Vietnam and Iraq News Posted at KTFA 4-12-2025

KTFA:

Clare:  Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent

 @SecScottBessent

During today’s meeting to confirm the start of formal discussions on reciprocal trade with Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc of Vietnam, I emphasized the need for continued engagement and quick, demonstrable progress to resolve outstanding issues.

2:04 PM · Apr 10, 2025

https://x.com/SecScottBessent/status/1910393420717170978?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

Henig: Exclusive-Facing Trump Tariffs, Vietnam Eyes Crackdown on Some China Trade

 By Reuters April 10, 2025 U.S. News & World Report

HANOI (Reuters) -In hope of avoiding punishing U.S. tariffs, Vietnam is prepared to crack down on Chinese goods being shipped to the United States via its territory and will tighten controls on sensitive exports to China, according to a person familiar with the matter and a government document seen by Reuters.

The offer, the details of which are reported by Reuters for the first time, came as senior U.S. officials, including the influential White House trade advisor Peter Navarro, raised concerns about Chinese goods being sent to America with "Made in Vietnam" labels that draw lower duties.

Vietnam has for weeks been offering sweeteners that it hoped would persuade the U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to take a benign view of its huge trade surplus with America. Instead, it was hit with a 46% tariff as part of Trump's "Liberation Day" salvo.

While the tariff has been suspended for 90 days, the two countries agreed to start talks after a Vietnamese deputy prime minister met with the U.S. Trade Representative on Wednesday. Export-reliant Vietnam is hoping to get the duties reduced to a range of 22% to 28%, if not lower, according to three people with knowledge of the matter.

One of them said that U.S. officials had signalled that range was likely, during a bilateral meeting in March. Vietnam's trade ministry and the USTR's office did not return a request for comment. In announcing the start of trade talks with the U.S. on Thursday, Vietnam's government said on its official portal it would crack down on "trade fraud."

It did not provide specifics. Since Trump's first term, many multi-national firms have implemented a "China plus one" policy of setting up factories in Vietnam to reduce exposure to Beijing. The Southeast Asian nation is in a tight spot as it tries to preserve trade with the U.S., which is its largest export market and a security partner.

 At the same time, Hanoi does not want to antagonize China, which is a top source of investment as well as a neighbour with which it has clashed over boundaries in the South China Sea. Vietnam's Government Office, a body that coordinates between its ministries, held an emergency meeting with government trade experts on April 3, hours after Trump announced the tariffs.

 The aim was to address Washington's concerns over alleged intellectual property theft and transhipment abuses, according to a person briefed on the meeting. At the meeting, trade ministry and customs officials were told to tighten controls and were given two weeks to devise a plan to clamp down on illicit transhipment.

 The deadline could be extended until late April, the person said, adding that Hanoi wanted to be careful not to provoke China.

 Illicit transhipment refers to one country sending goods to a nation facing lower tariffs from a third country, to which the product is re-exported without having value added to it. Vietnam's Government Office and the customs department did not respond to a request for comment. Many of the goods exported by Vietnam to the West have Chinese-made inputs, and Chinese companies have also established factories in the country to serve U.S. customers.

In many instances, Vietnamese workers process the goods, which are then legally shipped to the U.S. under a "Made in Vietnam" label. Official trade data show Vietnam's exports to the U.S. in recent years have been fuelled by imports from China, with inflows from Beijing closely matching the value and swings of exports to Washington.

U.S. officials have alleged, however, that China uses Vietnam as a conduit to obtain lower tariffs for goods that do not have significant Vietnamese involvement. "China uses Vietnam to tranship to avoid the tariffs," Navarro said on Fox News on April 6, without providing evidence.

 A person familiar with the matter said that in some instances, ships carrying Chinese-made goods dwelled in Vietnamese ports just long enough to obtain documents certifying that the products were made in Vietnam before leaving. Reuters could not immediately establish if Vietnam's offer was enough to address U.S. concerns over abuse of transhipment or if the country could comprehensively tackle the problem. A spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry said in response to Reuters' question that trade between Beijing and Hanoi "is essentially a win-win situation.

We believe that Vietnam will make a choice that is in line with its own long-term interests and the overall situation of mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Vietnam." CHIPS, SATELLITES AND PLANES Vietnam is also implementing tougher measures on sensitive goods that flow through its territory from the U.S. to China.

