Al-Rafidain Bank announces the launch of the comprehensive banking system in its branches in Baghdad and Karbala
The video for this blog is below
Based on the directives of the Minister of Finance, Ms. Taif Sami, regarding the automation of banking work, and with direct follow-up and supervision by the Director General of Rafidain Bank, Dr. Ali Karim Hussein. Al-Rafidain Bank announces the launch of the comprehensive banking system in the branches of Al-Waziriya and Al-Ma’rifa in Baghdad and Al-Shuhada in Holy Karbala, thus joining the branches in which the comprehensive system was implemented, the last of which was at the border crossings (Zarbatiyah - Safwan - Arar - Trebil) in an important step to abandon paper work and move completely towards... Electronic transformation.
The bank confirms that the plan for digital transformation and adoption of the comprehensive banking system is proceeding according to the set timings to include all branches of the bank in implementing the system, especially since one of the priorities and adoptions of the government program is electronic transformation in financial transactions, reducing episodes of red tape for citizens, and reducing time and effort in completing citizens’ transactions.
World Bank: Al-Faw Port will lose Iraq on the path to global trade
The World Bank expected, today, Saturday (April 6, 2024), that Iraq will enter the global trade route once the large port of Al-Faw is operational.
During his visit to Al-Faw port, Ibrahim Dajani, director of the World Bank’s transport sector in the Middle East and North Africa region, wrote a tweet, which Baghdad Al-Youm viewed, “Once Al-Faw port is occupied, Iraq will be placed on the path of global trade between the East and Europe, which will provide opportunities for investment in the centers.” Logistics, industrial and commercial activities, as it will provide job opportunities for young women and men.”
He added, "I am happy with the Iraqi government's decision to enter into a partnership with the World Bank to achieve this important endeavor."
The large port of Al-Faw is located on the Al-Faw Peninsula, south of Basra Governorate. The cost of the project is about 5 billion dollars, with a total area of 54 square kilometers. The capacity of the planned port is estimated at 99 million tons annually, to be one of the largest ports overlooking the Gulf and the tenth largest in the world.
Iraq has completed the construction of more than 60% of an undersea tunnel linking the coastal region to international trade links through what is known as the development road with Turkey.
By the year 2038, Iraq is expected to earn $4 billion from the new port activity, to which indirect revenues will be added, such as transit services through the development road extending to Turkey and Europe, which competes with several global trade lines, thanks to the reduction in time.
With the highest annual interest.. The Iraqi Central Bank issues bonds to contain inflation, and experts advise purchasing them
With inflation rates in Iraq currently reaching 5.5%, and expectations that it will reach 6% by the end of the year, the Central Bank announced the launch of financial bonds with the highest annual interest, at 8.5%, as well as for deposits in the private banking sector.
According to economic expert Manar Al-Obaidi, in a post on his page on the Facebook platform and followed by “Baghdad Today”, the aim of these bonds is to attract and encourage capital outside the banking system through high interest rates to enter the banking sector, adding that the annual interest rate announced by the Central Bank is encouraging. For the investor and depositors, due to its high security, which is considered a good return on investment compared to its lack of risk.
Al-Obaidi stressed that these bonds are guaranteed by sovereign guarantees of a country that currently has sufficient money reserves, and therefore the risk rate of these bonds is zero and non-existent, and they are purchased through the Iraq Stock Exchange and through market intermediaries.
Al-Obaidi encouraged buying these bonds and selling them in the future at a higher price, meaning that the investment should not only be in the deposit interest but also in the price of the bond itself.
In his publication, Al-Obaidi touched on depositing money in the private banking sector, explaining that there are 4 to 5 private banks that have the largest share of the market and their financial data, and are considered very excellent and achieve great control in the Iraqi market, and the decision to choose the bank to place deposits depends on the annual interest rate and the method of benefiting. From the interest and how to break the deposit, as well as the financial statements of the bank and the extent of its presence and spread in Iraq.
