Friday, October 10, 2025

From Cash to Code: 80 Banks Line Up for Iraq’s Digital Future 🌐

Central Bank Governor: We received 80 applications to establish digital banks

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Central Bank Governor: We received 80 applications to establish digital banks

The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Ali Al-Alaq, announced today, Thursday, that the bank has received about 80 applications to establish digital banks, stressing that the announcement of the names of licensed digital banks will be soon.

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Al-Alaq told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The Central Bank received between 70 and 80 applications to establish a digital bank, and this number can only be licensed according to a set of criteria based on market studies, the nature of the work, and the experiences of other countries, where the number of digital banks usually does not exceed two, three, or four."

He continued: "Therefore, we have begun scrutiny processes to determine the requirements in a way that ensures that licenses are granted to entities that possess the best qualifications", stressing, "We are now in the final stages of announcing the banks that will be licensed".

He added: "Before making the final decision, we involved Oliver Wyman to review the criteria set by the central bank, on the basis of which licenses will be granted".

Al-Alaq explained, "The above-mentioned company studied these criteria during the past few days, after it was busy with the banking reform file and the comprehensive plan, and we believe that we will get the final answer within the next few days."


The Central Bank discusses with the German Commerzbank ways to enhance banking cooperation.




 



His Excellency the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Mr. Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq, received in Baghdad Mr. Michael German, Representative of the Institutional Clients and Transaction Banking Sector at Commerzbank Germany, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the two sides.

The meeting discussed prospects for developing banking relations with Iraqi banks operating in the local market, which would contribute to supporting economic activity and strengthening financial ties between Iraq and Germany. 
The importance of exchanging technical expertise and developing cooperation mechanisms in the areas of trade finance, international payments management, and correspondent banking was emphasized, thus enhancing the efficiency of the Iraqi financial system and its connection with the European banking sector.
The two parties expressed their keenness to continue coordination and joint consultation, in support of Iraq's global financial position and developing its foreign banking relations in accordance with the best approved standards.
 
Central Bank of Iraq
Media Office 
October 9, 2025

Afandi: Artificial intelligence will reshape the economy of Iraqi Kurdistan.

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Hiwa Effendi

peaking to Sky News Arabia at HITEX 2025, Hiwa Effendi, Deputy Minister and Head of the Information Technology Department in the Kurdistan Regional Government, emphasized that artificial intelligence represents the most significant turning point in history, warning of its dangers while also highlighting the unprecedented opportunities it could offer to society and the economy.

Afandi pointed out that human capital is the cornerstone of the current phase of AI adoption , emphasizing that humans remain the element capable of confronting potential AI risks by providing high-quality data, cleaning it, monitoring models, and analyzing their results before deploying them across various sectors. He said, "AI lives and dies on high-quality data... so far, I think we're safe."

Artificial Intelligence: Benefits and Risks

Hiwa Effendi explained that artificial intelligence has the tremendous potential to expand human cognition beyond imagination. It learns quickly, develops itself, and can improve human living standards to an unprecedented degree. He added, "It can make society cancer-free and give people more time, reducing the need for traditional work... The sky is the limit for what artificial intelligence 

But at the same time, the Kurdish official warned of significant risks if strict controls are not put in place: "AI could overtake humans in almost everything: running companies, manipulating human behavior, shaping public debate, and even influencing politics and liberal democracy... This is no joke."

He also pointed to the risks associated with automated control of critical infrastructure, such as electricity grids and nuclear power, explaining that any failure or misuse of AI in these sectors could be disastrous for societies.

Digital Transformation in Kurdistan: A Clear Strategy

The Kurdistan Regional Government is building on the digital transformation strategy launched by His Excellency the Prime Minister in 2022, which aims to integrate modern technology into all government and service sectors , with a focus on data infrastructure.

Hiwa Effendi explained that "the infrastructure is not just physical, but also includes the data infrastructure, which translates into a digital population information system containing a digital identity for every citizen, allowing them to access government services from their homes and on their own devices, in a secure and stable manner."

