Frank26 Saturday Night Videos 7-6-2025

Saturday Night Videos

FRANK26…7-5-25….ALOHA…..TRUMP EMAILS

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#

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCA8ZodxE-k

FRANK26….7-5-25….part 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdrG82xGzAA

FRANK25…..7-4-25…..ALOHA…..FIXED

KTFA

Friday Night Video

FRANK25…..7-4-25…..ALOHA…..FIXED

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#

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

FRANK26…7-3-25…ALOHA….DONG 2

KTFA

Thursday Night Conference Call

FRANK26…7-3-25…ALOHA….DONG 2

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#

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmK0b9JuQfs

FRANK26….7-2-25………ALOHA……12 - 2C !!!

KTFA

Wednesday Night Video

FRANK26….7-2-25………ALOHA……12 - 2C !!!

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#

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAdTO4YNZw8

FRANK26….7-1-25……..AUDIT?

KTFA

Tuesday Night Conference Call

FRANK26….7-1-25……..AUDIT?

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… ORANGE=IMPLEMENTATION

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUbQ6qOBAZo

FRANK26…6-30-25…..ALOHA….OIL TESTED

KTFA

Monday Night Conference Call

FRANK26…6-30-25…..ALOHA….OIL TESTED

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#

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjH_v1GrdTI

Some “Iraq International News” Posted by Clare at KTFA 6-25-2025

KTFA:

Clare:  IMF: Iraq has made progress in transitioning to a new system for financing foreign trade.

6/25/2025

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission considered that the Central Bank of Iraq has achieved "significant progress" by transitioning to a new system for financing foreign trade.

A statement issued by the bank quoted the mission as confirming that "the Central Bank of Iraq has made progress in absorbing excess liquidity by increasing the issuance of short-term debt instruments (central bank transfers and Islamic certificates of deposit), adjusting subscription limits for banks in central bank auctions, and improving liquidity forecasting tools and practices."

The statement added, "The mission commended the Central Bank of Iraq's efforts to successfully transition to the new trade finance system," noting that commercial banks now process trade finance transactions entirely through their relationships with correspondent banks.

According to the mission, "the Central Bank of Iraq has made significant progress by transitioning to a new system for financing foreign trade through correspondent banking channels, instead of relying on the daily dollar auction."

According to the statement, the mission indicated that "this development has contributed to enhancing banks' compliance with international transparency requirements, such as OFAC regulations and others, and improving their relationships with global correspondent banks."

The statement added that this step resulted in narrowing the gap between the official dollar exchange rate and its parallel exchange rate, indicating relative success in curbing illegal speculation and reducing currency leakage.

The statement continued, citing the IMF mission, that "the methodology for managing foreign exchange has become more effective than before, especially with the Central Bank of Iraq continuing to implement complementary measures such as requiring traders to submit genuine import invoices and simplifying procedures for obtaining hard currency for legitimate importers."   LINK

************

Clare:  The IMF mission commends the Central Bank of Iraq.

June 25, 2025

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Jean-Guillaume Poulain, which met with the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) from May 4 to 13, 2025, commended the CBI's work in several areas. It confirmed that the CBI has made progress in absorbing excess liquidity by increasing the issuance of short-term debt instruments (CBI drafts and Islamic certificates of deposit), adjusting subscription limits for banks in CBI auctions, and improving liquidity forecasting tools and practices.

The statement issued by the International Monetary Fund stated that the mission commended the efforts of the Central Bank of Iraq to successfully transition to the new trade finance system, indicating that commercial banks now process trade finance transactions entirely through their relationships with correspondent banks.

The Central Bank of Iraq has achieved significant progress by transitioning to the new system for financing foreign trade through correspondent banking channels, instead of relying on the daily dollar auction. This development has contributed to enhancing banks' compliance with international transparency requirements, such as OFAC regulations and others, and improving their relationships with global correspondent banks.

This step has resulted in narrowing the gap between the official dollar price and its parallel price, indicating relative success in curbing illegal speculation and reducing currency leakage. The foreign exchange management methodology has become more effective compared to the past, especially with the Central Bank of Iraq continuing to take complementary measures, such as requiring traders to submit genuine import invoices and simplifying procedures for obtaining hard currency for legitimate importers.