Al-Obaidi concluded his post by emphasizing that the success of investment depends on two factors: the first is the amount of profit, and the second is the amount of risk, and only the owner of the money can decide how much risk should be taken in exchange for the percentage of profit, stressing that investing in bonds and deposits is a good solution for those who do not want to He intervenes in the field of investment and its challenges.
"A good investment"... What is the goal of the Iraqi Central Bank in issuing financial bonds with high annual interest?
With inflation rates in Iraq currently reaching 5.5%, and expectations that it will reach 6% by the end of the year, the Central Bank announced the launch of financial bonds with the highest annual interest, at 8.5%, as well as for deposits in the private banking sector.
According to economic expert Manar Al-Obaidi, in a post on his page on the Facebook platform, the aim of these bonds is to attract and encourage capital outside the banking system through high interest rates to enter the banking sector, adding that the annual interest rate announced by the Central Bank is encouraging to the investor and depositors, due to its high content. , which is considered a good return on investment compared to its lack of risk.
Al-Obaidi stressed that these bonds are guaranteed by sovereign guarantees of a country that currently has sufficient money reserves, and therefore the risk rate of these bonds is zero and non-existent, and they are purchased through the Iraq Stock Exchange and through market intermediaries.
Al-Obeidi encouraged buying these bonds and selling them in the future at a higher price, meaning that the investment should not only be in the deposit interest but also in the price of the bond itself.
In his publication, Al-Obaidi touched on “depositing money in the private banking sector,” explaining that there are 4 to 5 private banks that own the largest share of the market and their financial data, and are considered very excellent and achieve great control in the Iraqi market. The decision to choose the bank to place deposits depends on the annual interest rate and method. Benefiting from the interest, how to break the deposit, as well as the financial statements of the bank and the extent of its presence and spread in Iraq.
Al-Obaidi concluded his post by “emphasizing that the success of investment depends on two factors: the first is the amount of profit, and the second is the amount of risk, and only the owner of the money can decide the amount of risk to be taken in exchange for the profit rate,” stressing that investing in bonds and deposits is a good solution for those who do not He wants to intervene in the field of investment and its challenges.”
IRAN
The European Union removes an Iranian company from the sanctions list
The European Union removed the name of the Iranian technology company “Aber Arwan”, which was added more than a year and a half ago to the list of human rights sanctions against individuals and institutions affiliated with Iran.
According to what was stated in the Official Journal of the European Union, this decision was taken and this company was removed from the EU’s sanctions list.
The “Aber Arwan” company was among the companies that were included in late November 2022 on the European Union sanctions list, along with the Basij Cooperative Foundation and the Press TV channel, for allegedly playing a role in imposing restrictions on the Internet and helping to suppress protests and violating human rights in Iran.
Seven months after the European Union sanctions, the US Treasury Department also announced in June of last year 2023, the inclusion of this company, its senior employees, and its subsidiary in the UAE, on the sanctions list for playing a clear role in restricting the Internet in Iran.
Sanctions were imposed at the time on “Boya Pir Hussein Low” and “Farhad Fatemi”, two of the real founders of the “Aber Arwan” technology company.
According to the US Department of the Treasury, that company has a close relationship with security intelligence institutions in Iran, and its executives are linked to senior officials in the Iranian government.
In response to the new European Union decision, “Aber Arwan” claimed on its Instagram page that “after this company’s complaint and the submission of technical and legal documents to the European Court of Justice, the European Union has taken this decision.”
Iran sends a message to the Security Council and the United Nations regarding the attacks in southeastern Iran
Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeed Irani, condemned the "heinous and brutal terrorist attack" launched by the "Army of Justice" group in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, southeastern Iran.Irani said, in a letter to the Security Council and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, that “the foreign-backed terrorist group ‘Jaish al-Adl’ carried out a series of coordinated terrorist attacks in the cities of Chabahar and Rask, located in Sistan and Baluchestan province,” stressing that “in order to destabilize security and stability, The attackers targeted five important public places, military bases and security observation posts and took a large number of civilians hostage.”Irani asked the UN Security Council to strongly condemn these heinous acts and take appropriate measures in line with the commitments adopted in the fight against terrorism.