 Hanoi intends to tighten controls around the export of dual-use goods like semiconductors, which can be used for both civilian and military purposes, according to a draft decree reviewed by Reuters. The decree, which states it was prepared at the request of the trade ministry, was not dated but it includes an explanatory note dated April 4.

The document said that major trading partners had requested that Hanoi "minimize the possibility of these source technologies being transferred to third countries without the consent of the exporting country."

The U.S. government considers leadership on artificial intelligence as a national priority and Washington has moved to cut off China's access to the most advanced U.S.-made chips. Vietnam now plans to introduce new declaration and approval procedures for the trade of such products, according to the proposal. Hanoi previously said that it discussed controls over exports of dual-use goods with U.S. officials during meetings in March.

Other tech-related gestures directed at the U.S. include Hanoi's approval, under favourable conditions, for the Starlink satellite communication service controlled by Trump's billionaire ally Elon Musk. Musk appeared to confirm Starlink's ambitions in the country when he reposted on April 4 the contents of an earlier Reuters article that detailed the company's plans for the deployment of multiple ground stations.

 Musk's primacy in space is seen as a threat by Beijing, which is rushing to launch satellites into lower-earth orbit. Vietnam, a medium-sized country whose diplomats have a long history of juggling ties with great powers, will host Chinese leader Xi Jinping next week.

Xi's trip is likely to coincide with Vietnam's aviation regulator approving China's COMAC planes, according to two people familiar with the matter. That could open the way for the leasing and purchase by Vietnamese airlines of the Chinese jets, which have so far struggled to find foreign buyers.

 The approval would follow this week's announcements by Vietnamese airlines of agreements on U.S. loans for the purchase of Boeing planes. (Reporting and writing by Francesco Guarascio; Additional reporting by Phuong Nguyen and Khanh Vu in Hanoi and Liz Lee in Beijing; Editing by Katerina Ang) LINK

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Clare:  Asraflak

More than 4,000 ATMs Throughout Iraq

Spend the national campaign to spread the culture of electronic payment in Iraq

Increasing the number of ATMs is an important step to meet the needs of individuals and reduce congestion at vital points.

Its aim is to facilitate access to financial services, reduce waiting times and provide a more flexible and faster experience for users.

https://www.facebook.com/people/Asraflak/61564007723047/

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Clare: 62,000 or more POS devices

Spend the national campaign to spread the culture of electronic payment in Iraq

The numbers are on the rise and the percentage of transactions within the electronic range is increasing, from only 6 thousand devices in 2019 to the number reaching 62 thousand devices.

This increase is due to the urgent need to use electronic payment as a convenient, safe and fast means.

Clare:  Rafidain Bank launches OBDX service after activating anti-money laundering systems

4/11/2025  

Rafidain Bank announced today, Friday, the launch of its online banking service, OBDX (Online Banking Digital Experience), following the activation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations. This step aims to enhance digital transformation and comply with international standards.

The bank confirmed in a statement received by {Furat News} that "the new service has been successfully implemented with a number of government agencies, and is part of Rafidain's strategy to provide a safe and advanced banking environment that keeps pace with global trends toward financial transparency and good governance." 

He added, "The OBDX service provides an integrated digital banking experience, enabling government agencies to conduct their financial transactions electronically and with the highest levels of security, which contributes to accelerating procedures and reducing reliance on paper transactions." 

The launch of the service coincides with the activation of the AML and GOAML systems, which monitor and analyze transactions to prevent any suspicious or illegal activities, ensuring the bank's full compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing requirements.

The most prominent features of the new service:

Advanced banking security according to international standards.

Comprehensive compliance with local and international laws.

Ease of conducting remote transactions for government agencies.

Improving banking efficiency and reducing paperwork.

Rafidain Bank continues to provide innovative digital services that contribute to the development of the Iraqi banking sector and enhance customer confidence in the national banking institution.  LINK

Frank26 “News and Views” Thursday 4-10-2025

KTFA:

Frank26:  "SO WILL A NEW EXCHANGE RATE BECAUSE 1310 WILL DESTROY IRAQ'S ECONOMY!!!"....F26

 The President of the American Chamber of Commerce: The Treasury Department will play a role in developing the Iraqi economy.