He pointed out the implementation of the "one-time sharing" principle of data, ensuring its use in both business and public services, achieving greater efficiency and saving time and costs. He emphasized that the impact of technology on citizens' lives has become more rapid, and that financial returns increase exponentially with each technological breakthrough.

The economic and social impact of artificial intelligence

From an economic perspective, digital transformation and the application of artificial intelligence are expected to increase productivity and reduce operating expenses, especially in vital sectors such as health, education, and public services. It could also create new job opportunities related to the maintenance and analysis of data and artificial intelligence models, highlighting the importance of developing local human capital.

On the social level, Afandi noted that artificial intelligence could radically change daily life by improving public services, freeing up personal time for creative pursuits, and potentially reducing traditional working hours. However, he emphasized that these benefits will only be realized with strong legal and technical controls that protect individuals and communities.

Artificial intelligence is outpacing the internet and digital media in terms of speed of spread.

During his talk, Hiwa Effendi pointed to the unprecedented acceleration of AI technology compared to previous technological breakthroughs, explaining that what took the internet 23 years to reach 90 percent of the world's population, AI achieved in just three years. He also emphasized that services like Netflix , which took 10 years to reach 100 million users, can now achieve the same number with AI in just three months.

This rapid spread poses significant challenges for governments and societies, necessitating the development of protection strategies and precise regulatory controls to ensure that AI remains a driving force for economic and social development, rather than a threat to stability or organic life.

Hiwa Effendi's statements confirm that Iraqi Kurdistan is heading toward a large-scale digital revolution, supported by a clear government strategy and a focus on human capital and data protection. Artificial intelligence today represents an unprecedented opportunity to improve living standards and support the digital economy, but it also carries significant risks if not carefully controlled.

This balance of opportunities and risks makes digital transformation and the integration of artificial intelligence a real test for governments and societies, as strategic decisions can determine the future of economic and social development in the region for years to come.




Foreign Minister: Iraqi diplomacy has succeeded in protecting Iraq and preventing attacks against it.

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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein affirmed today, Thursday, that diplomacy has succeeded in protecting Iraq and preventing aggression against it.

A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that “Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein attended the opening session of the Capacity Development Program for New Ambassadors, at the Higher Institute for Leadership Preparation and Qualification in Baghdad.”

The statement added that “the session was moderated by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Planning Affairs, Ambassador Hisham Al-Alawi, who delivered the opening speech in which he congratulated the new ambassadors on assuming their diplomatic duties,” noting “the importance of their representation of the venerable Ministry of Foreign Affairs in international forums.”

The statement continued, “The Minister delivered a speech in which he congratulated the new ambassadors on their important positions and thanked the leadership of the institute for hosting the program, stressing the importance of education and training in developing diplomatic cadres,” noting that “the diplomatic world is witnessing constant change, which requires continuous learning and updating of knowledge and skills.”

According to the statement, the minister stressed "the need to be open to other cultures and understand diverse political systems," emphasizing that "the interests of the Iraqi state must be at the forefront of the ambassador's priorities, and that work must be based on the constitution and national identity, far from any ideological premises, as the ambassador represents the state and the political system with complete balance and responsibility





The Trump administration sends a "war message" to Iraq: hints at decisive action.

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The US State Department issued a stern warning to Iranian-backed armed factions in Iraq on Thursday, vowing to act "decisively" to protect US interests.

A State Department spokesperson told Shafaq News Agency, "The designations of Iran-backed terrorist organizations simply make one thing clear: these groups use terrorism to attack Americans in Iraq in service of Iran's interests, and have done so for decades. They also exploit Iraq's economy to fund Iran's terrorist activities around the world."

The US spokesman indicated that "under President Trump's bold leadership, the United States will act decisively to ensure the protection of American interests in Iraq and the region."

However, the spokesman cautioned that "the United States is committed to its partners throughout Iraq who are working to build a truly sovereign, stable, and prosperous country."

He added, "The current administration is in constant communication with partners throughout Iraq and supports Iraqi actors who share the United States' priorities and concerns."