The Minister of Interior and the Iranian Ambassador discuss coordination and joint cooperation between the two neighboring countries
Today, Saturday Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari discussed with the Iranian ambassador to Baghdad, Muhammad Kazem Al-Sadiq, on Saturday, strengthening procedures to secure the joint border, while they discussed developing the border crossings between Iraq and Iran.
The Ministry of Interior stated, in a statement received by Al-Youm Al-Akhbariya, that “Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari met in his office with the Iranian ambassador to Iraq.”
The statement added, "The minister discussed with his guest the future procedures for the fortieth visit, facilitating the entry of visitors, and other topics related to this million-dollar occasion."
He continued: "Coordination and joint cooperation between the two neighboring countries in combating drugs and preventing smuggling operations were also discussed. The development of border crossings was also discussed, as well as strengthening procedures to ensure the security of the Iraqi-Iranian border."
MALIKI
Al-Maliki warns of potential WWIII amid escalation between Israel and Hamas
On Saturday, the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, expressed concern about the growing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
"The conflict could potentially escalate into a third world war, in which Iraq is not immune to its repercussions."
During the annual memorial ceremony for Feyli Martyrs Day, organized in collaboration with the Martyrs Foundation, al-Maliki said, "The region and the world are experiencing hazardous movements, and we may be approaching the edge of the abyss in a war that leaves nothing standing. The war could expand, possibly reaching a third new war."
Since October 7, the war, which has lasted for six months, has led to critical food shortages among Gaza's 2.3 million Palestinians, reaching famine levels in some areas, according to the United Nations.
So far, Israel has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians, mainly children and women, and injured about 76,000.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, al-Maliki pointed out the global implications of the tension, cautioning that "the world is living under the mercy of this tension and bad alignment, and our country is not far from the expected war."
In addition, al-Maliki addressed the "historical injustices faced by the Feyli Kurds," condemning the actions of the former regime that led to their suffering and urging the need to address the consequences of past decisions, including the stripping of citizenship, displacement, and property confiscation.
"We must not just commemorate Feyli Martyrs Day but also continue to follow up on the issues of Feyli Kurds in Iraq and beyond."
Law: The Americans are consulting Iraqi politicians... and Al-Maliki is at their head
Today, Saturday (April 6, 2024), the State of Law coalition, led by Nouri al-Maliki, revealed a role played by Iraqi governmental and political parties to calm the situation between Tehran and Washington.
The leader of the coalition, Saad Al-Muttalabi, told “Baghdad Today” that “the American side usually deals with sensitive files with the Iraqi government and not with political leaders,” noting that “the Americans may consult and take the opinions of some Iraqi political parties, led by the leader of the coalition.” The rule of law, Nouri al-Maliki.
Al-Muttalabi stated, “In all of Al-Maliki’s repeated meetings with the American ambassador, he raises the issue of the truce between America and Iran, especially since Iraq’s interest is supreme and above all interests of the political leaders,” adding, “We do not believe that there is a political party that does not want a truce between the two countries.” America and Iran and keeping Iraq out of this conflict.”
The leader of the State of Law coalition added, "There is an Iraqi governmental and political role by playing to calm the positions between America and Iran," stressing that "everyone is working to withdraw Iraq outside the circle of conflict between Tehran and Washington."
A few days ago, the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, discussed with the US Ambassador to Iraq, Alina Romanowski, the developments taking place in the regional and international arenas, and a number of issues and files of common interest.
Al-Maliki received the American ambassador, while noting the importance of strengthening the relationship with the United States and benefiting from it in various fields, expressing his hope that the Prime Minister’s visit to Washington will contribute to strengthening the partnership and opening broader horizons for cooperation, in addition to activating the strategic framework agreement and setting a timetable for completing the tasks of the international coalition. in Iraq.