In parallel, the mission welcomed the progress made in the use of digital technology and the Iraqi authorities' intention to implement a comprehensive reform of the banking sector, calling for its completion to be accelerated without delay.

The Iraqi government, with technical support from the International Monetary Fund and other international bodies, has begun implementing initial steps to reform government banks, including auditing the quality of assets, estimating the size of non-performing loans, and developing a draft plan to restructure the two largest government banks (Rafidain and Rashid) financially and administratively.

The Iraqi financial sector has also witnessed an increasing trend towards digitization and the adoption of modern financial technology, whether in electronic payment services or the launch of banking platforms via the Internet and mobile phones.

The International Monetary Fund believes that these technical improvements, along with steps to enhance cybersecurity in banks, promote financial inclusion, expand private banking activity, and restructure government banks, will enhance the efficiency of financial services and increase foreign correspondents' confidence in the Iraqi banking sector.

The report also noted the expansion of private banks' activity in trade finance and small business financing, with expectations of further increases if obstacles are removed. Initiatives to enhance financial inclusion, modernize electronic payment systems, and reduce reliance on cash in the economy are also crucial to strengthening banking depth. The Central Bank of Iraq launched a national financial inclusion strategy during the first half of 2025.

The report also included important recommendations to enhance financial stability and facilitate the transfer of monetary policy effects to the real sector, including: reducing the phenomenon of dollarization, in which Iraq has made significant progress over the past two years; the importance of accelerating the completion of the comprehensive restructuring plan for banks to enhance their solvency; the importance of strengthening corporate governance for banks, developing digital infrastructure and cybersecurity for the financial sector; strengthening the role of private banks in financing economic development; and continuing to improve anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing procedures.

 It is also important for the Central Bank of Iraq to continue increasing the issuance of short-term securities to ensure better management of excess liquidity.

 Central Bank of Iraq 

Media Office

https://cbi.iq/news/view/2916

Clare:  Nearly $1 billion in international funding for Iraq to implement a massive transportation project.

6/25/2025

The World Bank announced on Wednesday that it had approved $930 million in financing to improve railway performance in Iraq, boost domestic trade, create jobs, and support economic diversification. The bank confirmed that the project will be completed in 2037 and will include eight Iraqi governorates .

The bank stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency, "Under this financing, the Iraq Railways Extension and Modernization (IREM) project will modernize the railway infrastructure and services between Umm Qasr Port in southern Iraq and Mosul in northern Iraq, contributing to reducing travel and transportation time, increasing freight volume, as well as improving infrastructure and sustainable transportation services and providing them to users and passengers ."

He added, "The Middle East is witnessing a significant boom in the development of regional railways, which enhances trade routes within the region and with Asia and Europe, and contributes to enhancing connectivity services and driving economic growth in the region. These regional initiatives include the Iraq Development Road , which was announced in May 2023 with the aim of transforming Iraq into a pivotal transportation hub by linking the Gulf region with Iraq, all the way to the Turkish border and from there to Europe ."

The bank also noted that, "Once connectivity to existing ports and infrastructure is enhanced, this route could significantly increase trade flows within Iraq and across the region. Given that Iraq's railway sector suffers from limited connectivity, poor repair and maintenance services, and a lack of funding, investments in the existing railway network are considered an essential first step towards enhancing connectivity at the national and regional levels ."

In this regard, the World Bank's Regional Director for the Middle East, Jean-Christophe Carré, said, according to the statement, "As Iraq transitions from reconstruction to development, enhancing trade and connectivity services can stimulate economic growth, create new job opportunities, and reduce dependence on oil. This project is of great importance in transforming Iraq into a regional transportation hub and achieving the goals of Iraq's development path, which are improving connectivity services, diversifying economic activity, and raising growth rates ."

He stressed that "the project will expand and modernize the railways in Iraq by rehabilitating and modernizing 1,047 kilometers of existing railway lines linking Umm Qasr Port to Mosul via Baghdad, in addition to supporting the modernization of the fleet of locomotives and train cars, renovating the maintenance workshop in Baiji, and purchasing the necessary equipment and spare parts. The project will also work to enhance private sector capital participation in the establishment of dry ports and logistics service centers that provide sustainable, highly skilled job opportunities. The project will also enhance railway safety by implementing a comprehensive safety management system, modernizing infrastructure, improving railway crossings, implementing community awareness campaigns, enhancing emergency preparedness, and training workers ."

