Some Iraq News Posted by Clare at KTFA 10-30-2024

KTFA:

Clare:  Monetary policy rate and reactivation of securities

October 30, 2024

Based on the monetary policy orientations to enhance access to targeted inflation rates in a manner that does not conflict with the expected economic growth rates, and is consistent with the policy of developing deposits and increasing credit ratios aimed at targeting projects, relying on following the approach based on data obtained from the banking sector .. For more click here

https://cbi.iq/news/view/2703

Clare:  What does the closure of the Central Bank platform at the end of the year mean? The Association of Banks explains

10/29/2024  Erbil -

The head of the Iraqi Banks Association, Ali Tariq, said that closing the electronic platform at the end of this year will not affect businessmen and the market for a long time, as they will quickly adapt and the market will return to normal, and the foreign trade process will be enhanced through correspondent accounts, adding that Iraq has 6 banks that have American correspondent banks, and 15 banks that have correspondent accounts with other countries to deal in different currencies.

 Ali Tariq - Chairman of the Iraqi Banks Association, during his attendance at the MERI Conference in Erbil, told 964 Network :

The platform will stop working at the end of 2024, but that does not mean that foreign trade financing will not be enhanced, whether in dollars or other currencies, but the working mechanisms will be different. Previously, the platform compensated banks that did not have correspondent accounts with American banks for the purpose of enhancing the dollar currency. After this year, all transfers will be through correspondent accounts, so the transfer capacity for dollars will be for banks that have correspondent accounts only.

Other currencies will be for banks that have accounts in the country that has that currency. For example, for the euro, the bank must have a correspondent account in a European bank, capable of completing transfers.

Therefore, the platform's downtime is not a cessation of work, but rather a transition to new work mechanisms.

There will be some changes in the market but they are temporary because businessmen have to adapt to the new mechanisms that are within international standards.

We have 6 banks that have accounts in US banks, which will be able to transfer in dollars, and other banks that will cover other currencies.

More than 15 banks are able to transfer, as they have accounts in the main countries from which Iraq imports, such as the Emirates, China, India, Turkey, and the Euro, and there are other currencies.  LINK

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Clare:  Announcement of the auction of the Central Bank of Iraq’s remittances, numbered (B319), with a term of (14) days

October 30, 2024

We would like to inform you that the Central Bank of Iraq’s remittance auction numbered ( B319 ) has been announced with a deadline of (14) days, and the auction execution date will be on Sunday, 11/3/2024, according to what was published in the Central Securities Depository System ( CSD ) and our circular numbered 371/34 on 10/24/2024, and traditional banks can participate and submit starting from the date of publication of the announcement until the execution day.

* Note that the data used to determine the investment size (50% of private sector deposits) is according to the form dated 10/17/2024, which was submitted during the period 10/20-23/2024 via the BSRS system .

https://cbi.iq/news/view/2702

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Clare:  Officially.. Parliament elects its Speaker tomorrow (document)

10/30/2024

The Iraqi Parliament published the agenda for tomorrow's session, Thursday, and allocated it to electing a new speaker of the parliament, to succeed Mohammed al-Halbousi, whose membership ended about a year ago.

Last Wednesday, October 23, six Sunni forces, led by the head of the Progress Party, Mohammed al-Halbousi, identified two paths to decide on the election of a new speaker of parliament, after a stalemate that lasted for 11 months.

This came in a joint statement by (Progress, National Masses, Al-Hasm, Iraqi National Project, Al-Sadara, and Al-Mubadara).

According to the statement, these forces confirmed that there are two paths and no third, the first is that all competing parties withdraw their candidates, and that all national forces present commit to supporting the candidate (Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani), who has received the support of the Sunni parliamentary and political majority.

The second option, according to the statement, is to take legal measures in the House of Representatives to nominate a new candidate from the Sunni political majority, supported by a large parliamentary majority, to preserve the right of the Sunni majority to nominate their representative for this position.

On Monday, October 28, the Coordination Framework for Shiite Forces announced an agreement to hold a session to elect a new Speaker of Parliament tomorrow, Thursday.   LINK

Clare:  Qusay Saddam seized $900 million and loaded it in trucks in 2003 - Central Bank Governor

10/30/2024

The Governor of the Central Bank, Ali Al-Alaq, said that the lessons are now sufficient for the state to move towards setting a “strict and conservative” oil price in the general budget, to avoid the pressure of declining crude prices, calling for the enactment of a law that sets the size of spending with a specific oil ceiling to ensure its coverage on the one hand, and to ensure the financing of investment projects on the other hand, noting that the three-year budget needs some new tables and amendments in line with the variables of oil prices.

Ali Al-Alaq, in an interview during the Merry Forum, followed by the 964 Network :

The role of the Central Bank cannot be reduced to the currency selling window and some marginal tasks. It is a fundamental pillar of economic and financial stability in the country. Here we must highlight a number of achievements since 2004 until today, the most important of which is maintaining the general price level, meaning the ability to manage the monetary mass in Iraq, in a way that does not lead to inflation or deflation.