4/9/2025

The Vice President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Steve Lutes, confirmed on Wednesday that the Treasury Department will play a role in developing the Iraqi economy. Meanwhile, the head of the Iraqi Economic Council stated that the country is much better off economically today than in previous years.

"Our visit to Iraq is the largest visit by businessmen from various sectors from the United States of America," Lotus said during a press conference attended by a Shafaq News Agency correspondent.

He added, " Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is working to establish partnerships between Iraqi and American companies to develop Iraq's industrial and economic sectors."

He continued, "The US Treasury and the US Chamber of Commerce represent the joint efforts of Iraq and America to develop the economy and to have a joint role between us."

For his part, Ibrahim al-Baghdadi, head of the Iraqi Economic Council, emphasized during the conference that "the recent years following liberation have unfortunately witnessed a significant decline in education in Iraq. However, I hope that it will develop again with the presence of the American University, to save education, and this is considered a lifeline for Iraq."

He stressed that " we cannot forget the role of the United States in liberating Iraq from dictatorship, and that the United States is the world's leading nation in various fields and is the one who has the credit for Iraq after its liberation."

He pointed out that " the visit of the American delegation, consisting of more than 100 individuals and more than 60 American companies, is evidence of the progress made in relations to develop the Iraqi economy," adding that "two days ago, we launched the Private Sector Development Council, headed by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, the First Vice President, the Minister of Planning, and the Second Vice President."

He explained that "Iraq today is better than it was decades ago, and we welcome any company that wants to work in Iraq to develop the Iraqi industry and economy."   LINK

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Frank26:  "KTFA FAMILY PLEASE NOTICE... NOT TRILLIONS , BUT BILLIONS !!!"......F26

US Embassy: We signed billions of dollars in agreements with Sudani.

4/9/2025  Baghdad -

The US Embassy in Baghdad confirmed on Wednesday that it had signed multibillion-dollar agreements with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, through American companies, to meet Iraq's energy needs.

The embassy stated in a post on the “X” platform, which was monitored by the 964 network :

Proud that American companies GE Vernova and UGT Renewables signed multibillion-dollar agreements with the Prime Minister @Prime Minister's Media Office to meet Iraq's energy needs. The United States' leadership in the energy sector drives global progress.  LINK

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Frank26:  "KTFA FAMILY TAKE NOTE... TARIFFS ALSO DEAL WITH CURRENCY MANIPULATION !!!".....F26

Donald J. Trump  @realDonaldTrump

 Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125%, effective immediately. At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping off the U.S.A., and other Countries, is no longer sustainable or acceptable.

Conversely, and based on the fact that more than 75 Countries have called Representatives of the United States, including the Departments of Commerce, Treasury, and the USTR, to negotiate a solution to the subjects being discussed relative to Trade, Trade Barriers, Tariffs, Currency Manipulation, and Non Monetary Tariffs

And that these Countries have not, at my strong suggestion, retaliated in any way, shape, or form against the United States, I have authorized a 90 day PAUSE, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10%, also effective immediately. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114309144289505174

Frank26:  "BANKING REFORM IS THE MONETARY REFORM FOR AN EXCHANGE RATE".....F26

Al-Nusairi confirms that the comprehensive banking reform project announced by the Central Bank will yield promising results.

4/9/2025- Baghdad

Economic and banking advisor Samir Al-Nusairi confirmed that the banking reform project announced by the Central Bank is consistent with the methodology included and adopted in the government program and the Central Bank's third strategy for the years 2023 and 202

. It will yield promising results in cooperation with global consulting firms Ernst & Young, K2, and Oliver Wyman to build a transparent information base for comprehensive reform, starting with the banking sector as the first essential link in the economy. Without a sound, solid, and modern banking sector, a strong and robust national economy cannot be built.

Al-Nusairi pointed out that among the important initial results achieved is the commencement of the completion of the actual implementation of the plans drawn up during 2025 and 2026 for comprehensive reform, which are summarized in enhancing financial inclusion and achieving stimulating and sustainable returns for shareholders and investors, and the government and the Central Bank leading projects aimed at modernizing the private banking sector and meeting the needs of the transition to a rapidly growing national economy, creating a fair competitive environment in the banking market, and raising the level of private banks’ ability to confront risks and protect depositors and creditors, thus restoring confidence in the banking sector in general, as well as expanding digital transformation procedures, expanding and diversifying banking services and products, and complying with international standards.