 The project will also include technical assistance to improve the institutional performance of the Iraqi General Railway Company, develop an action plan for railway sector reform, and identify opportunities for private sector participation. Additionally, the project will provide training programs for Iraqi General Railway Company employees and support women's participation in the sector, according to the statement .

He stressed that "the Iraqi General Railway Company will implement the project under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport. To support successful and rapid implementation, an international company will be contracted within the framework of the project to manage capital expenditures and support the Iraqi General Railway Company in its efforts to build institutional capacity to manage large capital expenditure programs and manage the implementation of project contract packages.

The project will also prioritize active participation by citizens and local communities, and establish a community-led planning and monitoring mechanism that enables citizens to receive regular updates on progress and express their opinions and feedback on implementation ."

He pointed out that "by 2037, the renovated railway line is expected to transport 6.3 million tons of domestic freight, 1.1 million tons of exports/imports, and 2.85 million passengers, including unpackaged primary commodities (such as grains or construction materials) and containerized goods (such as industrial and consumer goods). The railway will cross eight Iraqi governorates, enhancing integration across the federal Republic of Iraq and benefiting nearly 17 million people ."

The World Bank statement noted that "the project will shift freight traffic from trucks to trains, significantly reducing damage to roads and lowering annual maintenance costs. The project will create more than 3,000 full-time construction jobs over seven years. Once railway operations and sector-wide expansion work commence, the project is expected to create 21,900 jobs annually by 2024. "  LINK

************

Clare:  Iraq faces a "golden opportunity" following the regional truce. Will it capitalize on it?

6/25/2025

Following the cessation of the 12-day war between Israel and Iran, Iraq has a "golden opportunity" to assume a pivotal role in the region. It can capitalize on the regional calm to reduce tensions, develop a new vision for its national security, and strengthen international and trade relations. This will have an initial impact on the Iraqi economy, according to observers.

However, translating this calm into real economic gains, according to observers, remains contingent on the Iraqi government's ability to accompany it with radical internal reform that ensures the rule of law and frees economic decision-making from the grip of militias. Otherwise, it will be little more than a truce that deprives Iraq of the opportunity to advance.

positive effects

In this context, the Prime Minister's financial advisor, Mazhar Mohammed Salih, said, "Regional calm in the Middle East, particularly among Iraq's neighbors, could have a direct and profound positive impact on the Iraqi economy."

Saleh explained to Shafaq News Agency, "The Gulf states, Turkey, and Iran may increase their investments in Iraq in the areas of infrastructure, energy, transportation, and agriculture, and provide Iraq with the opportunity for stability, especially to implement its geo-economic project, the 'Development Road' project."

He continued, "In addition to attracting Arab and foreign investments to operate in the industrial economic cities linked to the development project, we are working with minimal risk and the highest degree of stability. All of these factors are linked to the degree of stability in regional security and its repercussions on our country."

He asserts that "the more attractive and stable the investment environment becomes for foreign investors, the more costs will decrease as profit opportunities grow."

Saleh points out that "one of the best foreign investment opportunities, in addition to the development path, is competition for joint investment in natural resource sites (except for the oil and gas industry), as this is a promising vital field for investors."

"golden opportunity"

This is also the view expressed by Hussein Al-Sa'bari, the deputy chairman of the parliamentary investment committee, who said, "The regional situation has calmed down following the cessation of the war between Iran and Israel, and relations between Arab and regional states have become closer. Therefore, the Iraqi government must capitalize on this atmosphere to become a hub and a link between the parties, in order to ensure regional development."

Al-Sa'bari told Shafaq News Agency, "The current situation represents an opportunity for political development and international and commercial relations, which requires Iraq to assume its primary role in the region and capitalize on this golden opportunity."

Economic researcher Ahmed Eid agrees with Hussein Al-Saabari, stating that "the regional de-escalation between Iran and Israel presents an opportunity to reduce tensions in the region, which will initially have a positive impact on the Iraqi economy through reduced insurance and transportation costs, improved market sentiment, and relative stability in the dinar exchange rate. It may also contribute to reducing financial pressures on the general budget and boosting temporary investor confidence."

conditional economic gains

However, Eid noted in an interview with Shafaq News Agency that "translating this calm into real economic gains remains contingent on the Iraqi government's ability to accompany it with effective internal reform. External stability is important, but it cannot compensate for the rampant corruption in all Iraqi state institutions, which devours investment opportunities, paralyzes projects, and undermines the business environment."

