Tishwash: The Pentagon is continuing to reduce its mission in Iraq.
The Pentagon renewed its commitment to reducing its military mission in Iraq, as agreed upon last year, stating that the transition of US-led coalition operations was a result of its success in combating ISIS.
“The US government will continue to coordinate closely with the Iraqi government and coalition members to ensure a credible transition,” the Pentagon said in a statement. link
Tishwash: Rafidain Bank: 81 branches adopt the comprehensive banking system.
Rafidain Bank announced on Tuesday that 81 branches have joined the comprehensive banking system. The bank stated in a statement that “81 branches have joined the comprehensive banking system, following the entry of the Hudhayfah bin Al-Yaman branch and the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers branch into the integrated electronic service.”
He added, “The implementation of a comprehensive banking system is a critical strategic step, as it enables the transition from traditional paper transactions to modern electronic operations, which contributes to increasing operational efficiency, accelerating transaction completion, and enhancing transparency and accuracy in service delivery.”
The bank also stated that “the adoption of this system is in line with the latest global banking practices, constitutes a fundamental pillar for improving the quality of services provided to customers, and paves the way for the development of innovative financial products that reflect the digital transformation in the Iraqi banking sector.”
The statement also noted that “the integration of branches into the comprehensive banking system will have a direct impact on customers by reducing transaction processing time, reducing error rates, and providing more secure and flexible digital channels, providing customers with an advanced banking experience that meets their daily needs.” link
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Tishwash: Trade: Conferences with Gulf countries to activate the private sector
In line with government plans and programs designed to stimulate the private sector and enhance its role in the country’s development plans, the Ministry of Commerce announced its intention to hold conferences with a number of Gulf countries with the aim of developing partnerships with the private sector and maximizing the country’s financial resources.
The ministry’s official spokesperson, Mohammed Hanoun, told Al-Sabah that the ministry has included in its plans and policies the activation of international economic and trade relations, in addition to launching new memoranda of understanding with a number of countries, particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the States of Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, to enhance cooperation and support the international private sector. He added that the next phase will witness the organization of joint conferences and seminars with these countries, which have expressed their willingness to cooperate with Iraq in this field.
He indicated that these activities will establish clear foundations for formulating policies related to international relations related to the private sector and investments, which will contribute to maximizing the country’s resources without placing an additional burden on government budgets.
Hanoun explained that Iraq’s recent accession to the World Trade Organization will contribute to the implementation of decisions and laws related to the economy, food security, and support for local products, in line with local market requirements. This is in line with the government’s approach to prioritizing the private sector and activating it to work alongside the public sector. He confirmed that his ministry has submitted new draft laws to the House of Representatives that will strengthen international economic and trade relations.
He pointed out that the Ministry has succeeded in automating all its procedures and transitioning to digital work in various fields, particularly those related to the private sector. It has created a new electronic platform called “Al-Tajer” to facilitate the process of registering merchants and obtaining their licenses.
In the same context, the Ministry of Commerce spokesperson revealed that many Gulf investors and businessmen, most notably Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, have expressed their willingness to enter into investment partnerships with Iraq. He explained that digital transformation will be an attractive factor for them, as it will facilitate the formulation of plans and policies, free from complex administrative routine.
He emphasized the importance of electronic platforms, as they will enable transactions to be completed and approvals obtained within record timeframes, enhancing the investment climate while simultaneously providing international companies and investors with a more flexible operating environment. link
