Al-Sudani directs the formation of a joint team to improve Iraq’s sovereign credit rating.

President’s face policy Cabinet of Ministers Mohammed Shia al-Sudani Today, Wednesday, a joint national team was formed, headed by the governor. Central Bank of Iraq To improve Iraq’s sovereign credit rating.

He said Media Office To the Prime Minister in a statement received by Alsumaria News It is “in line with the government’s directives aimed at enhancing the status of Iraq Financial and economic at the international level, directed Sudanese By forming a joint national team, headed by the governor Central Bank of Iraq…and membership of representatives from ministries (Finance, Oil, and Planning) and specialized economic and financial institutions, in addition to…Prime Minister’s Office The Securities Commission and representatives of the Iraqi banking sector.

The office added, “This National team The team will work to develop an integrated strategy that includes clear and measurable objectives, submit periodic reports to the relevant authorities, and coordinate directly with major international credit rating agencies, particularly Fitch, S&P, and Moody’s, with the aim of improving Iraq’s sovereign credit rating. The team will also pay special attention to strengthening governance tools, managing financial risks, and developing the business environment in line with the government’s economic reform plans.

The office continued, “This directive comes within the framework of the government’s vision to adopt a comprehensive national strategy aimed at improving Iraq’s sovereign credit rating, which will contribute to enhancing international confidence in the national economy and opening broader horizons for direct and indirect foreign investment. The government affirms that this step represents a clear commitment to its reform approach and its commitment to achieving economic stability, supporting the stability of the financial system, and providing an attractive investment environment that contributes to diversifying sources of income and reducing dependence on oil as the sole primary resource.”

Alsumaria.tv

Kurdistan Regional Government: 120 billion dinars in non-oil revenues are ready to be delivered to Baghdad.

Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) spokesperson Peshwa Hawrami confirmed on Wednesday that the agreed-upon amount of non-oil revenues is ready for delivery to the federal government in Baghdad.

“A crucial meeting is currently underway between a delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government in Baghdad, and there is a serious discussion about non-oil financial revenues,” Hawrami said at a press conference during his visit to Halabja province following the fire.

He added, “We have 120 billion dinars ready for delivery.”

On Tuesday, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, Mohammed Hassan, expressed optimism about the possibility of the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government reaching an understanding that would resolve the outstanding disputes and issues between the two sides.

In a statement to reporters following his participation in a memorial service for the victims of the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, he said, “There is good cooperation between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad,” stressing that he has good relations with the Iraqi presidency and the region.

He added that he “listened to the regional presidency’s constant emphasis on preserving Iraq and implementing and consolidating the constitution in all its provisions.” He added that he was optimistic that Erbil and Baghdad would reach a good understanding formula to resolve their differences, and that there was an opportunity to achieve that understanding between them.

On Wednesday, August 13, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Natural Resources announced that it had reached an agreement with the Iraqi Ministry of Oil regarding a mechanism for resuming oil exports.

The ministry said in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency, “According to the text approved by a joint delegation of 23 figures, including 17 members of the Iraqi Oil Ministry delegation, the meetings began on July 17, and included comprehensive field visits to all oil fields in the region. After evaluating technical problems and conducting extensive dialogues, an agreement was reached on August 11 on the mechanism for exporting oil from the region’s fields, whereby 50,000 barrels of daily production would be allocated to meet the region’s local needs, while the remainder would be handed over to the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO) for export purposes.”

She explained that “resuming the export of Kurdistan Region’s oil requires the federal government to hold talks with the Turkish government to ensure the implementation of the agreement.”

The ministry’s statement confirms information obtained by Shafaq News Agency earlier today, Wednesday, which confirmed that the Ministry of Natural Resources in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) had agreed with the Iraqi Ministry of Oil to resume exports of the region’s crude oil under a special mechanism.

According to information, the agreement stipulates that the export process will be conducted in accordance with the daily production of the fields, with 50,000 barrels allocated to meet the region’s internal needs, while the remaining quantities will be delivered to the state-owned oil company SOMO, affiliated with the federal government.

The information also indicated that the draft agreement was signed by a delegation from the federal Ministry of Oil and a delegation from the region’s Ministry of Natural Resources, confirming that the federal delegation has returned to Baghdad.

According to the same information, the start of exports requires negotiations between the federal and Turkish governments before the process can be implemented.