According to him, there are tangible economic achievements, saying, "Just today, a deal was signed between the Iraqi government and ExxonMobil to develop the Majnoon oil field, and recent US diplomatic efforts have led to the reopening of the pipeline between Iraq and Turkey."

The US State Department spokesperson stated that "deals like these will deliver real and tangible benefits to both Americans and Iraqis, and are a testament to the partnership between the United States and Iraq."



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Management failures and legal violations... Al-Sudani's budget faces widespread criticism.

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Criticism of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's government has escalated over the recently approved three-year budget, amid parliamentary and economic accusations that it has failed to achieve its primary objectives, particularly in the areas of services and the economy, as well as violations in the implementation of its legal and constitutional provisions.

MP Bassem al-Gharibawi described the budget as "one of the most failed budgets in Iraq's history," holding the government responsible for its failure to address the mounting crises. 

In a statement to Al-Maalouma, he said, "The budget did not achieve the aspirations of the Iraqi people, nor did it address the challenges facing living conditions and services, despite the large amount of spending." He added, "The allocated funds did not translate into tangible results on the ground, but rather contributed to rising unemployment and poverty rates, particularly in the central and southern governorates."

For his part, Parliamentary Finance Committee member Mustafa Al-Karawi criticized the government's financial performance, describing the three-year budget as "meager" and based on inaccurate estimates, placing a burden beyond the state's financial capacity. 

Al-Karawi told Al-Maalouma that "ill-considered spending policies have led to a large fiscal deficit and contributed to a severe liquidity crisis that threatens the country's financial stability." He stressed that Parliament will take stricter oversight measures to prevent any measures that would exacerbate citizens' suffering. 

In the same context, a number of observers confirmed that the government's delay in submitting the current year's budget schedules has exacerbated financial confusion and negatively impacted the implementation of development plans. This reveals a clear weakness in financial management and raises serious questions about the government's ability to manage resources efficiently and transparently.


US Senate unanimously endorses repeal of 2002 Iraq war resolution

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WASHINGTON (AP) — More than two decades later, Congress is on the verge of writing a closing chapter to the war in Iraq.

US Senate unanimously endorses repeal of 2002 Iraq war resolution

 

 More than two decades later, Congress is on the verge of writing a closing chapter to the war in Iraq.

The Senate voted Thursday to repeal the resolution that authorized the 2003 U.S. invasion, following a House vote last month that would return the basic war power to Congress.

The amendment by Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat, and Indiana Sen. Todd Young, a Republican, was approved by voice vote to an annual defense authorization bill that passed the Senate late Thursday — a unanimous endorsement for ending the war that many now view as a mistake.

 

Iraqi deaths were estimated in the hundreds of thousands, and nearly 5,000 U.S. troops were killed in the war after President George W. Bush’s administration falsely claimed that then-President Saddam Hussein was stockpiling weapons of mass destruction.

“That’s the way the war ends, not with a bang but a whimper,” Kaine said after the vote, which lasted only a few seconds with no debate and no objections. Still, he said, “America is forever changed by those wars, and the Middle East is too.”

Supporters in both the House and Senate say the repeal is crucial to prevent future abuses and to reinforce that Iraq is now a strategic partner of the United States. The House added a similar amendment to its version of the defense measure in September, meaning the repeal is likely to end up in the final bill once the two chambers reconcile the two pieces of legislation. Both bills also repeal the 1991 authorization that sanctioned the U.S.-led Gulf War.

While Congress appears poised to pass the repeal, it is unclear whether President Donald Trump will support it. During his first term, his administration cited the 2002 Iraq resolution as part of its legal justification for a 2020 U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani. It has otherwise been rarely used.

Young said after the vote that he thinks Trump should “take great pride” in signing the bill after campaigning on ending so-called “forever wars,” especially because he would be the first president in recent history to legally end a longstanding war.

He said the vote establishes an important precedent.

“Congress is now very clearly asserting that it is our prerogative and our responsibility not only to authorize but also to bring to an end military conflicts,” Young said.

