is to reduce customs restrictions by 24% and cancel non-customs restrictions for a period of 6 years from the date of joining, and the second is to reduce agricultural support by 13.3% over a period of ten years from joining."

 Saleh explained that "these regulatory conditions of the World Trade Organization clash with the conditions and situations of the agricultural market and the global food stock exchange itself. If we look at the agricultural monopolies in the world in light of the deterioration of agricultural development in Iraq, we find a real threat to national food security that restricts the country in the event of joining the organization unless it is preceded by starting or following an agricultural program for self-sufficiency immediately.

We will really need a green revolution similar to what Mexico and many Latin American countries have done, especially if we know that there are between 3 and 6 major monopolistic companies in the world that control 80 to 90% of agricultural crop trade and control prices and quantities such as wheat, sugar, tea, coffee, cotton and jute, at a time when ten multinational companies still dominate a third of the production and trade of seeds and pesticides in the world."

Breaking international isolation

Saleh pointed out that "despite the above, Iraq's entry and integration into the global economic space through the World Trade Organization and its dealings with international groups on terms that apply to everyone from a formal standpoint at a time when the world is still divided between the countries of the North and the South or the countries of the advanced industrial center and the developing periphery, Iraq has no choice but to leave its international isolation that it inherited since the siege and placing Iraq under the burden of Chapter Seven, the effects of which still provide a negative economic environment hostile to development and perhaps obstructing natural integration into the global market."

Accelerate joining steps

For his part, Minister of Trade Athir Dawood Al-Ghariri confirmed the resumption of negotiations for Iraq’s accession to the World Trade Organization and the acceleration of its steps, which is a qualitative event and a confirmation of what the government promised through its program to reform the economic situation, considering the private sector an essential part and the backbone of the Iraqi economy.

Al-Ghariri said in a statement followed by "Al-Ahd News" that the fourth round of negotiations will be held during the first quarter of next year, stressing that this acceleration means that the negotiations are proceeding very quickly towards Iraq's accession to the World Trade Organization, considering Iraq an important economic bloc and all countries keen for Iraq to return as an economic player in a multilateral system.

For his part, the Saudi Ambassador to the World Trade Organization, Saqr Abdullah Al-Muqbil, said that there is a positive view that we will find Iraq joining the multilateral trading system as it is one of the largest economies outside this organization, and Al-Muqbil confirmed that "the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a priority that Iraq's desires to join the organization be fulfilled.  LINK

Addressing the problems of the Iraqi financial system

KTFA:

Clare: Addressing the problems of the Iraqi financial system

7/20/2024  Written by: Zahraa Haider Abdul Jabbar Al-Batat

The financial system in Iraq consists of a group of institutions and structures that manage the financial and economic affairs of the country. Here are the components of this system in detail: 

1. Central Bank of Iraq:

- Role: It is considered the body responsible for implementing monetary policy, issuing currency, and managing cash reserves.

- Objectives: price stability, exchange rate stability, and encouraging economic growth. 

2. Commercial banks:

- Its types: include government banks such as Rafidain Bank and Rashid Bank, in addition to local and foreign private banks.

- Services: Providing loans, opening accounts, making money transfers, and financing projects.

 3. Specialized banks:

Examples: Real Estate Bank, Agricultural Bank.

- Focus: Providing financial services to specific sectors such as agriculture and real estate. 

4. Stock market:

- Iraq Stock Exchange (ISX): is the place where stocks and bonds are traded.

- Objective: To promote investment and develop financial markets.

5. Ministry of Finance:

- Role: Preparing and implementing the state’s financial policy, managing government revenues and expenditures.

- Responsibilities: Preparing the general budget, managing public debt. 

6. Securities Commission:

- Function: Regulating and monitoring the stock market, ensuring compliance with financial laws and standards.

- Objectives: Protect investors, ensure market transparency. 

7. Investment companies:

- Role: Investment management, providing financial advisory services, managing investment portfolios.

- Objectives: Achieving investment returns for clients, enhancing local and foreign investments. 

