Tishwash: The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq meets with the International Finance Corporation’s representative in Iraq.
His Excellency the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Mr. Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq, met with Mr. Bilal Al-Saghir, the Resident Representative of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in Iraq.
During the meeting, they discussed strengthening bilateral relations between the Central Bank of Iraq and the IFC and the importance of cooperation between the two parties, particularly in the field of training banking personnel in Iraq. The two parties intend to sign a memorandum of understanding in this regard in the coming period.
His Excellency the Governor discussed the proposal to establish a leasing company with local and foreign participation. This is a financial system used to provide financing to projects and individuals without the need to directly purchase assets such as machinery and industrial equipment, vehicles, offices, and warehouses. This proposal supports emerging projects and small and medium-sized enterprises seeking easy and flexible financing.
The two parties discussed the importance of implementing the banking reform plan being implemented by the Central Bank of Iraq with the assistance of Oliver Wyman, within international standards that will enhance the soundness of the banking sector internationally and restore the ability of a group of Iraqi banks to conduct international transactions.
Central Bank of Iraq
Media Office
August 13, 2025 link
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Tishwash: Iraq and Turkey agree to form a joint customs committee to enhance trade cooperation.
Iraq and Turkey agreed on Wednesday to form the Iraqi-Turkish Joint Customs Committee, as part of strengthening cooperation between the two countries’ customs authorities. This will contribute to developing trade relations and facilitating the movement of goods across border crossings.
A statement issued by the Iraqi Embassy in Ankara stated that “the agreement came during a meeting held in the Turkish capital, Ankara, chaired by Sami Abdul-Hussein Radhi, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Iraq for Border Ports, Customs and Transport Affairs, and Sezai Oçarmak, Deputy Minister of Trade of Turkey. The two sides discussed mechanisms for raising the efficiency of work at border gates and developing customs cooperation.”
The meeting, according to the statement, addressed “ways to facilitate trade flows, increase the capacity of ports, and support infrastructure projects related to bilateral trade and transit.”
The two sides affirmed their “keenness to raise the volume of trade exchange to $30 billion, enhance joint investments, and expand areas of cooperation through the Development Road project and the establishment of new customs ports.” link
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Tishwash: Al-Sudani: Iraq’s investments exceeded $100 billion in two years.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed on Wednesday that Iraq’s investments in two years have exceeded $100 billion.
The Prime Minister’s media office said in a statement that “Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani received, on Wednesday, representatives of the coalition of six companies that have applied to rehabilitate, develop and operate Baghdad International Airport, in the presence of representatives of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which is advising the Ministry of Transport on the project.”
The Prime Minister blessed “the holding of the conference to review the projects of the IFC, which is an important partner with Iraq in joint work and the implementation of many projects in various stations and sectors,” appreciating “its efforts in completing the work in a manner befitting Baghdad International Airport, given its importance to Iraq, which is witnessing a state of recovery, stability, development and reconstruction movement in all governorates.”
He stressed that “Iraq’s distinguished geographical location has prompted us to invest in air transport, aircraft transit and service to passengers,” noting “the existence of many government projects in this field.”
He stressed that “Iraq is currently attracting significant Arab and foreign investments in various sectors, exceeding $100 billion over the two years of the government’s term.” He explained that “Baghdad Airport is a showcase for the capital, and must receive the necessary rehabilitation and development, as well as management that provides services and generates revenues.”
He indicated that “there is a real and clear opportunity to increase the number of passengers from abroad to Baghdad,” pointing to “the need to reconsider the management style of the government sector, in airports and most sectors.”
He stressed that “the opportunity is available at Baghdad Airport, and at the airports of Najaf, Basra, Nasiriyah and Mosul, and we have chosen successful experiences in the region for managing and operating airports,” noting that “we have contracted with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to work as a specialized advisory body to prepare the investment portfolio for the development and operation of Baghdad Airport.”
The Prime Minister welcomed “all Arab and foreign companies in Iraq, as a message that it is a safe and attractive environment for investment,” noting that “the government will provide support, assistance and all facilities for the companies’ work.”
He explained that “the project to rehabilitate, develop and operate Baghdad Airport is based on a desire to find the best coalition, company or investor that can provide a successful model for the airport.” link