The bipartisan vote, added to the larger bipartisan defense measure, came amid a bitter partisan standoff over a weeklong government shutdown. Young said the quick vote was an “extraordinary moment” that he hopes “will help some people see that we can still do consequential things in the U.S. Congress.”

The Senate also voted to repeal the 2002 resolution two years ago on a 66-30 vote. While some Republicans privately told Kaine that they were still opposed to the measure, none objected to the unanimous vote on the floor Thursday evening.

A separate 2001 authorization for the global war on terror would remain in place under the bill. While the 2002 and 1991 resolutions are rarely used and focused on just one country, Iraq, the 2001 measure gave President George W. Bush broad authority for the invasion of Afghanistan, approving force “against those nations, organizations, or persons” that planned or aided the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

Passed in September 2001, it has been used in recent years to justify U.S. military action against groups — including al-Qaida and its affiliates, such as the Islamic State group and al-Shabab — that are deemed to be a threat against America.

 

Italy considers Iraq, Kurdistan safe for Italian investors, eyes deeper economic ties

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Italy is pushing to expand its business footprint in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region beyond oil and energy, the country’s ambassador to Iraq told Rudaw in an exclusive interview on Tuesday, as Baghdad and Erbil’s growing stability and developments across all sectors draw renewed interests from European investors. 
 
“We started our cooperation decades ago, and the two main sectors were infrastructure, construction, and energy sector, so oil and gas mainly,” Italy’s Ambassador to Iraq Niccolo Fontana told Rudaw, adding Rome’s diplomatic missions in Iraq are currently focused on diversifying cooperation into non-oil fields.
 
Rome and Erbil enjoy good ties and last year Italy upgraded its consulate in Erbil to a consulate general.
 
Italy is a member of the global coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS) that was formed by the United States in 2014 when the terror group seized control of a swath of Iraqi and Syrian land. Italian forces have had a key role in training Kurdish Peshmerga forces.
 
A year into office in Iraq, the Italian ambassador said he had witnessed clear signs of transformation and economic momentum. 
 
“I saw a transformed city for the better, notably in terms of infrastructure. But I see a lot of construction works going on, both in Baghdad and Erbil,” he said, adding that “We say in Italy that when there is construction going on, it means there's a push towards social economic development.”
 
“What we as an embassy and with the consulate general in Erbil, are trying to do right now is to attract more companies in non-oil sectors,” the ambassador said, adding Rome is encouraging companies to work in the “agro industrial sector” to work in Kurdistan, underscoring the safety and security in the Region. 
 
Fontana described “stability” as “the right word to describe what's going on now in the country,” crediting both Baghdad and Erbil for playing “a role as a stabilizing factor in the region.”
 
The ambassador noted that his country is “committed to working alongside Iraq and Kurdistan to enhance furthermore this development,” highlighting a shared interest in stability and economic diversification. 
 
“Together with the Kurdish government, we organized a mission to Rome last July, and apparently we succeeded in convincing an important Italian group to come here,” the ambassador revealed, adding that “they are coming in mid-October here to check, really in person, if those opportunities are real, and how to cooperate with local partners.”
 
As Iraq and Kurdistan seek to attract broader foreign investment, Italy’s strategy aligns with their vision of diversifying the economy, strengthening local industries and deepening regional ties. 
 
Below is the full transcript of the interview with Niccolo Fontana. link

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Washington imposes a new package of sanctions targeting Iran's oil sector.

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The US government announced new sanctions on Thursday against approximately 50 individuals, companies, and vessels, most of them in Asia, accused of participating in the sale and transport of Iranian oil and gas, including companies in the UAE.

A statement from the US Treasury Department explained that the sanctions target a network accused of facilitating the transfer of hundreds of millions of dollars in Iranian energy exports, providing "critical funding for the Iranian regime and supporting terrorist groups that threaten the United States."

The sanctions include approximately twenty vessels belonging to Iran's so-called "ghost fleet," an oil terminal in China, and small independent Chinese refineries known as "teapots."