After 2003, we inherited an abnormal situation devoid of any real basis for stability. Our reserves that year were $900 million, and they were seized by Qusay Saddam Hussein and loaded onto a truck. This is documented by dates and numbers. So we started from scratch. The money supply in circulation was only 4 trillion dinars. Today, the volume in circulation exceeds 100 trillion dinars, and our reserves have exceeded 100 billion dollars.

The inflation rate today is 3.8%, which is a typical rate that achieves stability and prosperity. It is an indicator of our ability to manage a monetary mass exceeding 104 trillion dinars, which does not allow pressure on purchasing power, and this is considered the most important factor in monetary and economic stability.

We have an additional mission, as we have to introduce all the tools, systems and entities that we have failed to catch up with the world with during the previous decades, and therefore there is a race against time to move towards the digital economy and advanced payment systems, as we have licensed 16 companies for electronic payment, and we are currently working on licensing digital banks, in addition to achieving advanced stages in establishing a national company for managing payments, and the Central Bank will be a partner in it to enhance it with sufficient support.

As for the reform dimension, we are currently working on two plans to reform government and private banks, which will lead to their restructuring in a way that ensures transparency, governance, and ownership structure in appropriate ways, to be consistent with international standards.

The last dimension of our work, which is not practiced by most central banks in the world, is that we work to stimulate the economy directly through lending initiatives to various sectors. The volume of loans granted to the construction and industrial sectors has reached more than 13 trillion dinars, an amount that exceeds what has been lent throughout the history of the Iraqi state. In addition, we have sought to launch initiatives to lend to small and micro-enterprises, and we have reached advanced stages of establishing a bank specialized in this initiative, and we have named it “Riyada” Bank.

We noticed that the inflation rate in 2023 was 7.5%, as the volume of issued currency jumped from 40 trillion to 100 trillion dinars, meaning that it increased in two years by an amount equivalent to its increase in the previous 18 years, and therefore we decided to withdraw part of the cash liquidity by raising the interest rate and attracting trillions of dinars from the market, although this measure is costly, but the Central Bank does not base its policies on profit and loss, but rather on the basis of performing its main function of controlling the market.

The increase in public debt is a result of the budget deficit, which is the result of increasing spending without increasing revenue. Over time, spending has become inflexible and cannot be reduced, such as the salary bill and others, and this causes a structural imbalance in the Iraqi economy.

The idea of ​​the three-year budget is in effect in many countries of the world, and we decided to move towards it in order to ensure stable implementation, although it requires the issuance of some tables and amendments to address some variables, such as oil prices, for example.

The fiscal year will end and the oil price rate remains within our estimates in the budget, but the lessons have become sufficient for us to set a conservative oil price so that the state does not face economic pressure with the fluctuations of the global oil market. Therefore, a law must be passed that sets the share of expenditures from oil revenues with a certain ceiling, in order to ensure that it is covered on the one hand, and to ensure that the financing of investment projects that are exposed to blows with every drop in oil prices is not disrupted in order to cover the expenditure ceiling.   LINK

FRANK26….10-28-24……HYBRID MONETARY PLAN

KTFA

Monday Night Conference call

FRANK26….10-28-24……HYBRID MONETARY PLAN

This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only

Frank has stated he will no longer do public videos on the Iraqi dinar UNLESS it is Important, Prudent or Necessary.  

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=pm3-JGZ6PKg

Some Iraq News Posted by Clare at KTFA 10-28-2024

KTFA:

Clare:  Opening of 7 new outlets for supplying liquefied gas in Iraq

10/28/2024

The Oil Products Distribution Company, affiliated with the Ministry of Oil, announced today, Monday, the opening of 7 new outlets to supply liquefied gas (LPG) to vehicles, as about 29 million and 500 thousand liters of gas were supplied to vehicles through the outlets spread across various governorates.

The company's general manager, Hussein Talib, said in a statement that the new outlets were distributed across a number of governorates, as three outlets were opened in Nineveh, two in Muthanna, and one outlet in each of Baghdad and Maysan, stressing that work is ongoing to open more outlets to meet the needs of citizens.

For his part, the Director of the Equipment Authority, Falah Hashem, explained that the distribution company currently manages 70 outlets for vehicle gas, while the gas filling company manages 53 outlets, bringing the total number of outlets to 123 outlets, stressing the continuation of efforts to expand the number of outlets to cover all governorates with liquefied gas services for vehicles.

The General Company for Gas Filling and Services indicated that more than 10% of cars in the country have converted to the gas system, considering that this system is safer than gasoline, with the increasing demand of citizens to convert their cars to operate on gas due to the high prices of improved and premium gasoline.  LINK

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Clare:  Al-Lami and Al-Alaq stress the need to combine efforts to prevent corruption and recover its proceeds

10/28/2024  Baghdad

The Chairman of the Federal Integrity Commission, Mohammed Ali Al-Lami, stressed the need for concerted efforts by state institutions to prevent and combat corruption, and to strive diligently to recover smuggled corruption proceeds, in addition to focusing on preventive, awareness-raising and educational methods to prevent corruption and spread and consolidate the culture of integrity among society. 

Al-Lami, during his reception of the Governor of the Central Bank, Ali Al-Alaq, at the Authority’s headquarters, noted “the Authority’s determination to continue efforts to combat corruption and pursue its perpetrators, noting that corruption hinders reconstruction, development and investment operations and contributes to the decline in services provided to citizens.”

