A government delegation discusses with the International Monetary Fund ways to strengthen the Iraqi dinar.
The Iraqi delegation concluded its meetings with fund International Monetary Fund, with the participation of Finance Minister Taif Sami and the Governor Central Bank of Iraq Ali Al-Alaq in Amman
And she mentioned Ministry of Finance In a statement received by Sumaria News, “The meetings focused during the discussions on Iraq’s economic performance and prospects for sustainable growth, where he praised…fund International Monetary Fund “With the progress made.”
He continued, “The meeting also discussed non-oil GDP growth of 5% in 2024, driven by the expansion of the agricultural sector and increased public spending, with a projected growth of 3.5% in 2025,” noting the “effort to reduce dependence on oil revenues, which enhances economic diversification and stability.”
He pointed to “a review of actual spending for 2024 and revenue forecasts for 2025, along with deficit financing strategies, as well as updating the public debt strategy to ensure financial sustainability and enhance investor confidence in government bonds.”
The meeting also touched on “reforms in the financial sector, where it emphasized fund International Monetary Fund
He stressed the importance of modernizing the banking system to attract foreign capital, stressing the need to expand cooperation with international correspondent banks to facilitate trade financing. fund The International Monetary Fund, “its support for developing Iraq’s fiscal policy, proposing the provision of advisors and experts to assist Ministry of Finance In managing public debt and improving the tax system, in addition to increasing the use of the Iraqi dinar in major transactions to strengthen the national currency.
The meetings reflected “the commitment Iraq Through financial reforms, enhancing economic stability, and adopting investment-friendly policies, in line with its strategic partnership with fund International Monetary Fund.
Iraq opens its doors to 37 countries through the “e-visa” service
The Visa Guide website, which specializes in visa news around the world, confirmed that Iraqi authorities have abolished the requirement to obtain a visa upon arrival for citizens of the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and others, replacing it with an “electronic visa.”
According to the website’s report, translated by Shafaq News Agency, new changes regarding Iraqi visas have been implemented since March 1, 2025.
The report noted that these new measures will help reduce waiting times at immigration checkpoints, as advance visas will significantly facilitate border crossing procedures.
He explained that, as of the beginning of this month, citizens of the following European Union countries no longer require a visa upon arrival: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
The non-EU countries to which the new measures apply are Australia, Canada, China, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, South Korea, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The report explained that citizens of these countries must apply for an “electronic visa” to enter Iraq, noting that the visa, granted upon entry via land, air, and sea border crossings, is valid for 60 days from the date of arrival.
The report noted that the Iraqi e-visa allows citizens of the affected countries to avoid having to visit an Iraqi embassy or consulate to apply for a visa. It also advised those wishing to travel to Iraq to meet several important requirements first, including obtaining health insurance.
The website’s report concluded that Iraqi authorities, in order to facilitate travel procedures for foreign citizens, have signed visa waiver agreements with several countries, similar to what they did with Indonesia last September.
For the first time, gold exceeds $3,000 per ounce.
Gold prices surpassed $3,000 per ounce for the first time on Friday, benefiting from a historic rally fueled by trade tensions and expectations of a US interest rate cut, which bolstered its appeal as a safe haven.
Spot gold rose 0.4% to $3,000.87 an ounce, while US gold futures rose 0.7% to $3,013.60.
The precious metal has set 13 new record highs since the beginning of the year and is on track for its second consecutive weekly gain.