An informed source revealed to Shafaq News Agency last month the details of the agreement between Baghdad and Erbil regarding the resumption of Kurdistan’s oil exports. He confirmed that the agreement stipulated that the Kurdistan Regional Government would receive 240 billion dinars in revenues for May and June, at a rate of 120 billion dinars per month, in addition to delivering 230,000 barrels of oil per day to Baghdad, in exchange for the latter sending the salaries of the region’s employees for those two months.

The roots of this crisis between the federal government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) lie in ongoing disagreements over oil export mechanisms and the unification of public revenues. This is a long-standing crisis that resurfaces from time to time, but it has worsened significantly since May 2025, when the federal government refused to send salaries to the region’s employees.

Shafaq.com

Britain tightens noose on Iraqi migrants with new deal with Baghdad

The British government announced on Wednesday that it had concluded a new agreement with Iraq to return illegal immigrants as part of broader steps to curb immigration.

According to the British news agency PA Media, the agreement signed by British Home Secretary Dan Jarvis with the Iraqi side will establish a formal process for the return of Iraqis who arrived in the United Kingdom and have no right to reside in the country.

“The new migration agreement strengthens the partnership between the UK and Iraq,” Jarvis wrote in a post on his page, followed by Shafaq News Agency. “By working together on security and migration issues, we are building closer ties and tackling shared challenges such as serious organized crime and irregular migration.”

This follows an £800,000 ($1.77 million) agreement signed with Baghdad last year to help the country crack down on smuggling networks and organized crime.

Earlier this year, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani agreed to enhance cooperation on migration.

British Home Office statistics show that since previous agreements, the number of Iraqis arriving in the United Kingdom by small boat has declined. The agreement to return illegal immigrants is the latest in London’s policy to stop small boats crossing the English Channel.

Shafaq.com

The Iraqi Economy: Growth, Challenges, and Future Prospects

The Iraqi economy is undergoing significant transformations toward economic diversification, reducing dependence on oil and strengthening other productive sectors. These transformations are essential in light of global energy price fluctuations and inflationary pressures, as developing non-oil sectors and improving public resource management are key to achieving sustainable growth and ensuring the well-being of citizens.

Current economic situation

Iraq recorded 5% growth in non-oil GDP in 2024, driven by improvements in the agricultural sector and increased public spending. The fiscal deficit reached approximately 5 trillion dinars, equivalent to 1.5% of GDP, a low level that does not pose a threat to public debt, according to International Monetary Fund estimates.

The government seeks to restructure state-owned banks to improve their capacity to absorb government financing instruments and stimulate the local market. It is also appointing new staff to activate the public debt management system and analyze financial performance. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission has also expressed its willingness to provide technical and advisory support in the areas of tax reform and public debt management, to ensure the adoption of global best practices and enhance financial efficiency.

Transition to sustainable energy

The Iraqi government’s shift toward renewable energy reflects its interest in achieving economic and environmental sustainability. A plan has been launched to convert 6,000 government buildings to solar energy, reducing dependence on oil and enabling more efficient use of natural resources. This move supports economic diversification goals and enhances Iraq’s ability to cope with fluctuations in global energy markets.

Economic analysis

The growth in non-oil GDP reflects Iraq’s ability to achieve comprehensive and balanced development and reduce the economy’s vulnerability to oil price fluctuations. The low fiscal deficit also gives the state financial leeway to expand development and infrastructure projects without significantly increasing public debt.

Bank restructuring and activating public debt management are strategic tools for enhancing domestic financing and stimulating private investment, while cooperation with the International Monetary Fund supports financial reforms and ensures efficient management of public resources. Investment in solar energy also contributes to reducing dependence on oil and enhancing long-term economic sustainability.

Iraq’s economic future

Growth is expected to continue at 4% in 2025, supported by improved agricultural performance and increased, more measured government spending. However, the Iraqi economy remains vulnerable to a range of variables:

Fluctuations in global oil prices and their impact on public revenues.

Political and security stability is a key factor in attracting investment.

Successful financial and tax reforms to ensure social justice and efficient distribution of resources.

Expanding renewable energy projects to ensure economic and environmental sustainability.

Conclusion

Economic data indicates that Iraq is showing positive signs toward economic diversification and sustainable growth, with a clear ability to withstand oil fluctuations and strengthen non-oil sectors. Financial reforms, bank restructuring, and focus on renewable energy reflect the government’s commitment to achieving effective and sustainable management of public resources.

If these variables are addressed and economic and reform policies are implemented, Iraq can achieve balanced and sustainable economic growth, while enhancing the state’s ability to provide better services to citizens and ensure social justice and long-term financial stability.