For his part, the Governor of the Central Bank offered his "congratulations to Mohammed Ali Al-Lami on assuming his duties as Chairman of the Federal Integrity Commission," wishing him "success in carrying out the great national mission of combating corruption and cleansing state institutions of its filth."

The two parties agreed to "intensify levels of cooperation and coordination between the Authority and the Central Bank, especially in the file of money laundering and smuggling, noting the sanctity and inviolability of public money, and the importance of doubling efforts to preserve it, and recovering what was stolen, embezzled and smuggled out of the country."  LINK

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Clare:  Rafidain Bank explains the mechanism of selling dollars to travelers

10/28/2024

Rafidain Bank explained, today, Monday, the mechanism for selling dollars to travelers.

A statement by the bank received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) stated that "the traveler makes an electronic reservation through the bank's website, and the reservation form is filled out 72 hours before the date stated on the travel ticket after completing the reservation procedures and confirming the date," indicating that "the traveler then goes to one of the branches for the purpose of depositing cash in dinars in the branch exclusively."

The statement added that "the dollar will be received at the bank's outlet inside the Babylon Hall at Baghdad International Airport exclusively, and the dollar will not be delivered to the traveler until after completing the travel procedures and after finishing the passport stamping."

He added, "The branches designated for depositing the Iraqi dinar are the Karkh branches (Al-Mansour, Al-Rafei, Al-Ma'rifah, Al-Muheet), the Rusafa branches (Al-Senak, Al-Firdaws, the main branch, Palestine Street, the officers' houses, Al-Waziriyah)."

He pointed out that "the requirements for selling the dollar are a valid Iraqi passport with a valid visa or residency, a civil status ID, a nationality certificate or a unified national card, a residence card, and a valid travel ticket."   LINK

Clare:  Iraqi-US Negotiating Committee Stresses Transition from Military to Economic Relations

The Higher Coordination Committee for the Strategic Framework Agreement for Friendship and Cooperation with the United States of America stressed the need to move the relationship with Washington to an economic partnership and not to focus on military affairs.

This came during the committee's periodic meeting headed by Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, in the presence of all representatives of the subcommittees within the Higher Committee, according to a statement by the committee.

The statement stated that "the meeting discussed the latest developments in bilateral relations between Iraq and the United States of America, in addition to reviewing the achievements approved during the recent meetings between the two parties in mid-April in the capital, Washington. Future working papers were also discussed during the upcoming meetings of the committee, scheduled to be held in February of next year, within the agreed upon axes, which include cooperation in the political and diplomatic fields, security and defense, energy, economy, education, health, and the environment."

The Foreign Minister stressed the importance of strengthening relations with the United States of America by implementing the provisions of the agreement, and moving the relationship to a solid economic partnership. He also stressed the need not to focus only on military and security aspects, but rather to expand cooperation to include economic, health, educational, and other fields. link

FRANK26….10-22-24….BANK ON THE CENTERS

KTFA

Tuesday Night Conference Call

FRANK26….10-22-24….BANK ON THE CENTERS

This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only

Frank has stated he will no longer do public videos on the Iraqi dinar UNLESS it is Important, Prudent or Necessary.  

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

Andy Schectman from Miles Franklin joins the stream tonight

Frank shares a bank story at the end tonight

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IeCET1aeck

Some “Iraq News” Posted by Clare at KTFA 10-21-2024

KTFA:

Clare:  Iraqi Credit Bank achieves a profit of 20.4 billion dinars 

10/20/2024 Baghdad

The Iraqi Credit Bank achieved a net profit of 20.4 billion dinars since the beginning of the year until the third quarter. 

According to the bank's financial statements, revenues amounted to 26.4 billion dinars, achieving a growth of 38%, as they amounted to 19.1 billion dinars during the same period last year. 

The bank's assets increased to 524.8 billion dinars, but deposits decreased to 137.5 billion dinars after they were 150.6 billion dinars. 

The bank has retained earnings of 38.7 billion dinars, which have been accumulating for many years. LINK

Clare:  Al-Sari: The population census guarantees fair distribution of wealth and parliamentary representation of the governorates

10/21/2024

The head of the State Powers Bloc, MP Faleh Al Sari, stressed the importance of the census and population census in ensuring the fair distribution of wealth.

Al-Sari, accompanied by the Minister of Planning, Mohammed Tamim, visited the Population Census Operations Room to review the preparations for the general population census scheduled for November 20-21.

The workers in the operations room gave a detailed presentation of the work mechanisms and the achievement rates achieved in the numbering and enumeration operations at the level of each governorate, in addition to explaining how to conduct field follow-up for researchers throughout Iraq via geographic information systems, and mechanisms for sending data immediately.

For his part, Representative Faleh Al-Sari expressed his deep appreciation for the efforts made by the Ministry of Planning and the Statistics Authority to conduct the population census electronically and in record time, stressing the importance of this project in ensuring fair distribution of wealth and ensuring fair parliamentary representation for all governorates, in addition to its developmental importance in understanding the Iraqi reality in all its details and drawing up future policies in all fields.    LINK

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Clare: Al-Sudani: $100 billion is the size of investment opportunities in Iraq

10/21/2024

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed that the investment opportunities available in Iraq exceeded $100 billion in value, pointing to the expansion of economic cooperation between Iraq and Egypt. 