The State Department announced in a statement that it had imposed sanctions on approximately 40 other entities, including "some of the largest buyers of Iranian petrochemical products by volume and value, as well as individuals at the head of companies involved in this business."

This is the fourth round of sanctions targeting independent Chinese refineries, according to the ministry, and also includes UAE-based companies accused of facilitating Iranian oil and gas trade.

Most of the ships subject to sanctions sail under the flags of Palau or Panama, as well as a number of African countries such as Gambia and the Comoros.

Treasury Secretary Scott Besant said the goal is to "undermine revenue flows by dismantling key elements of Iran's energy export machine," adding that Washington seeks to "reduce the regime's ability to fund terrorist groups."

The sanctions freeze assets within the United States and prohibit any commercial transactions with the designated entities. They also include foreign companies that use the dollar in their transactions with these entities.

"As long as Iran attempts to generate oil revenue to fund its destructive activities, the United States will act to counter it and promote accountability for Iran and its partners in sanctions evasion," State Department Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Bugout said in a statement.



America moves against three Shiite groups in addition to the Rafidain Bank in Iraq.

 

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America moves against three Shiite groups in addition to the Rafidain Bank in Iraq.

 

The US State Department said on Friday that the United States is targeting Kata'ib Hezbollah and Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq for their efforts to "undermine Iraq's sovereignty."

US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Piggott wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that the United States seeks to exert maximum pressure on Iran.

"We are targeting the IRGC-QF, which supports Iran's regional terrorist partners and proxies, and two groups based in Iraq, Kataib Hezbollah and Asaib Ahl al-Haq," he added.

"These militias are actively working to undermine Iraq's sovereignty, weaken its economy, and launch attacks against American personnel and interests throughout the Middle East," Piggott continued.

Meanwhile, US Republican Congressman Joe Wilson called on the Trump administration to include the Badr Corps, its leader Hadi al-Ameri, and the Iraqi state-owned Rafidain Bank on the list of armed factions targeted by sanctions.

This came in a tweet on the "X" website in response to what was published by the US State Department's deputy spokesman, with Wilson stressing that "Iraq must be liberated from Iran."

These statements come after the US Treasury Department imposed a new package of sanctions on Thursday targeting Iraqi banking figures and companies linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and Kata'ib Hezbollah, including the Al-Muhandis Company, the economic arm of the Popular Mobilization Forces. The move, it said, aims to "dismantle the corruption and money laundering networks that enable armed groups to operate inside and outside Iraq."

The ministry said in a statement, translated by Shafaq News Agency, that the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action against individuals and companies "that help the Iranian regime evade US sanctions, smuggle weapons, and engage in widespread corruption within the Iraqi economy," noting that the Iranian regime "relies on its Iraqi militia proxies to penetrate Iraqi state institutions and security services."

According to the statement, these Iran-backed groups are responsible for the deaths of American citizens and attacks on US interests and those of its allies in the region. They also continue to weaken the Iraqi economy and monopolize public resources through illicit gain and corruption.

According to the Treasury Department, the new sanctions include Iraqi bankers, a commercial front company, a large economic entity linked to the Popular Mobilization Forces, and security personnel who operate spy networks for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps inside Iraq.

According to the statement, "Kata'ib Hezbollah, one of the most prominent factions of the Popular Mobilization Forces, established the General Engineer Company for Contracting, Agriculture, and Industry to provide economic cover for its activities."

According to a statement by the US Treasury, the company, controlled by Kata'ib Hezbollah leader Abdul Aziz al-Muhammadawi (Abu Fadak), exploited government contracts to transfer funds from state institutions to commercial fronts, including Baladna Agricultural Investments Company, to finance the activities of armed factions and arms smuggling operations in coordination with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.

The ministry confirmed that "General Engineer Company and Baladna Company were designated under Executive Order 13224 for their material and financial support to the IRGC and Kata'ib Hezbollah."

The US Treasury statement also indicated that the sanctions also included three Iraqi bank executives accused of abusing their positions to benefit the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq. The statement explained that these officials exploited the Iraqi financial system to launder money, smuggle currency, and generate revenue for Iranian-backed terrorist groups.