Economic Studies Unit / North America Office

Rawabetcenter.com

Al-Sudani’s advisor lists the reasons for the dollar’s rise in the Iraqi market.

On Tuesday, the Prime Minister’s financial advisor, Mazhar Mohammed Salih, attributed the rise in the dollar in Iraqi markets to cross-border speculative trading.

Saleh told Shafaq News Agency (according to his personal assessment), “The speculative and cross-border trade environment balances its risks between the decline of the dollar, the ease of parallel financing for fast trade, and its low administrative and regulatory costs, especially compliance and anti-money laundering procedures through official institutions, and the comparison between violating the law and the risks and the quick illusion of achieving profit, especially in small border trades.”

He continued: “Small commercial activity, as is well known, dominates more than half of the country’s foreign trade. The lower the dollar exchange rate compared to audit costs and the cost of banking and customs compliance, the more favorable the parallel market financing equation becomes, unless deterrent legal enforcement is tightened.”

He added, “Therefore, there is no reason for this renewed surge in dollars, despite their regular availability through the official banking system,” noting that this is consistent with international standards and requirements for monitoring the financing and flow of foreign trade, particularly import trade.

He pointed out that “the comparison between the cost of introducing advanced regulatory procedures and global applications, such as the clean regulation of foreign trade on goods entering from abroad, such as customs tracking and digital inspection control systems for imported goods, are steps that represent an advanced level of regulatory sophistication and customs inspection.”

Saleh concluded his remarks by saying, “This means that high-level enforcement of standardized controls on informal imports subject to anti-money laundering laws, broad and effective customs controls, and border crossing governance, which largely excludes informal trade, must increase as the parallel exchange rate improves with the decline of the dollar.”

Shafaq.com

UNAMI mission is optimistic that Erbil and Baghdad will reach a “good” understanding on resolving outstanding disputes.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, Mohammed Hassan, expressed optimism on Tuesday about the possibility of the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government reaching an understanding that would resolve the outstanding issues and differences between the two sides.

In a statement to reporters following his participation in a memorial service for the victims of the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, he said, “There is good cooperation between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad,” stressing that he has good relations with the Iraqi presidency and the region.

He added that he “listened to the regional presidency’s constant emphasis on preserving Iraq and implementing and consolidating the constitution in all its provisions.” He added that he was optimistic that Erbil and Baghdad would reach a good understanding formula to resolve their differences, and that there was an opportunity to achieve that understanding between them.

On Wednesday, August 13, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Natural Resources announced that it had reached an agreement with the Iraqi Ministry of Oil regarding a mechanism for resuming oil exports.

The ministry said in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency, “According to the text approved by a joint delegation of 23 figures, including 17 members of the Iraqi Oil Ministry delegation, the meetings began on July 17, and included comprehensive field visits to all oil fields in the region. After evaluating technical problems and conducting extensive dialogues, an agreement was reached on August 11 on the mechanism for exporting oil from the region’s fields, whereby 50,000 barrels of daily production would be allocated to meet the region’s local needs, while the remainder would be handed over to the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO) for export purposes.”

She explained that “resuming the export of Kurdistan Region’s oil requires the federal government to hold talks with the Turkish government to ensure the implementation of the agreement.”

The ministry’s statement confirms information obtained by Shafaq News Agency earlier today, Wednesday, which confirmed that the Ministry of Natural Resources in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) had agreed with the Iraqi Ministry of Oil to resume exports of the region’s crude oil under a special mechanism.

According to information, the agreement stipulates that the export process will be conducted in accordance with the daily production of the fields, with 50,000 barrels allocated to meet the region’s internal needs, while the remaining quantities will be delivered to the state-owned oil company SOMO, affiliated with the federal government.

The information also indicated that the draft agreement was signed by a delegation from the federal Ministry of Oil and a delegation from the region’s Ministry of Natural Resources, confirming that the federal delegation has returned to Baghdad.

According to the same information, the start of exports requires negotiations between the federal and Turkish governments before the process can be implemented.

An informed source revealed to Shafaq News Agency last month the details of the agreement between Baghdad and Erbil regarding the resumption of Kurdistan’s oil exports. He confirmed that the agreement stipulated that the Kurdistan Regional Government would receive 240 billion dinars in revenues for May and June, at a rate of 120 billion dinars per month, in addition to delivering 230,000 barrels of oil per day to Baghdad, in exchange for the latter sending the salaries of the region’s employees for those two months.