This came during a meeting held today, Monday, with the Chairman of the Egyptian El-Sewedy Group of Companies, Ahmed El-Sewedy, and a group of Egyptian company managers, in the presence of a number of his advisors, according to a statement issued by his office and received by Shafak News Agency.

During the meeting, Al-Sudani explained that these investment opportunities were received from Arab and foreign companies, which reflects the potential for economic growth in various fields.

They also discussed ways of cooperation in various sectors, including industry, energy and infrastructure, in addition to developing petroleum resources. It was agreed to study the establishment of industrial cities in Baghdad, as Al-Suwaidi Group presented a map of projects that will be studied by the Advisory Board and relevant authorities.   LINK

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Clare:  Al-Atwani: The government is working on preparing the basics of the 2025 budget to present it to the House of Representatives

10/21/2024

The head of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Atwan Al Atwani, confirmed that the government is working on preparing the basics of the 2025 budget to present it to the House of Representatives for study and voting.

A statement from his office, received by {Al Furat News}, stated that: “Al Atwani discussed with a delegation from the Adam Smith International Foundation a set of laws related to the development of the financial and banking system, today, Monday, at the headquarters of the Finance Committee in the Council building, where he reviewed important draft laws including the Securities and Commodities Law, the Banking Studies Center Law, and the Islamic Sukuk Investment Law, with the necessary amendments being made, indicating that these laws will be read in the upcoming sessions.

Al-Atwani stressed that "the aim of the amendments is to involve the concerned parties to ensure increased productivity and listen to various opinions to ensure their effective implementation."

The statement added, "The organization of workshops in cooperation with the Law, Economy, and Investment Committees was also discussed to develop laws comprehensively, while hosting specialists to benefit from previous experiences. The mechanism for drafting federal budget texts, analyzing revenues and expenditures, and planning budget items and general programs were also addressed."

Al-Atwani pointed out that "the government is working on preparing the basics of the 2025 budget to present it to the House of Representatives for study and voting."   LINK

Some “Iraq News” Posted by Clare at KTFA 10-17-2024

KTFA:

Clare:  BRICS currency.. Government advisor: A global monetary and financial system is about to be born

10/16/2024 Baghdad

The financial advisor to the Prime Minister, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, confirmed today, Wednesday, October 16, 2024, that a monetary and financial system for payments that enjoys international acceptance and credibility is “imminent.”

Saleh said in a press statement, regarding his expectations for the outcomes of the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, that “a monetary system and a payment system are imminent and will enjoy international acceptance and credibility.

” The new monetary situation must impose an official character in the arrangements of special drawing rights (ie the currency of the International Monetary Fund), meaning that the BRICS currency will have a high weight in the weights of global currencies under which the International Monetary Fund deals in terms of the stability of the exchange rate and the strength of the new international currency (the BRICS currency).”

He added: "The Kazan Summit must come out with an official announcement of the new international reserve currency called the BRICS currency, which will undoubtedly represent an economic force for nearly 40% of the world's population, and represent about 30% of the global GDP , especially since the five countries contribute significantly to the global economy, as they represent nearly 25% of the global GDP alone.”

He pointed out that "China and India are considered the main drivers of this growth, with their economic power increasing significantly in the past two decades and up until now, and without a doubt, half of global trade is controlled by the group."

Saleh added: “Thus, the BRICS group seeks to reshape the global economic system in line with its interests, and challenge the traditional dominance of Western countries in international economic institutions, especially by establishing its own financial institutions such as the New Development Bank.”

Russia holds the rotating presidency of the BRICS bloc this year, under the slogan “Strengthening multilateralism for equitable global development and security.”

Since assuming the presidency of the group, Russia has organized more than 200 political, economic and social events, and the main event will be the BRICS summit with the participation of a number of heads of state, which will be held in Kazan from October 22 to 24.

The BRICS group is a joint association of several countries that was created in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, and later in 2011, South Africa joined it.

Since the beginning of 2024, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the Emirates and Saudi Arabia have joined BRICS.LINK

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Al-Sudani announces recommendations to be approved by the Council of Ministers to restructure Rafidain Bank

10/17/2024

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani chaired a meeting today, Thursday, on efforts related to developing the work of the government banking sector, in the presence of representatives of Ernst & Young for auditing and financial consulting.

A statement from the Prime Minister's Office, a copy of which was received by {Euphrates News}, stated that "during the meeting, a package of recommendations was presented by the company to proceed with the reform of Rafidain Bank, which included the new legal status of Rafidain Bank, its capital, its work strategy, and the new consultant who will work with the bank to meet the global requirements for modern banking.

These recommendations will be presented to the Ministerial Council for the Economy, which will then submit them to the Council of Ministers for approval."

He explained that "the issue of restructuring Rafidain Bank is the first step in the government's banking reforms, which have been given special attention to follow up on all reports related to it, submitted by the relevant authorities, especially the committee concerned with the restructuring process."