Main challenges: 

1. Corruption: It hinders economic development and affects confidence in the financial system.

2. Political and security unrest: harm investments and hinder financial operations.

3. Rentier economy: It depends heavily on oil, which makes it vulnerable to oil price fluctuations.

4. Bureaucracy: It hinders efficiency and increases administrative complexities.

5. Weakness of the banking system: Lack of efficiency and development affects performance.

6. Inflation: affects purchasing power and financial stability.

7. Weak financial infrastructure: Lack of technological development affects efficiency.

8. Laws and regulations: may be insufficient or outdated.

9. The informal sector: It poses a challenge in collecting taxes and organizing the economy. 

These challenges require structural reforms and policy development to enhance financial stability and economic growth in Iraq. 

Reforming the financial system in Iraq according to the following mechanism: 

Applying the following mechanism to the Iraqi financial system requires adapting policies and procedures to the economic, social and political conditions specific to Iraq.

Here are some possible steps to achieve this: 

1. Updating financial institutions:

- Strengthening the role of the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Iraq in managing financial and monetary policies.

- Developing the financial infrastructure to increase efficiency and transparency. 

2. Reforming the tax system:

- Improve tax collection and reduce tax evasion.

- Simplify the tax system to make it more transparent and fair. 

3. Strengthening monetary policies:

- Strengthening the independence of the Central Bank to ensure price stability and control inflation.

- Using monetary tools such as setting interest rates and regulating the money supply effectively. 

4. Public debt management:

- Develop strategies to manage public debt and reduce dependence on external loans.

- Issuing local government bonds to attract domestic investment. 

5. Strengthening control and regulation:

- Improving the control systems over banks and financial institutions to ensure the stability of the financial system.

- Enhancing financial laws and regulations to comply with international standards. 

6. Encouraging investment:

- Creating an attractive investment environment by improving infrastructure and reducing bureaucracy.

- Providing incentives to foreign and local investors. 

7. Enhancing transparency and accountability:

- Ensuring transparency of financial operations by publishing financial reports regularly.

- Strengthening accountability and combating corruption at all levels of financial management. 

By implementing these steps, the Iraqi financial system can benefit from global financial experiences, taking into account the fundamental differences between systems. 

Also, to implement these reforms effectively, close cooperation is required between the Iraqi government, international financial institutions, and the private sector to achieve financial stability and sustainable development in Iraq. 

Implementing each paragraph requires specific, practical steps, including: 

1. Updating financial institutions:

- Strengthening the role of the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank.

- Training and professional development: Providing intensive training programs for employees to improve their competencies and knowledge of modern financial policies.

- Digital transformation: adopting advanced technological systems to improve the efficiency of financial and administrative operations.

- International cooperation: Benefiting from international expertise through partnerships and cooperation with global financial institutions. 

2. Reforming the tax system:

- Improving tax collection:

- Develop technological systems for collecting and analyzing data to increase the effectiveness of tax collection.

- Increase control and inspection of economic activities to reduce tax evasion.

- Simplifying the tax system:

- Restructuring tax brackets to be clearer and fairer.

- Providing facilities to taxpayers such as electronic services. 

3. Strengthening monetary policies:

- Strengthening the independence of the Central Bank:

- Issuing laws that guarantee the independence of the Central Bank from political influences.

- Use effective monetary tools:

- Determining interest rates based on economic conditions.

- Managing the money supply through open market operations and reserve policies. 

4. Public debt management:

- Developing debt management strategies:

- Analyze the debt structure and determine repayment priorities.

- Developing the bond market to attract local investors.

- Reducing dependence on external loans:

- Encouraging domestic investment and developing the financial infrastructure to attract local capital. 

5. Strengthening control and regulation:

- Improving control systems:

- Develop technology-based control mechanisms to improve monitoring of financial operations.

- Enhancing transparency in financial reporting.

- Strengthening laws and regulations:

- Updating financial laws to comply with international standards.

- Activating penalties for financial violations. 

6. Encouraging investment:

- Creating an attractive investment environment:

- Improving infrastructure including roads, bridges, electricity and communications.

- Reducing bureaucracy by simplifying government procedures.

- Providing incentives to investors:

- Tax exemptions for investment projects.

- Credit facilities to finance projects. 

7. Enhancing transparency and accountability:

- Ensuring transparency of financial operations:

- Publish financial reports periodically and in detail.

- Application of international standards in preparing financial reports.

- Promoting accountability and combating corruption:

- Establishing independent oversight bodies to combat corruption.

- Encouraging reporting of corruption by providing protection for whistleblowers. 

Implementing these steps requires strong government commitment and cooperation between the public and private sectors to achieve a stable and effective financial system.  LINK