Tishwash: With the participation of more than 300 international entities, the Investment Commission announces details of the first investment forum in Iraq.
The National Investment Commission announced details of Iraq’s first investment forum on Tuesday, noting that the forum has strategic objectives to accelerate economic development .
The head of the commission, Haider Makiya, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “The upcoming investment forum, which the commission is organizing in coordination with the Iraqi Economic Council and under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister’s Office, is the first of its kind since its establishment, and carries strategic goals to accelerate the wheel of economic development in the country .”
He added, “The forum seeks to introduce the 141 available investment opportunities that have received official approvals and are ready to be presented to local, Arab, and foreign companies,” noting that “the opportunities cover diverse sectors, including industry, housing, renewable energy, communications, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and others .”
He added, “The forum aims to attract the largest possible number of foreign and Arab companies to participate in infrastructure projects in Iraq, in addition to introducing international expertise to quality projects, in line with the investment law that requires the employment of skilled and unskilled Iraqi workers in projects .”
Makiya pointed out that “the event will be attended by more than 300 international entities, including countries and companies, representing a historic opportunity to showcase Iraq’s investment potential .” link
Tishwash: Baghdad to KRG: No Delegation Welcome Without Revenue Transfer
Baghdad has sent a clear message to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), stating that no delegation from the region will be welcomed in the capital until the handover of oil and non-oil revenues is completed.
According to reports by Iraqi media on Sunday, the federal government will not engage in any negotiations regarding the payment of May salaries to employees, pensioners, and those on social welfare in the Kurdistan Region. This marks a continuation of a hardline stance by the federal authorities in Baghdad over revenue disputes.
The decision comes in response to the KRG’s alleged failure to comply with a ruling by the Federal Court. The court had previously mandated that all oil and non-oil revenues generated in the Kurdistan Region must be handed over to the federal treasury, a requirement the KRG has so far not fulfilled.
Officials in Baghdad say the current position will not change unless the Kurdistan Region meets its financial obligations. The dispute continues to impact public sector salary disbursements in the region, exacerbating existing economic tensions. link
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Tishwash: Securities: We are working to enhance the attractiveness of the Iraqi market through governance and expanding the corporate base
The Securities Commission announced on Monday that it is working to enhance the attractiveness of the Iraqi market through governance and expanding the corporate base. It also indicated a move to list new companies to encourage profitable investments.
“The commission has begun taking practical steps to develop the Iraqi Stock Exchange from within by enhancing investment attraction factors,” board member Wadah Al-Taha told the Iraqi News Agency (INA), noting that “issuing the corporate governance guide for companies represents a fundamental step in this path.”
He added, “In the next phase, the Authority seeks to list new companies through initial public offerings, which will help encourage local investors to invest in profitable companies that distribute periodic dividends, which will boost investor confidence and drive market revitalization.”
He added, “Achieving these steps will send a strong message to foreign investors that the market is undergoing change and is transitioning towards a more transparent, sustainable, and effective risk-management environment.” He noted that “current data indicates a significant improvement in indicators, which will enhance investment attractiveness and increase opportunities for attracting foreign investment.”
Al-Taha emphasized that “the Iraqi market has become part of an international platform that includes nine other global markets. This means that the market is now under the scrutiny and monitoring of global markets, which requires preparation to face challenges and accelerate development steps.” He pointed out that “the Commission’s work is not limited to one file, but rather is carried out in parallel across several files, including developing a governance guide, intensifying training programs, and increasing the number of good, profitable, high-quality companies listed on the market, in order to achieve diversity that reduces risks and increases potential returns.”
He continued, “The number of listed companies currently stands at 103, but the focus is on only 20 to 25 companies,” explaining that “the Authority is working to diversify the market to provide investors with broader and more stable options.” link