For her part, the American Ambassador renewed her country's support for the stability of Iraq, stressing the continuation of providing the necessary assistance to the Iraqis within the strategic framework agreement between the two countries.
KURD NEWS
Rashid to Talabani: Reaching an appropriate solution for Kurdistan’s salaries and understandings about exporting its oil
His Excellency the President of the Republic, Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, received today, Sunday, April 7, 2024, at Al-Salam Palace in Baghdad, the President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Mr. Bafel Talabani.
During the meeting, the overall political, security and economic situation in Iraq in general and the Kurdistan Region in particular was discussed, where Mr. President stressed the necessity of continuing consultations and meetings between the federal government and the regional government and adopting dialogue to resolve the remaining outstanding issues in the interest of all Iraqis.
His Excellency appreciated the efforts that contributed to reaching an appropriate solution to the issue of allocating salaries to employees of the Kurdistan Region, and reaching understandings about the export of oil from the Kurdistan Region and its positive impact on the political, economic and social stability in the country.
The President of the Republic pointed out the need to strengthen relations and consolidate cooperation between the institutions of the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government to implement the government program in order to provide services to citizens.
Mr. President also stressed the importance of holding elections in the Kurdistan region, with the participation of all political parties in the region, to ensure their transparency and their embodiment of the aspirations of the Kurds in choosing their representatives.
In turn, Mr. Talabani explained the necessity of giving priority to the interests of Iraqi citizens over partisan interests, noting that the National Union continues its efforts to resolve the remaining files and issues outstanding between the federal government and the regional government and to guarantee the rights of the Kurdish people in accordance with the Constitution and what is stipulated in the relevant laws, indicating that the Union supports the procedure The region's elections are keen on the participation of all Kurdish political forces and ensuring their right to electoral practice.
Baghdad releases 430 billion dinars in funding for the Kurdistan Region’s salaries
The Ministry of Finance of the Kurdistan Region announced the deposit of 430 billion dinars in salaries from Baghdad into the ministry’s bank account.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Finance of Kurdistan, “Recently, an amount of 430 billion and 109 million dinars was deposited by the Ministry of Finance of the Iraqi government on the bank account of the Ministry of Finance and Economy in the Kurdistan Region in the Erbil branch of the Central Bank of Iraq.”
The money, as stated in the statement, is part of the monthly salary of employees in the Kurdistan region.
Yesterday, the Federal Ministry of Finance announced the launch of funding for the salaries of Kurdistan Region employees for the month of March, “because the mechanism for completing the localization of their salaries requires an additional period of time.”
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Erbil announces that it has received 430 billion dinars from Baghdad to finance March salaries
The Ministry of Finance and Economy of the Kurdistan Regional Government announced today, Sunday, that it had received 430 billion dinars from the federal government to finance the salaries of last March.
Last Thursday, the Ministry of Finance launched salary funding for Kurdistan Region employees.
It begins experimentally on the 10th of this month.. Resuming the export of Kurdistan oil via Turkish Ceyhan
Today, Sunday (April 7, 2024), an informed source revealed the existence of an agreement to resume the export of Kurdistan region oil through the Turkish port of Ceyhan.
The source said in an interview with “Baghdad Today” that “there is an agreement to resume oil exports using the Kirkuk-Mosul-Ceyhan pipeline,” noting that “the agreement stipulates the trial on the tenth of this month.”
He added, "If there are no technical problems, exports will start from the first of May, according to the Iraqi-Turkish agreement."
Oil expert Kovind Sherwani confirmed on Sunday (February 25, 2024) that 11 months after Kurdistan oil exports stopped, financial losses amounted to $9 billion, stressing that they cover 20% of the budget deficit.
Sherwani said in an interview with “Baghdad Today” that “this amount, which is 9 billion, covers about one-fifth of the deficit proven in the budget,” noting that “the Turkish side filed a lawsuit in an American court on the grounds that it has suffered losses and is harmed by the cessation of exports.”
He added, "There is a loss in the region for operating oil companies, and when the resumption takes place, we will need additional sums to rehabilitate the fields so that they can be at the same rate of export as before."
