Iraq Economic News and Points to Ponder Tuesday Afternoon 1-28-25

Between Economic Experts’ Warnings And Government Denial, The Value Of The Iraqi Dinar Is At Stake

Buratha News Agency512025-01-28   An informed government source denied, on Tuesday (January 28, 2025), that the Iraqi government has any intention to reduce the value of the dinar against the dollar, despite rumors indicating upcoming measures to confront economic pressures and challenges in the international market.

The source confirmed that "the news about the government's intention to reduce the value of the dinar against the dollar is absolutely incorrect." He added: "The government is working to stabilize the official exchange rate set by the Central Bank, and seeks to control the parallel market. Any change in the exchange rate during the current stage or within the 2025 budget schedules will lead to negative results, and that is why the government is committed to strengthening the current rate."

A Different Economic Vision

In contrast, economist Ziad Al-Hashemi believes that reducing the value of the dinar to 1,450 dinars against the dollar could be a possible step to deal with the repercussions of the economic crises. Al-Hashemi said: “This measure may reduce the financial pressure on the government and reduce the cost of supporting the dinar, but it will negatively affect citizens through deteriorating salaries and rising prices of goods and services.”

Al-Hashemi added: “Devaluing the currency may lead to increased inflation rates due to the loss of confidence in the dinar and the increase in demand for the dollar. This decision, despite its limited positive impact in the short term, will have long-term consequences on the markets and the lives of Iraqi citizens.”

The Political Aspect And Trump's Role

On the political front, political affairs expert Nabil Al-Azzawi pointed out that US President Donald Trump, who is expected to return to the White House, may change his policies towards Iraq. Al-Azzawi explained: “Trump, as an economist, realizes that politics is managed through economics. Despite the previous tense relations, indications are that he will deal cautiously with the Iraqi file.”

Al-Azzawi praised what he described as the "wisdom of Al-Sudani's government" in sparing Iraq political crises and international sanctions, considering that relations between Baghdad and Washington may witness positive development after activating the security agreement and strengthening mutual interests.

Between Denial And Warnings

With conflicting positions between government denial and economic warnings, it seems that the Iraqi government is facing a challenge in maintaining the stability of the currency and avoiding the negative repercussions of any ill-considered action.

While economic pressures are increasing, the Iraqi citizen remains the most affected by any change in financial policies.

This file resolves a delicate balance between government decisions and economic recommendations, to ensure financial stability and protect citizens from the repercussions of any decisions that may affect their daily lives.   https://burathanews.com/arabic/economic/455724

The exchange rate of the dollar against the dinar decreased in Baghdad and Erbil

 01/28/2025  Mawazine News – Economy  The US dollar exchange rates fell in the markets of Baghdad and Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, on Tuesday, with the closure of the country's stock exchanges.

The dollar prices also fell with the closure of the Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya stock exchanges, recording 149,900 dinars per 100 dollars, while the prices were 150,350 dinars per 100 dollars this morning.

The selling prices in the exchange sector decreased in the local markets in Baghdad, where the selling price reached 151,000 Iraqi dinars per 100 dollars, while the purchase price reached 149,000 dinars per 100 dollars.

In Erbil, the dollar also recorded a decrease, where the selling price reached 150,000 dinars per 100 dollars, and the purchase price reached 149,900 dinars per 100 US dollars. https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=259126

Al-Sudani: The Government Considers The World Bank An Important Partner In The Reform Process

Politics | 04:12 - 01/28/2025   Mawazine News – Baghdad   Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed today, Tuesday, that the government considers the World Bank an important partner in the reform process.

The Prime Minister's media office stated in a statement received by "Mawazine News" that "Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani received today, Tuesday, the Vice President of the World Bank for the Middle East and North Africa, Mr. Osman Dayon, where they discussed ways of cooperation between Iraq and the World Bank, and the progress of development projects in Iraq."

According to the statement, al-Sudani said that "development projects that aim to maximize the non-oil economy and contribute to job creation are a priority for government attention, stressing the continuation of economic reforms that support the private sector, and that the World Bank is called upon to enhance this experience."

He added that "the government considers the World Bank an important partner in the reform process, and that the Ministerial Council for the Economy has approved the program that was approved by the Ministry of Planning in cooperation with the World Bank, especially since the results of the reform steps in the customs and tax fields have begun to appear in a tangible and positive manner."

The Prime Minister's Media Office stated that "the meeting witnessed discussions on financing the old railway rehabilitation project, and financing a number of other development projects, as Dayon pledged to finance the bank for a number of oil, energy and other infrastructure projects. The contribution of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in financing a number of private sector projects was also discussed."   https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=259119

Economist: Central Bank Reserves Vary Between Dollars And Gold

2025/01/28 Read: 1,695 times   {Economic: Al Furat News} Economic expert Salah Nouri said today, Tuesday, that the reserve in the Central Bank consists of (the dollar, the euro, and gold priced at the London market price.

Nouri explained in his interview with {Euphrates News} that “the Central Bank’s policy aims to diversify the investment portfolio between the dollar and gold, as this portfolio is managed according to global variables.”

He pointed out that "the Central Bank has investments in the form of debt bonds in the US Treasury with acceptable interest rates."

Nouri continued, saying: “In light of the current international changes and US President Trump’s statements, the Central Bank may turn to gold as a safe haven.”

He added: "According to the Central Bank's announcements, the gold reserve is considered a safe level, in addition to the dollar reserve, which can help maintain economic stability."

Regarding the economic challenges, Nouri pointed out that "the difficulties that Iraq may face are related to the financial policy managed by the Ministry of Finance, as the decline in oil prices, the limitation of the quantity of exports, and the problems with the region lead to a decrease in the ministry's revenues from oil sales in dollars, in addition to the US Federal Reserve's policy that transfers the dollar to the Ministry of Finance."

"These difficulties in financial policy negatively affect the monetary policy followed by the Central Bank of Iraq," Nouri added.   LINK

For current and reliable Iraqi news please visit:  https://www.bondladyscorner.com/

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