TNT – “Tidbits From TNT” Sunday Morning 10-20-2024

US Ambassador Alina Romanowski said a “vibrant” private sector and reforms in the banking sector could attract investment to Iraq.

 Romanowski’s statement, which she posted on her account on the “X” platform, came on the sidelines of a discussion she described as “fruitful” that took place with the ambassadors of the Iraqi Economic Contact Group, the Trade Bank of Iraq, and the Prime Minister’s Office , announcing her support for Iraq’s efforts towards sustainable and comprehensive economic development.

Romanowski concluded her post with the hashtag #ComprehensiveUS-IraqiPartnership  link

Tishwash:  Ernst & Young presents plan to reform Rafidain Bank to Iraqi Prime Minister

The auditing and financial consulting firm “Ernst & Young” submitted a package of recommendations to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, which included the new legal status of Rafidain Bank, its capital, and its work strategy to proceed with the restructuring process in a way that qualifies it to meet the global requirements for modern banking.

This came during a meeting chaired by Al-Sudani to follow up on efforts to develop the work of the government banking sector, in the presence of representatives of the international auditing company and the Governor of the Central Bank, Ali Al-Alaq, in which he stressed that the restructuring of Rafidain Bank is the first step in the government’s banking reforms, which have given special attention to following up on all reports related to it and submitted by the relevant authorities.

Al-Sudani pointed out that the restructuring will work to provide Rafidain Bank with specifications and standards through which problems can be overcome and confidence can be given to citizens, in addition to enhancing cooperation with local and foreign investors .  link

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Tishwash:  Increase in the market value of companies listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange 

The market value of listed companies increased in market Iraq For securities to exceed the 20 trillion dinar barrier for the first time Iraqi Supported by the banking sector, which represents 50% of the total market value of listed companies, and the communications sector, which represents 39% of the total market value, according to the head of the “Iraq Al-Mustaqbal” Foundation for Economic Studies and Consultations, Manar.Al-Obaidi.

He saysAl-Obaidi In a post I followed Sumerian News, the market value of banking sector companies rose from 6.88 trillion dinars Iraqi In 2021 to reach 10 trillion dinars Iraqi In 2024, the market value of telecommunications companies also increased from 7.3 trillion in 2021 to 7.82 trillion dinars.

The market value of the industrial sector declined compared to 2021, and the market value of the agricultural sector also declined over the four years, according to Al-Obaidi It shows  that the hotel and tourism sector witnessed a significant increase with a growth rate of 61% compared to 2021, so that the market value of the sector rose from 390 billion dinars in 2021 to more than 620 billion dinars in 2024.

It is expected to witness market Iraq Securities will see a significant increase in the coming months and years, especially with the improvement in the revenues of listed companies and the development of their businesses, which makes it a market capable of attracting domestic and foreign investments. It is expected that the market value of the market will reach the 50 trillion dinar barrier in the coming years .Iraqi Supported by the rise in share prices of successful companies as well as the listing of many companies, whether in the public or private sector, on the market, according to Al-Obaidi.   link

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Tishwash:  Minister of Finance participates in the activities of the Arab-Turkish Economic Forum in Istanbul

Minister of Finance Taif Sami participated today, Saturday, in the activities of the Arab-Turkish Economic Forum in its fifteenth session currently taking place in Istanbul.

The ministry said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “Minister of Finance Taif Sami participated in the activities of the Arab-Turkish Economic Forum in its fifteenth session currently taking place in Istanbul, in the presence of an elite group of government officials, businessmen and investors from Arab countries and Turkey, and Arab finance ministers.”

The statement added, “This year’s forum focused on enhancing economic and investment cooperation between Arab countries and Turkey, highlighting investment opportunities in areas such as energy, infrastructure, manufacturing and technology.”

The statement continued, “The Minister of Finance delivered a speech during the session, in which she stressed the importance of the economic partnership between Arab countries and Turkey in supporting economic growth and enhancing financial stability in the region.”

Sami said in her speech on the occasion – according to the statement: “This forum represents a real opportunity to exchange experiences and build long-term strategic partnerships between Arab countries and Turkey, especially in light of the current global economic challenges. She also called for enhancing joint investments and increasing the volume of trade exchange between the two sides.”

She pointed out the importance of “completing the construction of the global trade corridor and taking advantage of Turkey’s strategic location and the Arab region as a bridge linking major global markets in Asia, Europe and Africa, and facilitating trade movement efficiently to expand investment and energy corridors. “

She added that “Iraq is currently working – in cooperation with the World Bank – to establish and rehabilitate railways; for the purpose of establishing the development road project, and its strategic importance in linking Asia with Europe, in addition to its economic and development returns for the two countries and regional countries.”

The statement concluded, “The Minister of Finance held a series of bilateral meetings with a number of Turkish officials and their counterparts from Arab countries; to discuss ways to enhance financial and investment cooperation and discuss issues of common interest.”  link