The roots of this crisis between the federal government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) lie in ongoing disagreements over oil export mechanisms and the unification of public revenues. This is a long-standing crisis that resurfaces from time to time, but it has worsened significantly since May 2025, when the federal government refused to send salaries to the region’s employees.

Shafaq.com

The Central Bank of Iraq announces an increase in state revenues and expenditures during May.

The Central Bank of Iraq revealed on Tuesday that public revenues and expenditures increased during the month of May.

The bank stated in official statistics reviewed by Shafaq News Agency that public revenues for May rose to 46 billion and 157 million dinars, compared to 36 billion and 586 million dinars in April.

He added that the revenues were distributed between tax revenues amounting to 1.602 billion dinars, and other revenues amounting to 44.555 billion dinars.

He pointed out that the state’s public expenditures also increased, reaching 46 billion and 979 million dinars, compared to 37 billion and 586 million dinars in April.

The Central Bank explained that expenditures included current expenditures amounting to 43.951 billion dinars and investment expenditures amounting to 3.028 billion dinars, noting that the deficit between revenues and expenditures amounted to 822 million dinars.

Shafaq.com

Baghdad and Erbil hold new meeting to resolve oil and salaries

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning, Mohammed Ali Tamim, held an expanded joint meeting on Tuesday between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government to discuss salaries and oil issues.

The Iraqi Ministry of Planning stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that “the meeting reviewed the progress made on the outstanding issues between the two parties, which included the oil production and export file, the non-oil revenues file, and the localization of salaries for the region’s employees, based on the Federal Court’s decision in this regard.”

According to the statement, the participants noted that significant progress had been made, particularly in the region’s oil production and export file, as all necessary conditions and requirements for commencing the production and export process through the National Oil Marketing Company (SOMO) had been met, and discussions were continuing to complete the remaining requirements related to other files.

Shafaq.com

The value of Iraq’s gold reserves rose by 4.76% during the first half of the year.

The Echo Iraq Observatory, which specializes in economic affairs, announced on Tuesday that the value of Iraq’s gold reserves increased by 4.76% during the first half of 2025, due to rising global gold prices.

The observatory stated in a press release received by Shafaq News Agency, “Iraq possesses 162 tons of gold as part of its national reserves,” noting that “the price of a ton of gold was 105 million US dollars in January 2025, and gradually rose to 110 million US dollars by the end of June 2025.”

The statement explained that “this increase in the price of gold directly contributed to raising the value of Iraq’s gold reserves,” stressing that “gold remains one of the most important strategic assets that enhances the country’s financial strength.”

The Observatory also noted that the rise in global gold prices over the past few months reflects fluctuations in global markets and directly impacts the value of national reserves in many countries, including Iraq.

The statement added, “Regular monitoring of gold prices enables Iraq to accurately assess the value of its reserves and make appropriate economic decisions to maintain the stability of the country’s purchasing power.”

Last July, the Central Bank of Iraq revealed an increase in the value of gold in Iraq’s foreign exchange reserves.

The bank said in an official statistic seen by Shafaq News Agency that the value of gold in Iraq’s foreign currency reserves reached 22.492 trillion dinars by April, up 5.62% from March, when the value of gold reached 21.228 trillion dinars.

He added that the value of gold also rose by 17.72% compared to December 2024, when it reached 17.834 trillion dinars, up from 12.293 trillion dinars in December 2023.

It’s worth noting that the Central Bank previously revealed that Iraq’s foreign currency reserves at the end of April amounted to $98.089 billion, equivalent to 127.516 trillion dinars.

Shafaq.com

In numbers: 10.5 million Iraqi citizens cost the state 8 trillion dinars per month.

The Finance Committee of the Iraqi Parliament revealed on Tuesday that more than 10 million citizens receive a monthly salary from the state.

Committee member Moeen Al-Kadhimi told Shafaq News Agency, “The Ministry of Finance secures 8 trillion dinars per month in salaries for employees, retirees, and those covered by the social security network.”

Al-Kadhimi added, “The number of employees receiving their salaries from the state has reached more than 4.2 million, while the number of retirees exceeds 3 million, and those covered by the social security network exceed 3 million people.”

He explained that the total number of beneficiaries receiving salaries from the state is 10.5 million, and that the salaries of these three categories are fully secured until the end of the current year, as oil revenues amount to more than $6 billion per month.

Shafaq.com