He continued, "As for an increase in investments or a reduction in financial risks in Iraq as a result of this calm, yes, relatively speaking, but that depends on two factors: the duration of the stability and the extent to which investors are convinced that this calm is not temporary, and the second is the Iraqi government's ability to keep pace with this calm with internal reforms, such as improving the business environment and reducing security and militia interference."

He explains, "If this is achieved, regional calm could reduce Iraq's credit rating risks, thus encouraging some hesitant Gulf, Turkish, or Iranian investments, and enhancing opportunities for debt refinancing or obtaining international loans at lower interest rates."

strategic opportunities

Eid asserts that "Iraq possesses clear strategic opportunities, represented by expanding trade with neighboring countries (Turkey, Iran, and the Gulf), and attracting investments in renewable energy, particularly from European and Gulf companies that are monitoring the situation."

He added, "As well as reviving postponed projects such as the Basra-Turkey railway line or the Grand Faw Port, and utilizing Iraq as a transit corridor between the Gulf and Europe via the 'Development Road' project, and revitalizing the religious tourism sector and attracting visitors from Iran and the Gulf without security concerns."

Accordingly, Eid says, "External political stability is a necessary condition for attracting capital, but it is insufficient unless accompanied by internal reforms that guarantee the rule of law and free economic decision-making from the grip of armed groups. Any regional calm without radical internal reform will be nothing more than a temporary truce that deprives Iraq of the opportunity to rise."

A New Vision for National Security

The regional truce is not limited to economics, as military expert Alaa Al-Nashou explains, "The region is exposed to rapidly evolving events amid regional and international tensions, which requires Iraq to develop a new vision for its national security."

Al-Nashou explained to Shafaq News Agency, "Countries around the world rely on security capabilities, which include intelligence, accurate information, control, command, information security, facilities, and personnel. All of this enhances the country's national security. Therefore, Iraq needs a security vision related to a balanced foreign policy for the sake of common interests, and a rejection of interference and submission to any state."

The military expert asserts that "Iraq must build a future based on real security foundations that are linked to securing Iraqi society by strengthening cooperation with Arab, regional, and international national security."   LINK

FRANK26…6-24-25….GLOBAL BALANCE

KTFA

Tuesday Night Conference Call

FRANK26…6-24-25….GLOBAL BALANCE

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… ORANGE=IMPLEMENTATION

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idW8GGSbX5A

FRANK26….6-17-25…….NOT A WAR

KTFA

Tuesday Night conference Call

FRANK26….6-17-25…….NOT A WAR

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… ORANGE=IMPLEMENTATION

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgQJSzsq_z4

FRANK26…..6-15-25…..ALOHA…BANK STORY

KTFA

Monday Night Conference call

FRANK26…..6-15-25…..ALOHA…BANK STORY

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#

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVkI1u_Tc3s

“Iraq News” Posted by Clare at KTFA 6-9-2025

KTFA:

Clare:     The currency printed in Iraq is at its lowest level since a year.

6/8/2025   News-Economy

Data showed Central Bank of Iraq The value of the issued currency, "printed" in Iraq Currently at its lowest level in a year.

According to the latest data Statistics For the currency issued in Iraq In April 2025, the value of the issued "printed" currency will be 98.4 trillion Iraqi dinars, down from 99.8 trillion Iraqi dinars in March 2025.

This is the lowest value of Iraqi foreign exchange exports in two years, specifically since March 2024, when exports reached 98.3 trillion Iraqi dinars.

The value of Iraqi foreign exchange exports had risen to more than 100 trillion dinars from May 2024 until January 2025, before gradually declining to below 100 trillion dinars.   LINK

Clare:  Expert: There is no "depreciation" in the value of the Iraqi currency issued.

June 9, 2025   Baghdad

Mustafa Hantoush, a financial and banking expert, denied the existence of a “depreciation” in the value of the Iraqi currency, noting that the state and the Central Bank are striving to create a balance for the Iraqi currency.