He pointed out that "hundreds of workers and engineers from the region and foreigners were affected because they lost their jobs and are waiting to re-export again. The cessation caused them a humanitarian and economic crisis, and the villages and areas where companies were located were benefiting from the support provided by oil companies."
He stated that "there are negotiations with the Turkish side to resume exports again, as Ankara has impossible conditions and has presented high demands, and the Iraqi side has not made sufficient efforts to resume oil exports."
The export of oil from the Kurdistan region has been halted since March of last year 2023, that is, a year ago from now, based on a lawsuit filed by Iraq with the International Arbitration Chamber in Paris against Turkey, for allowing the export and passage of Kurdistan oil to the Turkish port of Ceyhan via pipelines without coordination and approval from Baghdad.
While the Iraqi and Turkish parties express their full readiness to resume oil exports, the main obstacle is the foreign oil companies operating in the Kurdistan region, as the dues fixed in the budget by the Baghdad government are equivalent to the costs of oil production in central and southern Iraq, which is rejected by foreign companies, because their contracts With Kurdistan, these are participation contracts, not service contracts, which makes the funds allocated by Baghdad “useless,” according to foreign companies.
Sanad: The agreement with Erbil is a token of courtesy to the Sudanese before he leaves Washington
Member of the House of Representatives, Mustafa Sanad, said on Saturday that the recent agreement regarding Kurdistan’s salaries is “a token of Sudanese’s visit to Washington.”
Sanad said in a statement followed by Mawazine News, “The food security law that the movement and the framework worked on is better than the current budget.”
He added, "The Sadrist movement does not have any clear political position against the government. It has not expressed a position regarding the dollar, the issue of foreign presence, the Prime Minister's visit to America, and other local and international issues."
Sanad revealed, “A group of representatives from Sunnis, Kurds, and Yazidis demanded that the Popular Mobilization Forces take control of the security of the Green Zone, especially after the missile attacks that we were subjected to in the previous period,” adding: “Many speak against the Mobilization Forces, but in a moment of fear, everyone knows that the Mobilization Forces are Iraq's safety valve.
He pointed out, "Proceeding with the legislation of the placement of fighters of the Popular Mobilization Forces, this means that the Mobilization Forces is moving toward organizing its situation and not toward chaos."
He continued his speech by saying: “The state is currently in control of the Sudanese, and he has committed many violations,” explaining that “the Sudanese pays money to Kurdistan because he believes that they will serve him and benefit him and create a lobby for him and a reception with Joe Biden (President of the United States),” noting that “the Kurdish lobby swallowed up the Sudanese.”
Before Sudanese’s visit to America.. What files did Washington raise from the meetings?
An informed political source revealed today, Sunday, that the issue of removing American combat forces from the meetings that will take place during Sudan’s upcoming visit to Washington has been raised, while he confirmed that the discussions will be limited to secondary files only.
The source, who preferred to remain anonymous, said in an interview with the Al-Ma’louma Agency, “The Washington government does not want to discuss the issue of removing its military forces from Iraq to ensure that it does not affect Biden’s electoral campaign in the upcoming presidential elections.”
He continued, "The Sudanese visit is threatened with cancellation as a result of the great pressure exerted by the American Congress," noting that "postponing the visit until after stopping the war would be the best result; America's participation in the criminal war on Palestine."
He added, "Congress's requests through Kurdish pressure toward the visit were the reason for canceling many important issues for Iraq," noting that "raising the file of removing American combat forces from the meetings that will take place during Sudan's upcoming visit to Washington is the most prominent file that was withdrawn."
According to observers, the United States of America continues to pursue a policy of procrastination and procrastination in many files that serve Iraq, while it imposes files that represent America’s interests within the country, as well as interference in the country’s internal affairs.