He explained that among those sanctioned is businessman Ali Muhammad Ghulam Hussein al-Ansari, who used his influence over several Iraqi banks to generate millions of dollars for the Revolutionary Guards and Kata'ib Hezbollah. He added that he "provided financial services to Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, including purchasing dollars and laundering money using forged documents to evade government oversight."

The sanctions also included brothers Ali and Aqeel Muftan Khafif al-Bidani, who run a commercial bank linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. They are accused of laundering tens of millions of dollars and smuggling oil and drugs, in addition to exploiting Aqeel Muftan's position as head of the Iraqi Olympic Committee for illicit financial purposes.

The US Treasury statement warned that "Kata'ib Hezbollah and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps have conducted coordinated operations to gather intelligence on US forces inside Iraq since the beginning of 2025."

He explained that "Hassan Qahtan al-Saidi, a leader in the Hezbollah Brigades, led a spy network operating out of Baghdad, comprising members of the Popular Mobilization Forces, headed by his son Mohammed and Haitham Subaih Saeed, which was gathering information on US military movements for the Revolutionary Guard."

America moves against three Shiite groups in addition to the Rafidain Bank in Iraq.
America moves against three Shiite groups in addition to the Rafidain Bank in Iraq.




The Iraqi government is looking to invest in games through Expo 2025 (photos)

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The Iraqi government is looking to invest in games through Expo 2025 (photos)

The Iraq Games Expo kicked off on Thursday and will continue until October 11.

The exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in cooperation with the Communications and Media Commission, took place at the Baghdad International Fairgrounds.

The exhibition was attended by a number of officials, developers, investors, and electronic gaming and digital technology companies.

According to what the Minister of Youth and Sports, Ahmed Al-Mubarqa, said in his speech during the opening ceremony, which was attended by Shafaq News Agency, "The federal government is sponsoring the Expo because of its belief in the capabilities of youth to lead the digital transformation, and that Expo represents the beginning of a national path towards a skills-based digital economy."

He stated, "The exhibition is a national event that reflects aspiration for the future. The Iraq e-Games Expo is the first event of its kind in Iraq, bringing together an elite group of innovators, investors, developers, local and international companies, and young gamers who are part of the world's modern technological pulse."

It is worth noting that "the video game sector has become one of the fastest-growing and most integrated sectors in the world, with annual revenues exceeding hundreds of millions of dollars and transforming into an industry that combines programming, art, design, innovation, artificial intelligence, and marketing."

The minister points out that "this field is no longer limited to developed countries. Rather, opportunities to participate in it are now available to communities that possess the desire and skill, which is evident among Iraq's youth." He noted that "the Ministry of Youth and Sports views electronic games as part of the new economy, which can contribute to the country's development, provide quality job opportunities, and stimulate investment in programming and modern technologies."

He continued, saying, "In recent years, the Ministry has launched initiatives and projects aimed at empowering youth in the fields of innovation, technology, culture, art, and science, and opening doors to cooperation between government institutions, the private sector, universities, and research centers. The Expo represents the culmination of the Ministry's efforts to nurture and support young talent."

Al-Mubarqa' calls for "supporting the video game industry and strengthening partnerships between the government and the private sector to develop digital infrastructure and encourage universities and institutes to introduce new specializations in programming, design, and gaming." He also highlighted the importance of "laying the foundations for a pioneering digital industry and building bridges of cooperation between government agencies, investors, the education sector, and young talent, in order to move toward a digital Iraq that keeps pace with global transformations."

In turn, Hassan Radhi Al-Sudani, advisor to the Prime Minister and director of the National Center for Archives and Iraqi Memory, confirmed in a statement to Shafaq News Agency that "the regulation of electronic games has become an important matter and is a fundamental element of government work, especially for relevant government agencies such as the Communications and Media Commission and the Ministries of Education and Youth and Sports."

He added, "The government is currently seeking to regulate video game companies by examining their content to prevent strange ideas from infiltrating our society through these games." He also noted the need to "provide the necessary facilities to attract the largest possible number of video game companies."