The Prime Minister stressed "the importance of the banking sector reform project, which began with Rafidain Bank, pointing out the work to provide a bank with specifications and standards through which problems can be overcome and confidence given to citizens, in addition to enhancing cooperation with local and foreign investors."   LINK

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Clare: Iraq Participates in GITEX 2024 to Enhance Cooperation in Technology and Cybersecurity

10/17/2024

 Chairman of the Communications and Media Commission Ali Almoayyed participated in the 44th edition of GITEX Global 2024, which was held at the Dubai World Trade Center under the slogan “Global Cooperation to Shape the Future Economy Based on Artificial Intelligence.”

His media office stated in a statement received by {Euphrates News}, that "this exhibition is considered one of the largest global events specialized in technology and emerging companies, as it attracts a large number of governments, investors, major companies and experts from various sectors." 

He added: “The event is a platform to enhance global cooperation between governments, companies and investors, in addition to supporting start-ups and promoting innovation in academia and research circles.”

This year, GITEX Global 2024 will feature more than 6,500 companies from over 180 countries, with a focus on showcasing investment opportunities in advanced technology, cybersecurity, data protection, and artificial intelligence technologies.

The exhibition contributes to enhancing international cooperation in modern technology, providing governments and start-ups with unprecedented investment opportunities in various vital sectors. LINK

Clare:  Kuwait urges Iraq to take concrete measures to address outstanding issues between the two countrie

10/17/2024

Kuwaiti Prime Minister Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah called on Iraq to take tangible measures to address all pending issues between the two countries.

In his speech at the Gulf-European summit in Brussels, Al-Sabah said, "At the forefront of these files is the demarcation of the maritime borders beyond point 162 in accordance with international laws and conventions, and the completion of the file of prisoners, missing persons and Kuwaiti properties, including the national archives within the scope of the follow-up of the United Nations and in particular the Security Council.

" Al-Sabah urged "Iraq to adhere to the bilateral agreements related to the security and technical aspects of the navigational passage in Khor Abdullah, which are agreements that would enhance the concept of environmental conservation, regulate navigation, and combat terrorism and the illegal trade in weapons, drugs and human beings," stressing "the importance of continuing the dialogue based on understanding and mutual respect between the two brotherly countries."

He pointed out that "based on the belief in the principle of good neighborliness, Kuwait was keen to help Iraq rise up through close work aimed at restoring its regional status and position in a way that achieves the hopes of its brotherly people."

On October 3, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein announced the imminent resumption of Iraqi-Kuwaiti negotiations to resolve outstanding problems between the two countries, noting “Iraq’s true desire to reach understandings to resolve existing differences.”  LINK

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Clare:  Today.. The Kurdistan government announces a list of September salaries

10/17/2024   Erbil 

An informed government source confirmed that the Kurdistan Regional Government will announce, today, Thursday (October 17, 2024), a list of employee salaries for last September.

The source said in an interview with Baghdad Today, “The Ministry of Finance will announce in the coming hours a schedule of employee salaries worth 977 billion dinars, including the security forces, employees, retirees, and social care.”

He added, "The distribution schedule will continue for 3 days, and includes the disbursement of all ministries, starting with the Ministry of Health, then the Peshmerga, and the rest of the institutions in succession."

An informed source revealed, on Saturday (October 12, 2024), the date for disbursing salaries to employees in the Kurdistan Region for the month of September .

The source said in an interview with "Baghdad Today" that "there is a shortage in the amounts allocated for salaries that will arrive on Sunday from Baghdad to the account of the Ministry of Finance in the regional government."

He added, "The Kurdistan Ministry of Finance will issue a schedule of the salary list, and will most likely begin distribution next Tuesday, with distribution ending on Thursday, and continuing for three days, only two days before the Kurdistan Parliament elections."

He added, "The regional government will distribute September salaries a few days before the elections in response to internal pressures and also as an election propaganda ."

The Ministry of Finance in the Kurdistan Region announced last September that it had delivered the list of employees' salaries for the months of August and September, as requested by the Federal Ministry of Finance the last time, confirming that it was waiting to start sending the Salaries for the month of September to the region's employees, in conjunction with the start of the process of auditing the salary list .  LINK

FRANK26….10-16-24……TIME IS SHORT

KTFA

Wednesday Night Conference Call

FRANK26….10-16-24……TIME IS SHORT….

This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only

Frank has stated he will no longer do public videos on the Iraqi dinar UNLESS it is Important, Prudent or Necessary.  

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=oqmt4tOd_TQ

FRANK26….10-14-24….AKI REPORT

KTFA

Monday Night Conference Call

FRANK26….10-14-24….AKI REPORT

This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only

Frank has stated he will no longer do public videos on the Iraqi dinar UNLESS it is Important, Prudent or Necessary.  

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=5ewjcVYcQBM

Some Iraq Financial News Posted by Clare at KTFA 10-13-2024

KTFA:

Clare: Ministry of Finance announces release of more than 400 billion dinars from governorate allocations

10/13/2024

 The Ministry of Finance announced that it is about to release more than 400 billion dinars from the governorates’ allocations today, Sunday.

 Finance Minister Taif Sami said in a press statement: "The ministry will release today more than 400 billion dinars from governorate allocations."