America renounces its promises again.. Al-Sawadni’s visit is threatened with cancellation, and Washington’s plan does not reassure
It seems that the Sudanese government has reached point zero, which will be sufficient to clarify all the question marks after more than a year and a half has passed, since the beginning of its actual work, through the expected visit of the Sudanese to America to discuss several files, the most prominent of which is the removal of American forces after the number of violations and attacks that affected the country’s people and sovereignty. Amid warnings of a repeat of the scenario of imposing wills and pressures to achieve Washington’s ongoing interests.
Warnings are mounting about the consequences of withdrawing the issue of removing American forces from the meetings as a result of: Several factors, most notably America's interest in the presidential elections, and the response of the Iraqi Islamic resistance to these allegations after the truce brokered by the current government, which pledged to remove combat forces from America's military bases and barracks.
*Upload important files?
Speaking about this file, an informed political source reveals that the file of removing American combat forces has been removed from the meetings that will take place during Sudanese’s upcoming visit to Washington, while he confirmed that the discussions will be limited to secondary files only.
The source, who preferred to remain anonymous, said in an interview with the Maalouma Agency, “The Washington government does not want to discuss the issue of removing its military forces from Iraq to ensure that it does not affect Biden’s electoral campaign in the upcoming presidential elections.”
He continues, "The Sudanese visit is threatened with cancellation as a result of the great pressure exerted by the American Congress," noting that "postponing the visit until after stopping the war would be the best result; America's participation in the criminal war against Palestine."
*Demands and pressures!
In addition, Al-Fatah Alliance member Mahmoud Al-Hayani commented today, Sunday, on the files that will be discussed during Sudanese’s upcoming visit to Washington, while stressing that they will be accompanied by American requests and pressure.
Al-Hayani said in an interview with the Maalouma Agency, “The withdrawal of American combat forces from the military bases will not take place through the expected visit,” noting that “the pressures exerted by Washington on the current government bore fruit through the implementation of some points regarding America.”
He continues, "The current government seeks to achieve the visit without achieving the goals or demands that represent the point of view of the political and popular street," pointing out that "Washington will try, through the current government, to distance the Iraqi Islamic resistance force from the target of American influence."
*Cancel the visit?
For his part, political analyst Sabah Al-Ugaili believes that canceling the visit of Prime Minister Muhammad Shia Al-Sudani would be better than submitting to and implementing Washington’s dictates, while he stressed that the success of the latter’s expected visit to America depends on the strength of the issues that Al-Sawadni will discuss with Biden.
Al-Ugaili said in an interview with the Maalouma Agency, “The United States of America does not want to abandon the truce that Al-Sawadni obtained regarding the issue of targeting American bases inside Iraq,” noting that “Washington will try to agree on the withdrawal of its combat forces according to a long-term timetable.”
He continues, "The American side's disavowal of discussing the issue of removing American forces from military bases in Iraq will undermine many of the points that Al-Sawadni pledged," pointing out that "failing to end the policy of procrastination and procrastination by Washington will increase the severity of the current crisis," indicating that " The success of Al-Sudani’s upcoming visit to America depends on the strength of the files that Al-Sawdani will discuss with Biden.”
Al-Ugaili concludes his speech: “Iraq has its regional and international weight, and it is necessary to draw up a strong foreign policy that will end all current obstacles,” adding that “the capabilities that the country possesses make it an attraction for partnership with many countries, especially the role of the East, represented by Russia, China, and others.”
According to observers, the United States of America continues to pursue a policy of procrastination and procrastination in many files that serve Iraq, while it imposes files that represent America’s interests within the country, as well as interference in the country’s internal affairs.
Politician: Canceling the Sudanese visit is better than implementing Washington’s will
Today, Sunday, political analyst Sabah Al-Ugaili considered that canceling the visit of Prime Minister Muhammad Shia Al-Sudani would be better than submitting to and implementing Washington’s dictates, while he stressed that the success of the latter’s expected visit to America depends on the strength of the issues that Al-Sawadni will discuss with Biden.