Hantoush told the Iraq Observer, “Over the past three years, Iraq has printed approximately 15 trillion dinars, in addition to hoarding foreign currencies, as it printed large quantities of currency backed by international reserves such as dollars and gold.” He added, “These amounts are approximately 200 trillion to 198.5 trillion Iraqi dinars. These amounts do not constitute a decrease or a significant decline, but rather an attempt to create a balance. When the state withdraws quantities of damaged currency, it does not reprint any of them.”

He continued, “In return, a quantity of funds is released from the US Federal Reserve and other banks, or the state reserves the ability to print quantities of currency in the coming months to compensate for the existing shortage.”
The amount of printed currency is an indicator of the level of demand for money in the economy, but it is also a tool for the central bank to control inflation and the exchange rate, especially in a country like Iraq, which relies heavily on the dollar for its daily transactions and faces challenges in regulating the money market.   LINK

*************

Clare:  Iraq bans cash payments at government institutions and begins restructuring state banks.

6/9/2025

Saleh Salman, the Prime Minister's financial advisor, announced that the government will begin implementing a comprehensive ban on cash payments within government institutions starting early next month, as part of its efforts to enhance financial inclusion and governance.

Salman said in a press statement that "the government has appointed the global consulting firm Ernst & Young to prepare a plan to restructure six to seven state-owned banks," noting that "the plan will be presented to the government for approval before the end of this year."

He added, "Iraq has made significant progress in adopting electronic payment systems, with the number of bank accounts increasing to approximately 22 to 23 million," noting that "Baghdad is currently cooperating with approximately 30 foreign banks, reflecting an improvement in the confidence of international financial institutions in the Iraqi banking sector."  LINK

************

Clare:  Iraq announces Major Banking Sector Overhaul

7th June 2025  By Padraig O'Hannelly.

Iraq is embarking on a comprehensive restructuring of its banking sector with the assistance of leading international consultancy firms, according to Dr Salih Salman, Advisor to the Iraqi Prime Minister, speaking at the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) Spring Conference in London on Tuesday.

The Iraqi government has appointed Ernst & Young to restructure six of the country's seven state-owned banks, including the Industrial Bank, Real Estate Bank, Rafidain Bank, and Rasheed Bank.

The Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI) has separately engaged K2i and KPMG to help restructure its internal and external operations to meet international standards.

Dr Salman revealed that Rafidain Bank, Iraq's largest state-owned institution, will be reincarnated as the First Rafidain Bank with government participation reduced to less than 24 per cent. The remaining shares will be offered to private banks and international investors. The restructuring plan is expected to be finalised and approved by the Iraqi government by the end of the year.

The private banking sector is also undergoing reform following a contract signed between the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) and Oliver Wyman. This two-to-three-year project will result in recommendations for private banks to either exit the sector, comply with international standards, or merge with other institutions.

Iraq has made significant progress in electronic payment systems adoption, with financial inclusion rising from less than 10 percent in 2018-2019 to approximately 40 percent currently. The number of debit and credit card points of sale (POS) has reached 60,000-70,000, whilst bank accounts have grown to 22-23 million.

From June 2025, all government payments will be made electronically, with cash payments prohibited across government institutions. The Iraqi government has launched awareness campaigns to encourage public adoption of electronic payment systems, moving away from the traditional cash-based culture.

The government has also introduced the Riyada programme, operated in partnership with the Central Bank of Iraq, to provide financing and training for small and medium enterprises. The initiative offers a registration platform where participants can access training and potential financing opportunities.

Dr Salman emphasised that Iraq remains open to foreign investment and international consultancy services across all sectors, including legal, financial, accounting, auditing, and compliance services. The reforms aim to integrate Iraqi banks into the global financial system after decades of isolation due to sanctions and frozen assets.

Since November 2022, all bank transfers in Iraq have been processed through a Central Bank platform in cooperation with the Federal Reserve of the United States, marking Iraq's re-entry into global financial systems. The country now works with approximately 30 overseas banks, though challenges remain in opening international banking relationships.