She pointed out that "financial allocations have been secured for the ration card and the food basket, sufficient for the next six months."

Regarding the revenues generated from exporting the region’s oil, Sami said, “The regional government has not handed over its oil revenues to the state treasury since the Federal Court issued a decision to pay the salaries of Kurdistan employees, noting that the salaries of the region’s employees are estimated at 13 trillion dinars.”LINK

Clare:  Iraqi Parliament Discusses Budget Law with Finance Minister, Customs and Tax Officials

10/13/2024

The Parliamentary Finance Committee hosted, on Sunday, the Minister of Finance Taif Sami, the Chairman of the General Authority of Customs Hassan Al-Akeili, the Chairman of the General Authority of Taxes Waad Al-Alawi, and the Director of the Budget Department at the Ministry of Finance Wasan Saad.

Shafaq News Agency correspondent said that the hosting was to discuss the Iraqi state's general budget law, financing projects in the governorates, and enhancing non-oil financial revenues through customs and taxes.  LINK

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Clare:  Parliamentary Finance: The three-year budget aims to facilitate contracting and financing

10/13/2024  Baghdad

The Parliamentary Finance Committee confirmed, on Sunday, that the three-year budget aims to facilitate contracting and financing.

The head of the committee, Atwan Al-Atwani, said in a statement received by "Al-Eqtisad News", that "the committee hosted the Minister of Finance, Taif Sami, the heads of the Customs and Tax Authority, and the Director General of the Budget to discuss non-oil revenues, financing the governorates, and food security."

He added, "The three-year budget aims to facilitate contracting and financing," noting that "total reliance on oil gives us an unstable economy and disrupts development plans."

He continued: "Our meeting today is very important to delve into the file of the state's non-oil revenues, and we are working to establish scientific foundations to maximize them."   LINK

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Clare:  Parliamentary Finance: The Ministry of Finance is about to complete the procedures for appointing 150,000 contractors

10/13/2024

The head of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Atwan Al Atwani, revealed today, Sunday, that the Ministry of Finance is close to completing the procedures for appointing 150,000 contractors.

 Al-Atwani said in a press statement that "the committee hosted Finance Minister Taif Sami to discuss the financial situation in light of the circumstances the world is experiencing and the security tension in the region."

He added that "discussions were held regarding securing food, medicine, and basic necessities for life, as well as securing financial allocations for the governorates under the 2023 budget provisions, as well as the current year's budget."

Al-Atwani continued, "The meeting resulted in a set of matters that were confirmed to have been achieved, including securing the ration card for a period of six months, as well as discussions regarding securing and releasing financial allocations and financing spending funds for all governorates and launching projects that were contracted for in 2023.

" He called on citizens "to rest assured that all requirements for the ration card and food supplies have been secured by the government, and that the financial allocations are available and there is no need to worry."
Al-Atwani pointed out that, "Regarding the implementation of the budget items and the paragraph on appointing contracts in the governorates, as well as the status of the ministries, the Ministry of Finance informed us that work is underway to contract and is awaiting the completion of the governorates' requirements to submit the names and implement the contracts for all those included in the paragraph, which is to appoint one hundred and fifty thousand contracts in all governorates."   LINK

Clare:  Rafidain Bank: Implementing the comprehensive banking system in 44 branches

10/13/2024   Baghdad

In implementation of the government program to move from paper transactions to electronic ones to provide the best services to citizens.

Rafidain Bank announced in a statement received by Mawazine News a copy of it the implementation of the comprehensive banking system in the Nasr Square and Oil Products branches in Baghdad, the Anbar branch and the Al-Ghari branch in Najaf

Al-Ashraf to join the branches that have activated the comprehensive system in Baghdad and the governorates in addition to the border crossing branches (Zurbatiyah - Safwan - Arar - Trebil) so that the number of branches that have implemented and completed the system becomes (44) branches.... The bank confirms that the digital transformation plan and the adoption of the comprehensive banking system are proceeding according to the scheduled timings to include all the bank's branches in the application of the system.

Media Office of Rafidain Bank  LINK

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Clare:  Digital Transformation in Iraq: A Strategic Plan and New Procedures

10/13/2024

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani chaired, on Sunday, the periodic meeting of the Supreme Committee for Digital Transformation in Iraq.

During the meeting, according to a statement issued by his office and received by Shafak News Agency, the implementation of previous decisions and directives was reviewed, and practical procedures related to digital transformation in public sector institutions and infrastructure development were followed up, in a way that helps accelerate this important digital transition that will contribute to improving the quality of service provided to citizens.

The Prime Minister stressed the government's interest in the comprehensive digital transformation process, which has become a necessity in Iraq. The five-year development plan has adopted this process, pointing out the possibility of benefiting from the youth reality of Iraqi society to move towards the rapid implementation of this transformation. His Excellency also stressed the importance of thoughtful planning in this field, due to its importance in achieving development.

The Supreme Committee for Digital Transformation considered a number of the presented files, and approved the technical report on the strategic directions to provide the requirements for digital transformation, which includes the methodology and general principles for launching this process, and benefiting from the successful experiences of countries similar to the situation of Iraq, as well as the vision required to be adopted to achieve this transformation, provided that the services provided to the citizen are the first idea for launching the digital transformation process in terms of service and cybersecurity. 