Al-Ugaili said in an interview with the Maalouma Agency, “The United States of America does not want to abandon the truce that Al-Sawadni obtained regarding the issue of targeting American bases inside Iraq,” noting that “Washington will try to agree on the withdrawal of its combat forces according to a long-term timetable.”
He continued, "The American side's disavowal of discussing the issue of removing American forces from military bases in Iraq will undermine many of the points that Al-Sawadni pledged," pointing out that "failing to end the policy of procrastination and procrastination by Washington will increase the severity of the current crisis," noting that " The success of Al-Sudani’s upcoming visit to America depends on the strength of the files that Al-Sawdani will discuss with Biden.”
Al-Ugaili concluded his speech: “Iraq has its regional and international weight, and it is necessary to draw up a strong foreign policy that will end all current obstacles,” adding that “the capabilities that the country possesses make it an attraction for partnership with many countries, especially the role of the East, represented by Russia, China, and others.”
A member of the Al-Fatah Alliance, Mahmoud Al-Hayani, confirmed in an interview with the Al-Ma’louma Agency that “the withdrawal of American combat forces from the military bases will not take place through the expected visit,” noting that “the pressures exerted by Washington on the current government have borne fruit through the implementation of some points.” For America.
Al-Fateh comments on Sudanese’s visit to Washington.. “It will be accompanied by demands and pressures”
Today, Sunday, member of the Al-Fatah Alliance, Mahmoud Al-Hayani, commented on the files that will be discussed during the Sudanese’s upcoming visit to Washington, while stressing that they will be accompanied by American requests and pressure.
Al-Hayani said in an interview with the Maalouma Agency, “The withdrawal of American combat forces from the military bases will not take place through the upcoming visit,” noting that “the pressures exerted by Washington on the current government have paid off through the implementation of some points regarding America.”
He continued, "The current government seeks to achieve the visit without achieving the goals or demands that represent the point of view of the political and popular street," pointing out that "Washington will try, through the current government, to distance the Iraqi Islamic resistance force from the target of American influence."
He added, "The axis of resistance, after its positions of support for the Palestinian resistance against the Zionist entity, has become a direct force that stood up to America," adding that "the prime minister's visit will be accompanied by American requests and pressure on the Sudanese government."
An informed political source revealed, in an interview with the Al-Ma’louma Agency, that the file of removing American combat forces from the meetings that will take place during Al-Sudani’s upcoming visit to Washington had been raised, while he confirmed that the discussions would be limited to secondary files only
A classification that places Iraq at an advanced stage globally in practicing electronic commerce
According to CEOWORLD Magazine's 2024 Global Investment Confidence Index , the United States is ranked as the best country in the world in terms of ease of doing digital business. China came in second place, followed by Japan, the United Kingdom, and Germany .
The United States ranked first among 128 countries, making it the most attractive “digital market” for investors and skilled workforces around the world .
India ranked sixth, while France, South Korea, Canada and the United Arab Emirates occupied the top ten .
Iraq ranked 86th in the world, ahead of several countries, including Bolivia, Costa Rica, Albania, Peru, Algeria, and Tunisia. As for Syria, it ranked last at 128th .
This report ranks the top 128 countries in terms of e-commerce and the attractiveness of the digital market from a comprehensive investment perspective. To create the list, the magazine surveyed more than 120,000 senior executives and business leaders from around the world in about 128 different countries and regions .
The survey measured these countries on five different attributes, including market potential, skilled and entrepreneurial workforce, institutional framework and innovation, security and privacy, and government policies. Each category was given equal weight in determining the overall classification .
Where does the budget surplus go?
As we live in the atmosphere of the holy month...we must review a matter that deals with a material aspect in the early stages of our country's economy that can touch the needs of the needy, the poor, and those with limited income from segments of our society, employees, retirees, social welfare, and those who have a right to our resources and the bounties of our noble country...and before I go into detail about this
The matter is, I would like to remind those in charge of planning, construction, finance, trade and legislation of the reality of the country’s basic resources on which the economy depends and an aspect that concerns the annual budget, the income of which is often from the sale of Iraqi crude oil. Praise be to God, those in charge of setting, classifying and categorizing our budgets for the next five years have chosen a price.