Al-Nusairi pointed out that the above objectives, which were discussed yesterday at the Banking Reform Conference, are established as primary and secondary objectives in the Central Bank's third strategy for the years 2024-2026, and that work is being done on them with a steady, systematic approach, and that the objectives will be achieved in cooperation with Oliver and Wyman at an accelerated pace in the years 2025 and 2026.

It is clear that the Central Bank, in cooperation with relevant authorities, will focus on the following: sharing with the private banking sector detailed criteria and timelines for implementing the reform process, activating support channels, and holding workshops to provide technical assistance.

The Central Bank of Iraq is fully committed to achieving this transformation by working closely with all relevant stakeholders to pave the way for a strong, resilient, modern, and inclusive financial and banking system.   LINK

FRANK27….4-8-25….PEACE?

KTFA

Tuesday Night conference Call

FRANK27….4-8-25….PEACE?

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… ORANGE=IMPLEMENTATION

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD7orkbVl0A

Some “Iraq News” Posted by Clare at KTFA 4-7-2025

KTFA:

Clare:  Nechirvan Barzani arrives in Abu Dhabi on an official visit

4/7/2025

The President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, arrived in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on Monday, on an official visit.

Nechirvan Barzani headed to the United Arab Emirates this morning on an official visit, where he will meet with President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan .

According to a statement issued by the Kurdistan Region's Presidency and received by Shafaq News Agency, the two presidents will discuss cooperation relations between the UAE, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region, in addition to the latest developments in the region and a number of issues of common interest. LINK

Clare:  Al-Sudani announces a 128% increase in customs revenues and a 22% increase in tax revenues.

4/7/2025

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced on Monday that customs revenues increased by about 128% and tax revenues by about 22%, higher than previous years. He also expressed the government's readiness to support all local and international entities, institutions, and companies to develop the banking sector and achieve financial stability.

This came during his sponsorship of the Iraqi Banking Sector Reform Conference, where Al-Sudani commended the efforts that contributed to the conference, commending the visions and ideas for developing the Iraqi banking sector, and the pursuit of sustainable development and strengthening Iraq's economic standing regionally and internationally.

Al-Sudani also praised the efforts of the Central Bank, banks, and teams from international and local consulting firms, according to a statement issued by his media office and received by Shafak News Agency.

Al-Sudani noted that the government assumed responsibility during a complex economic climate that required measures to ensure growth. He reviewed key achievements in the financial and economic sectors, stating that the three-year budget allowed for the development of a long-term financial plan to secure resources for vital sectors, including improvements to the tax and customs systems and maximization of non-oil revenues.

He added that customs revenues increased by 128%, and tax revenues by 22%, noting the launch of ambitious projects to reform the government banking system and enhance its service delivery capabilities.

Al-Sudani explained that the government had issued decisions to restructure the Rafidain, Rashid, Industrial, and Agricultural banks in cooperation with an international consulting firm. The government also strengthened the electronic payment infrastructure and established partnerships with financial technology companies.

He explained that financial inclusion has exceeded 40%, compared to 10% two years ago, with the updating of e-commerce and payments laws and the organization of awareness campaigns on digital payments.

He pointed to the support for small and medium-sized enterprises, which contributes to job creation, stressing that banking reforms constitute a fundamental pillar of the government's program, including a partnership with the Central Bank on strategic reforms aimed at keeping pace with international developments and expanding banking partnerships.

Al-Sudani concluded by affirming the government's readiness to support all stakeholders, achieving tangible results in developing the banking sector and expanding its projects.

The Central Bank of Iraq announced reform plans on Monday aimed at modernizing the Iraqi private banking sector and building a robust, modern, and resilient banking sector that will drive economic growth and enhance financial inclusion.  LINK

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Clare:  Al-Alaq: Digital currencies will contribute to reshaping the traditional banking system.

4/7/2025

 Central Bank Governor Ali Al-Alaq confirmed on Monday that digital currencies will contribute to reshaping the traditional banking system.

 In a speech at the Iraqi Banking Sector Reform Conference, Al-Alaq said, "The Central Bank aims to achieve a developed economy," stressing that "investment in research and development in the field of artificial intelligence must be increased."