He continues, "Iraq spent huge sums on video games in 2023, reaching $90 million, and the spending rate has increased over the past two years, which means that Iraq is seeking financial returns from these games that exceed the amounts spent."

Al-Sudani stresses the need to "move to manufacturing and developing electronic games in the country, and not just receive them."

In turn, the head of the Iraqi Electronic Sports Federation, Haider Jaafar, told Shafaq News Agency, "The local market has begun to open up to the electronic games industry due to the presence of a large number of players, which opens the way for trade and investment in this field."

Jaafar explained that "it's possible to attract more foreign companies to this exhibition, which has so far been attended by companies from several Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia." He noted that "one company purchased electronic games worth 55 million dinars a week ago."

He called on relevant authorities in both the private and public sectors to develop a commercial vision for the field of electronic games, based on their knowledge of the international race in this regard, so that Iraq does not lag behind in this field. He also urged government institutions and the Chamber of Commerce to facilitate the registration of companies developing games.

Jaafar concluded his remarks by emphasizing the need to establish new rules that are compatible with software projects, stating that "the number of gaming teams in Iraq exceeds 2,000, while the number of players who play electronic games exceeds 100,000."

The Iraqi government is looking to invest in games through Expo 2025 (photos)
The Iraqi government is looking to invest in games through Expo 2025 (photos)
The Iraqi government is looking to invest in games through Expo 2025 (photos)
The Iraqi government is looking to invest in games through Expo 2025 (photos)
The Iraqi government is looking to invest in games through Expo 2025 (photos)
The Iraqi government is looking to invest in games through Expo 2025 (photos)







Al-Qased launches the new Ford Territory and Ford Expedition in Iraq

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Al-Qased launches the new Ford Territory and Ford Expedition in Iraq

 

Al-Qasid Trading Agencies, the authorized dealer of Ford cars and trucks in Iraq, announced the launch of two new vehicles in the Iraqi market during an official ceremony held in Baghdad.

The company said this event is part of the two companies' efforts to enhance the availability of Ford's latest models and provide advanced driving experiences that meet the aspirations of Iraqi drivers.

Al Qasid and Ford Middle East affirm their ongoing commitment to providing high-quality products that combine superior performance, advanced technologies, and outstanding after-sales services, aiming to expand customer options in the local market and meet family, business, and entertainment needs alike.

The all-new Ford Expedition offers a balanced blend of power, luxury, and technology, powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 400 horsepower. The vehicle is equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission, available four-wheel drive, and a towing capacity of up to 9,300 pounds when equipped with the Heavy Duty Towing Package. The cabin features a 24-inch panoramic display, a 13.2-inch center infotainment screen, and a spacious three-row layout that offers comfort and flexible storage. It also includes the Ford Co-Pilot360® driver-assistance technology suite, which enhances safety and convenience.

The new Ford Territory also offers a practical and stylish option in the compact and mid-size car segment, powered by a 1.8-liter EcoBoost turbo engine generating 190 horsepower, mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission that offers multiple driving modes (Normal, Economy, Sport, and Mountain).

The car comes equipped with a 12-inch central screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, a 12-inch digital instrument cluster in the higher trims, and a Rotary e-Shifter for ease of use and a contemporary look. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), and a collision mitigation system.

"The launch of the Ford Expedition and Territory in Iraq represents a strategic step to strengthen Ford's presence and provide options that meet the needs of the local market," said Ihsan Suwaileh, CEO of Al-Qasid Trading Agencies. "Al-Qasid remains committed to providing a comprehensive experience that includes model availability, after-sales services, and a wide maintenance network."

Al-Qasid Company affirms its continued support for the Iraqi market by introducing models that combine performance, technology, and comfort, in addition to after-sales service programs designed to enhance customer confidence and satisfaction. For more information on specifications, prices, and test drives, please contact Al-Qasid Commercial Agencies Company or visit its authorized showrooms in Baghdad and other governorates.







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