It is reasonable and acceptable to sell a barrel of oil exported abroad through official reliable government institutions, which is 70 US dollars / barrel. This, praise be to God, was less than the expectations of foreign selling markets and their prices, which approached an average of approximately 80 US dollars / barrel... which means that there is a real digital surplus between the price The budget plan and the actual import price may not exceed 10 US dollars/barrel, but it is not less than it in all cases.
However, if we assume that the volume of the country’s daily exports of crude oil on average is about 3.3 million barrels/day, then the state’s financial surplus is only from the sale of crude oil only. The planned annual budget will be approximately 26.4 million US dollars / day, and assuming that the difference between the real selling price and the price planned in the budget is calculated at a rate of 8 US dollars / barrel, this surplus is supposed to be exploited to strengthen the country’s international financial reserve and To fill any prior deficit, or to spend part of it on construction, reconstruction, and improving the standard of living of the citizen, and to show on the face and landmarks of the country all the meanings of prosperity, grace, and capacity.
We must imagine its total value for the annual budget, which it enhances by $9.64 billion US dollars, which is a number and value that deserves to be reviewed as we We seek from the virtues of this month what will overflow its people with prosperity, abundance, happiness, and reward from God Almighty .
The Secretary-General of the United Nations thanks Iraq for its generous donation to UNRWA
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, expressed his thanks to the Government of Iraq for the generous donation it made to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, UNRWA. He described this as an important step for humanitarian support, praising “the roles played by Iraq and the achievements achieved,” expressing his readiness to meet the needs of Iraq and continuing to provide assistance.
The Iraqi National News Agency reported today (Saturday) that this came during Guterres’ meeting with the interim Chargé d’Affaires of the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations in New York, Abbas Kadhim Obaid, to discuss developments related to the Palestinian issue, in addition to exchanging views on the current situation and the necessary efforts to achieve stability. In the region, the importance of implementing relevant United Nations resolutions, and reviewing the existing relationship between Iraq and the United Nations and its specialized agencies operating in Iraq.
For his part, Obaid indicated that the donation made by Iraq to UNRWA is a fulfillment of its obligations towards alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people and the humanitarian catastrophe they are going through and to enable UNRWA to continue implementing its mandate and facing the challenges of its financing in these circumstances.
Iraqi Fintechs Shine in Forbes' Top 50 Middle East Ranking
Iraqi fintech companies, Iraq Wallet (ZainCash Iraq) and NEO Pay Iraq, have clinched spots in Forbes' prestigious Top 50 Fintech Companies in the Middle East, underscoring the burgeoning creativity within Iraq's financial technology sector.
The Iraq Wallet, powered by ZainCash Iraq, secured the 6th spot regionally, while NEO Pay Iraq landed at 35th in the Middle East. Iraq Wallet has emerged as a go-to platform for financial solutions, offering a comprehensive range of financial services including local and international money transfers, bill payments, cash-in/out services, mobile recharge, and QR payments. It boasts 1.2 million app downloads and a network of 10,000 agents strategically positioned across Iraq.
Under the leadership of Yazen Altimimi, ZainCash's broad acceptance underscores its relevance to various stakeholders, from individuals and SMEs to major corporations, government entities, and humanitarian organizations.
Similarly, NEO Pay Iraq has garnered acclaim for its innovative digital payment processing. Led by Zaid Fawzi Ibrahim, the platform facilitated $400 million in transactions in 2023 alone, with 100,000 active users and 300,000 app downloads by December 2023, indicative of its rapid growth.
NEO Pay introduced a Visa platinum business card tailored to Iraqi merchants and professionals, a move that gained significant traction. Forbes reports an anticipated issuance of 208,000 cards by March 2024.
The inclusion of Iraq Wallet (ZainCash Iraq) and NEO Pay Iraq in Forbes' esteemed list highlights the transformative impact of fintech on Iraq's financial landscape.
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