He added that "digital currencies could reshape the traditional banking system," noting that "the Central Bank has announced its readiness to implement a plan to reform the banking sector."   LINK

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Clare: Parliamentary Finance Committee: Launching the banking reform plan is the beginning of economic reform.

4/7/2025 - Baghdad

 Parliamentary Finance Committee Chairman Atwan al-Atwani affirmed on Monday that the launch of the banking reform plan is the beginning of reforming the Iraqi economy.

 In a speech at the Iraqi Banking Sector Reform Conference, attended by an Al-Eqtisad News correspondent, Al-Atwani said, "Developing the banking sector is a fundamental pillar for developing the Iraqi economy beyond oil revenues."

 The head of the Finance Committee called for "diversifying revenue sources to cover the financial deficit."

He pointed out that "the reform and development process must be accompanied by engagement with international banks to regulate foreign remittances."

He stressed that "unofficial border crossings cause a waste of public money."   LINK

Clare:  Launching a private banking reform plan in partnership with Iraqi and international institutions.

4/7/2025 - Baghdad

The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Ali Al-Alaq, announced the launch of a comprehensive plan to reform private banks, in partnership with local and international institutions. He emphasized that the next phase will witness a qualitative shift in the nature of banking services, based on innovation and digital transformation.

During the Iraqi Banking Sector Reform Conference, which was attended by an Al-Eqtisad News correspondent , Al-Alaq said that Iraqi banks have made significant strides in developing their banking services, but they are required to further embrace modern technology. He emphasized that artificial intelligence must be at the core of future investments in the banking sector.

He added: "The world is witnessing a broad transformation in the financial structure and banking systems, which requires traditional banks to keep pace with this radical change by offering innovative services that meet customer aspirations amidst the tremendous technological acceleration."

The Central Bank Governor indicated that digital currencies will play a vital role in accelerating payment and money transfer transactions, requiring banks to develop their digital infrastructure.

He also noted that central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) could reshape the global banking landscape, adding: “Successful banks of the future will be those that embrace digital transformation tools and integrate artificial intelligence into their daily operations.  LINK

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Clare:  The Central Bank of Iraq sets regulations for the international use of bank cards. Document

4/7/2025

 The Central Bank of Iraq issued a new circular containing regulations for the use of bank cards (credit, debit, and prepaid) outside Iraq. This circular aims to strengthen oversight of international transactions and ensure the safety of future growth in international settlement payments.

The circular, dated Monday, April 7, 2025, and received by Shafaq News Agency, stated that the new cards will be activated for use outside Iraq 30 days after their issuance date. The relevant authorities will later be provided with lists of relevant merchant categories (MCC Codes) within the specified controls.

The Central Bank confirmed the suspension of these rules effective April 20, 2020, with the possibility of reviewing them periodically to support the sustainable growth of international settlement payments. 

He also noted that the current limits on international transactions involving prepaid cards, whether issued by banks or payment service companies, will remain in effect.

On the other hand, the circular clarified that travelers will continue to receive their foreign currency (dollars) at the official Central Bank rate, in accordance with the procedures adopted within the current e-governance system.

The bank confirmed in its circular that the new limits aim to regulate the use of payment cards issued by Iraqi banks, including debit and credit cards, according to the following categories:

Retirees: $10,000 per month or equivalent.

Travel: $20,000 per month or equivalent, including airfare, hotel reservations, and car rentals.

Treatment outside Iraq: $50,000 per month or equivalent.

General uses outside Iraq: $5,000 per month or equivalent.

He added that the maximum limit for using merchant bank cards outside Iraq will be $20,000 per month or its equivalent.

He also indicated that the new cards (debit, credit, and prepaid) for international use will be activated 30 days after their issuance date, with these rules to be implemented starting April 8, 2025, and to be reviewed periodically to support the growth of international payments.

The bank explained that it will later provide the relevant authorities with the merchant category codes (MCC codes) associated with these regulations, while the current ceilings for prepaid cards issued by banks or payment service providers will remain in effect.

The Central Bank sent a copy of the circular to a number of entities, including the Banking Supervision Department, the Non-Banking Financial Institutions Supervision Directorate, government and private banks, branches of foreign banks operating in Iraq, and electronic payment service companies, urging them to adhere to the aforementioned regulations.

1744019864709_Using Cards Internationally. LINK