Tishwash: Parliamentary Finance: The government is determined to prepare the financial budget schedules.
The Parliamentary Finance Committee confirmed on Thursday that the government is working on preparing budget schedules that are in line with the country’s financial reality.
Committee member Atwan Al-Atwani said in a statement followed by Lakma News that “the committee discussed with the Prime Minister the preparation of the budget, and stressed the need for it to arrive before the end of the year to give legal status to government spending, both operational and investment.”
He added, “The government is determined to prepare budget schedules in line with the current financial reality, given the increase in operating spending and the need for investment spending to finance projects. We look forward to the budget being presented to the House of Representatives in the coming days.”
Al-Atwani pointed out that “the government is keen to secure salaries despite the annual financial deficit,” noting that “the government is taking serious steps to provide alternatives to financing the budget other than oil to ensure additional resources.” link
Tishwash: 660 people arrested for manipulating food prices and dollar exchange rates.
The Ministry of Interior announced on Sunday the arrest of 660 individuals for manipulating food prices and dollar exchange rates.
The head of the Ministry of Interior’s Public Relations and Media Department, Brigadier General Muqdad Miri, said in a statement received by Al-Mada: “The Ministry of Interior has launched a major campaign to track down those manipulating food prices and those promoting a rise in the dollar exchange rate against the Iraqi dinar in an attempt to exploit the circumstances the region is experiencing.”
He pointed out that “the Anti-Organized Crime Squads were able to arrest 660 people accused of price manipulation.” link
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Tishwash: International Chamber of Commerce: Investment companies’ activity expands amidst the security situation in Iraq.
The International Chamber of Commerce confirmed on Sunday that investment companies’ activity is expanding amidst the security situation in Iraq, while stating that large foreign companies’ investments require Iraqi operating companies and staff.
“Iraq is a fertile country for investment, especially with the recent remarkable and successful steps taken by the government to overcome many administrative and legal issues to advance the private sector,” Mohsen Al-Hamidawi, head of the International Chamber of Commerce in Iraq, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
He added, “The arbitration process between companies will help many companies invest in Iraq because their rights are now guaranteed from a legal and administrative standpoint, and the International Chamber of Commerce will continuously monitor all contracts concluded with companies.”
He pointed out that “Iraq lost a lot years ago due to the lack of arbitration. Any problem that arose between companies and the Iraqi government would be referred to Abu Dhabi or France. Now, arbitration is available through the International Chamber of Commerce in Iraq. We have important conditions to protect these companies from procrastination and to secure their rights. Companies are now safer at work and more active in light of the security that Iraq enjoys.”
He explained, “During the past two years of the government’s tenure, more than 150 companies have signed contracts for oil, gas, and other projects, particularly the Development Road Project. More than a year ago, we officially announced to all companies worldwide, through the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris, the launch of the International Chamber of Commerce in Iraq. This has encouraged companies to enter and invest.”
He explained that “large foreign companies that undertake major projects will inevitably need Iraqi companies and to employ Iraqi workers. This will encourage more small and large Iraqi companies to invest with foreign companies and take on what are called ‘subcontractors’ or major contracts. Iraqi companies, whether large or small, are not deficient and will deal with this event well link