The committee also approved the steps for digital transformation in the Retirement and Social Security Department at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, and also discussed the steps necessary to implement digital transformation in the Companies Registration Department at the Ministry of Commerce.  

The Committee agreed to continue cooperation with the United Nations Development Program, with the aim of improving indicators related to the communications and information technology sector, and approved the Communications and Media Commission and the Central Bank of Iraq to negotiate with international digital companies.  LINK

“Iraq and Vietnam News” Posted by KTFA Members 10-9-2024

KTFA:

Clare:  Controls

Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Controls for Exchange Companies and Foreign Currency Brokers ...

For more, click here

https://cbi.iq/news/view/2686

Clare:  Association of Banks: More than 600 government institutions adopt electronic payment

10/8/2024  Baghdad

The Association of Private Banks confirmed, on Tuesday, that the number of government institutions relying on electronic payment has increased to 600.

The Executive Director of the Private Banks Association, Ali Tariq, said in a statement reported by the official news agency, and reviewed by "Al-Eqtisad News", that "the government decisions obligating government institutions and many private institutions to provide an electronic payment window - which began to be implemented in March 2023 - have brought about a tangible change in the use of this system in Iraq."

He added, "The infrastructure was ready with the support of the Central Bank of Iraq, with prior instructions and great cooperation between banks and electronic payment companies."

He pointed out that "government support has contributed to accelerating the spread of electronic payment, as we have witnessed during the past year and a half a significant increase in the number of cards issued, reaching 20 million cards, including 2 million cards issued during the last year. The number of electronic payment devices has also increased to more than 30 thousand devices, and it is expected that this number will double by the beginning of next year."

Tarek explained that “the number of government institutions that have adopted the electronic payment system has exceeded 600 institutions, after it was only about 50 institutions, which led to a significant increase in the volume of trading,” noting that “this system has many benefits for citizens, projects and the government, as it provides security, speed and low costs compared to transferring money and its exposure to damage, theft or counterfeiting.”

He stressed that "the next phase will witness a greater expansion in the use of electronic cards and an increase in electronic payment operations, with the primary goal of providing an easy and inexpensive service to the Iraqi citizen, whether in government or private institutions."  LINK

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Clare:  The government completes the file to join the "WTO"

10/9/2024  Baghdad: Rula Watheq

 After the important steps and achievements made by the government in more than one file and sector, it was the turn to address the world and confirm that Iraq has become an economic power that should not be underestimated, and has all the qualifications and capabilities to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) after completing all preparations for that.

The government headed by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has set, within its government program, a clear vision for the economic future in Iraq, which included setting timetables for achieving the liberalization process and focusing on sectors with high potential such as agriculture, industry and services, which contributes to accelerating accession to the organization.

According to the spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce, Mohammed Hanoun, to Al-Sabah, "All preparations were completed by the government team representing all ministries, which held an important meeting in Abu Dhabi headed by Minister of Commerce Athir Dawood Al-Ghariri."

He explained that "Iraq has fulfilled all the requirements for joining the organization, through a package of legislation and laws currently being discussed to reform the current legal system to be in line with the requirements and controls of the international organization, such as coordinated trade policies throughout the country, including tariff rates and customs procedures."

Experts believe that joining the organization will be a "major achievement" for the government, especially since it has great benefits, including increasing Iraqi exports and contributing to stimulating economic growth.

Hanoun praised "the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through its team in the organization, through coordination with it, as it is the main partner in Iraq's accession to this international organization."

 He stressed that "all ministries are working to ensure that the team has the information that helps it join the organization, especially since joining the World Trade Organization benefits Iraq in expanding free trade."   LINK

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Clare:  Iraq plans to build 52 advanced residential cities

10/9/2024   Baghdad: Hussein Thaghab  

The “Real Estate Investment in Digital Transformation” Forum focused on the inevitability of adopting technology in the real estate sector and the benefits it brings to the country, at a time when nearly 200,000 housing units are being built and 52 residential cities are being planned.

The Prime Minister’s speech was read on behalf of the Digital Transformation Advisor, Dr. Hassan Al-Khatib, who said: “This forum enhances the reality of investment in Iraq and keeps pace with the development in digital transformation, which the government attaches special importance to due to its role in achieving sustainable economic development.”
He added that “the development of digital technologies will contain challenges and that cooperation with the private sector achieves the goals that the government aspires to, which will push the digital transformation process forward and enhance safe work paths in all sectors.”

He continued that “digital transformation has significant positive effects on the national economy, and Iraq is witnessing the construction of more than 200,000 housing units, which requires the introduction of advanced technology.”

He pointed out that "the country needs to introduce an infrastructure that accelerates the provision of services," noting that "the expansion in construction and the need for communications accelerates the achievement of digital transformation," warning of "the need for an infrastructure that is several times what is available, represented by the Internet, in a way that develops the Iraqi economy to large levels and helps in enhancing production and expanding services and contributes to doubling the annual gross domestic product periodically."

He stated that "the government has a plan to establish a digital academy to train thousands, even millions, of human resources to enable them to use and benefit from new technologies."

