TNT:
Tishwash: An economist calls on Al-Zaidi to bring specialized ministers to Washington to prevent businessmen from taking “commissions”.
Economic expert Hashim al-Haboubi criticized on Wednesday Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s intention to take groups of businessmen and investors with him on his upcoming visit to Washington, D.C., describing the move as “unfortunate” and a repetition of previous scenarios.
Al-Haboubi told the Information Agency, “Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s announcement of his intention to take businessmen and investors to Washington, similar to what al-Sudani did previously, is not at all in the public interest.” He pointed out that “these individuals will not invest in America, but rather seek to act as intermediaries between the government and American companies to obtain commissions.”
He added, “Preserving public funds requires taking ministers specializing in the financial and economic sectors, along with a very limited number of advisors. This is the correct approach to ensure that contracts and economic activities are concluded directly between the state and companies without any intermediaries, thus avoiding suspicions of corruption.” link
Tishwash: Prime Minister’s Advisor: Growing International Interest in Iraq’s Banking Reform Program
The Prime Minister’s Advisor for Banking Affairs, Saleh Mahoud, affirmed on Wednesday that Iraq is making steady progress towards building a more efficient, open, and integrated financial sector within the global economy. He noted the growing international interest in the country’s banking reform program.
In a statement received by Al-Eqtisad News, Mahoud said he participated over the past three days in a working visit to London as part of an Iraqi banking delegation that included representatives from the Central Bank of Iraq, the Association of Iraqi Private Banks, and several other banks and electronic payment companies. The visit aimed to strengthen international cooperation and support the financial and banking reform process in Iraq.
He added that the visit, organized in coordination with the British Embassy in Iraq, provided a platform for dialogue between Iraqi and British financial and banking institutions, thereby enhancing economic and financial cooperation between the two countries.
He explained that on the first day, the delegation held meetings with Hogan Lovells, a firm specializing in legal consulting on financial and banking legislation, and also participated in a dialogue with Chatham House. He emphasized the government’s full support for the banking reform projects led by the Central Bank of Iraq in cooperation with international consulting firms.
He noted that the meetings held at the British Parliament addressed the development of banking and economic cooperation, encouraging British investment in Iraq, and strengthening partnerships between financial institutions in both countries.
Mahoud explained that the visit reflected the level of international interest in Iraq’s banking reform program, emphasizing that Iraq continues to implement plans to develop its financial sector in accordance with international standards and to enhance the investment climate and economic growth. link
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Tishwash: Faihan and Al-Amiri agree to hold a parliamentary session to complete the government cabinet.
The Iraqi Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Adnan Faihan, and the Secretary-General of the Badr Organization, Hadi al-Amiri, agreed on the necessity of holding a parliamentary session soon to complete the vote on the cabinet of Prime Minister al-Zaidi’s government.
A statement from the Deputy Speaker’s media office, received by the Information Agency, indicated that “Faihan and al-Amiri emphasized the importance of Parliament’s role in keeping pace with current changes and contributing to shaping national policies and priorities for the next phase.”
The statement added that “the two sides agreed to expedite a session to complete the cabinet and vote on the remaining ministerial positions, thus ensuring the completion of the government formation and strengthening the performance of constitutional institutions.”
It further explained that “both parties stressed that the current challenges necessitate enhanced coordination and consultation among national forces and a unified stance on critical issues, in order to safeguard Iraq’s higher interests, bolster its political stability, and preserve its national achievements. They emphasized the importance of supporting the legislative and oversight role of Parliament to contribute to realizing the aspirations of citizens for a strong, stable state capable of confronting challenges.” link
Tishwash: The Prime Minister receives an invitation from Putin to participate in the eighth meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Moscow.
Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi received an invitation on Wednesday from Russian President Vladimir Putin to participate in the eighth meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Moscow.
The Prime Minister’s Media Office stated in a press release received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that “Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi received the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Iraq, Albrus Kutrashev.”
According to the statement, the Ambassador delivered two written congratulatory messages from Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin during the meeting. In these messages, they emphasized the importance of bilateral relations, which are based on friendship and mutual respect, and expressed their aspiration to strengthen and develop joint cooperation in a way that serves the interests of both friendly nations and contributes to ensuring regional and international stability and security.
The statement added that “the Prime Minister received an invitation from the Russian President to participate in the eighth meeting of heads of state and government of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, which will be held in Moscow on October 27.” link
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Tishwash: Al-Marsoumi reveals the conditions set by foreign companies for resuming oil production in Kurdistan.
Economic expert Nabil al-Marsoumi explained on Wednesday that foreign companies operating in the oil sector have set a number of conditions before resuming production and exports in the Kurdistan Region.
Al-Marsoumi stated in a Facebook post that “these conditions include, firstly, the necessity of protecting oil fields and wells from drone and missile attacks to ensure the safety of facilities, workers, and foreign technical staff.”
He added that “the second condition is the establishment of a clear and regular mechanism to guarantee the payment of current financial dues upon the resumption of exports, in accordance with the amendments to the federal budget law.”
He pointed out that “the third condition pertains to the necessity of settling outstanding debts and previous dues owed by the companies, including those owed to the Norwegian oil company DNO, which previously announced the cessation of production and exports via pipelines in the region due to delayed payments estimated at approximately one billion dollars.”
Al-Marsoumi emphasized that “resolving these issues is essential for the normal resumption of oil activity in the region.” link