The comprehensive banking reforms represent a significant shift towards international standards and greater private sector participation in Iraq's financial sector.   LINK

Clare:  Iraq joins the club of advanced countries in electronic payments with 22 million bank cards

6/9/2025

Nabil Al Najjar, head of the electronic payments team, announced that Iraq has become one of the most advanced countries in this field, thanks to decisive government decisions and support from the Central Bank and the financial sector. He noted that the number of bank cards has exceeded 22 million, and that their usage is constantly increasing, with intensive efforts to deploy electronic payment devices throughout the country.

Al-Najjar said in a press statement, "The electronic payment project was not a spur-of-the-moment project. Rather, it was the result of prior preparations that paved the way for Iraq's advancement in this field, despite its late entry, like the rest of the world. However, today we are among the advanced countries that use electronic payment tools."

He explained that the success of this project depended on two key factors: desire and decision-making, adding, "The government's desire came in 2023, specifically on January 18, with a decision to transform Iraq's economic front from a paper-based cash system to an electronic payments system. Thus, we began gradually."

He pointed out that the first experiment to impose the use of electronic payment was at gas stations, saying, "The first experiment was on a single day in June 2023, regarding the issue of forcing gas stations to use electronic payment tools. We certainly encountered problems at first. The project is new and faces many challenges."

He pointed out that "the will was vested in the Central Bank of Iraq and the financial sector as a whole—banks and electronic payment companies, which have contributed significantly to shifting the economy from cash to cashless."

He continued: "The number of cards, according to the statistics available to us, has exceeded 22 million, and thus this number is constantly increasing. The coming days will witness a higher rate of increase, given that on July 1, cash will no longer be accepted at all state institutions. While cash is currently available, it will be available in its entirety, including at gas stations."

Regarding card usage, Al-Najjar explained that "the number of cards in use exceeds 17 to 18 million, and the situation is on the rise. We're talking about more than 40% of citizens using electronic payment tools, and the coming days will witness further change."

He added, "Most citizens own more than one card from more than one company and more than one bank. Their use is limited, and some only use them at government institutions. We need to educate more about the use of these cards in commercial markets and shops. This issue falls on us to raise awareness about the culture of electronic payment."

In this context, Al-Najjar announced a new campaign to spread the culture of electronic payment, saying, "I announce that the "We Will Reach You" campaign, which was launched on January 11, 2025, will be available in the coming days, at the beginning of next month or the end of this month. We will be present in the Kurdistan Region to spread the culture of electronic payment widely."

He explained that Iraq is striving to achieve global standards in this field, saying, "The global system speaks of one POS device for every 37 citizens. Today, in Iraq, we are striving to reach this point by deploying POS devices in shops, large and small markets, and even among kiosk owners."

He pointed out that "electronic payment companies are trying to make these devices available and encourage their use by citizens through loyalty programs launched by companies and banking institutions."

Regarding the situation in the Kurdistan Region, Al-Najjar said: "Today, the Kurdistan Region has entered the localization phase, so the POS deployment phases will be faster and more acceptable to the public, given that they have already gone through this experience in previous phases, but today it is becoming widespread."

He explained that the devices are often distributed free of charge, and that sometimes a small insurance fee of no more than 200,000 to 300,000 dinars is imposed, which is refunded when the device is returned without defects.

Al-Najjar considered Halabja Governorate to represent a strategic launch for the "We Reach You" campaign, explaining: "Today, Halabja Governorate is a new Iraqi governorate. We used to have 18 governorates, now we have 19. Therefore, our people in the Kurdistan Region have a significant share of the electronic payment culture."

He continued: "Choosing Halabja Governorate to launch the "We Will Reach You" campaign from this governorate is a move towards the Kurdistan Region, and also the northern regions of Iraq. I mean here the areas bordering the Kurdistan Region: Mosul, Kirkuk, Salah al-Din, and also the other governorates."

Al-Najjar confirmed that this campaign is being directly sponsored by the Central Bank of Iraq and supported by several financial institutions, including the Bank of Baghdad, the Development Bank, Arab Bank, K-Card, Rafidain Bank, Al-Saqi Bank, Bank of the South, Amwal Bank, Al-Ahli Bank, and others.

He concluded his remarks by pointing out that "banking financial institutions and electronic payment companies are sparing no effort to motivate citizens through loyalty programs, under the direct supervision of the Central Bank of Iraq, the Payments Department, the Financial Inclusion Division, and other relevant departments, with the goal of delivering financial services directly to citizens."    LINK