Chairman of the Baghdad Investment Commission Ali Al-Attar said: "Many housing projects have begun by introducing digital data, and this plan requires developing the
digital system."

He pointed out "the importance of developing digital performance, and we must work to prepare specialized human resources in this plan that aims to adopt technologies that are the most modern
in the world."

Representative of the Ministry of Construction and Housing, Hamid Abdul Hamad, stated that “residential cities are among the most important aspects of the government program,” noting that “the study of establishing 52 residential cities is ongoing, 5 of which have been put forward, and the cities’ specifications include that they be smart.”

He pointed out that “the city designs were not approved unless they included advanced technology and the adoption of advanced global companies in the field of
digitization.”

Executive Director of the Iraqi Private Banks Association, Ali Tariq, said that “digital transformation represents the most important direction for developing the economic reality in the country, as it rises to advanced and secure levels for money paths in Iraq.”

He pointed out that “rising to global performance requires advanced digital transactions, and here we must start from where the world ended and keep pace with the developments witnessed by the international work arena.”

He pointed out that “the balance of development during the coming period must be the most efficient, and this must be coupled with real work that comes with advanced technology and the necessary human resources.”

Financial expert Dr. Abdul Hafeez Abdul Latif described the government’s insistence on digital transformation as “the first step towards achieving sustainable economic development,” and explained that “the government’s approach represents an important step in the right direction that serves the country and reflects a bright image to
the world.”

He pointed out that "correcting paths and creating an ideal environment lies in the extent of adopting digital transformation within Iraq, and the banking system has become a supporter of developing the reality of performance in Iraq through the digital transformation sought by
the government."   LINK

Henig:  Trump Organization to develop $1.5 billion golf course and hotel project in Vietnam

By Reuters

October 8, 2024 HANOI, Oct 8 (Reuters) - Vietnam's real estate developer Kinhbac City (KBC.HM), opens new tab (KBC) said on Tuesday that its subsidiary has partnered with The Trump Organization to develop a $1.5 billion golf course and hotel project in Vietnam's Hung Yen province.

A memorandum of understanding between the two companies was signed in late September during the visit of Vietnamese President To Lam to the United States, KBC said in a statement. The project consists two 54-hole golf course systems, together with a network of hotels and resorts and a modern residential complex, the statement added.

A Reuters analysis in August found the golf course and resort business was the biggest driver of cash flow for the Trump Organization, the family business of U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, which houses the hundreds of companies he ultimately owns.

In mid-September, representatives from the Trump Organization visited the province and met Hung Yen authorities to discuss investment opportunities, according to the provincial administration.

"We are excited to enter this dynamic market. Vietnam has potential in the luxury hotel and entertainment industry," Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization, also the second son of former President Donald Trump, said in the statement.

It did not provide a timeframe for construction of the project.

Vietnam, with a population of 100 million, currently has about 70 golf courses and 100,000 local golfers, according to the Vietnam Golf Association.

The U.S.-based Trump Organization did not immediately respond to an emailed request from Reuters for comment. LINK

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Clare:  Officially.. Signing the contract to implement the Gulf electricity interconnection with Iraq

10/9/2024

The Gulf Cooperation Council countries signed, on Wednesday, a contract to implement the Gulf electricity market linkage project with Iraq, which will enhance energy security and allow the GCC countries to supply Iraq with about 3.94 terawatt-hours annually at competitive prices less than the cost of local production, leading to a reduction in public expenditures .

The signing took place at the headquarters of the Gulf Interconnection Authority in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia, under the patronage of Saud bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Eastern Province, who launched the update of the control center systems for the electrical interconnection network, which aims to improve the efficiency and flexibility of electricity systems in the face of current and future challenges.

Bin Badr Al-Aziz stated that implementing the project to link the Gulf electricity market with Iraq will contribute to the sustainability of energy supply and the establishment of local projects, and enhance the stability of the electricity grid in Iraq, which reduces dependence on expensive traditional energy sources and increases the effectiveness of using available resources .

He stressed that the Gulf electricity interconnection project is one of the strategic projects that strengthens the bonds of cooperation in the economic and social fields between the GCC countries and neighboring countries, and enjoys the support of the leaders of the GCC countries in order to achieve security and stability of the energy system in the region .

Bin Abdulaziz stressed the need for expansion and that the role should not be limited to ensuring the flow of energy only; as the actual steps have begun through signing memoranda of understanding to study the possibility of electrical interconnection with Iraq, Jordan and Egypt, and at the beginning of next year, the actual operation of the interconnection with Iraq will begin.

He explained that signing the contract to implement the Gulf electricity market linkage project with Iraq will contribute to enhancing energy security and enable the GCC countries to supply Iraq with about 3.94 terawatt-hours annually, according to the targets set for 2025, and at competitive prices less than the cost of local production, which will lead to reducing public expenditures.  LINK

Frank26, IQD Update and Andy Schectman 10-8-2024

KTFA

KTFA IQD Update and Andy Schectman

This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only

Frank has stated he will no longer do public videos on the Iraqi dinar UNLESS it is Important, Prudent or Necessary.  

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=GkZLgWJjWoc