Friday, September 25, 2026English edition
TheBinational

Country risk, from the local press

Iraq · Country watch

Iraq PM Courts US Firms, Small Business Loans Boosted

Iraq's PM invites US investment in key sectors and enhances small business loan access, impacting economic growth.

The picture Improving

Iraq is improving its business climate by inviting US investments in key sectors and enhancing small business loan access, fostering economic growth.

In this briefing Iraq's Small Business Support Fund · Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs · Ali al-Zaidi · HKN Energy · ExxonMobil · Iraq

Regulation

  • finance

Iraq's Small Business Support Fund reviews loan procedures

Iraq's Small Business Support Fund convened a board meeting to review and enhance procedures for issuing loans to small business owners, according to Iraq Business News. The meeting, held at the Department of Labour and Vocational Training, aimed to improve support mechanisms under the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. This initiative is part of Iraq's efforts to bolster the small business sector and stimulate economic growth.

Impact Small business owners in Iraq are set to benefit from improved access to loans, enhancing growth prospects.

Sources: Iraq Business News ↗

Disruption

Nothing significant reported today.

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

Nothing significant reported today.

Companies

  • energy

Iraqi PM meets US oil firms in New York

This is the entrance to the campus known as the "Floating Cube"
This is the entrance to the campus known as the "Floating Cube" Lanzao0o1, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi held meetings in New York with representatives from US oil companies HKN Energy and ExxonMobil, as reported by Iraq Business News. Al-Zaidi urged HKN Energy to accelerate its operations and increase working hours on its projects in Iraq. These discussions highlight Iraq's intent to strengthen its oil sector and secure commitments from major international players.

Impact HKN Energy and ExxonMobil are prompted to enhance their operational commitments in Iraq, potentially increasing oil output.

Sources: Iraq Business News ↗

Markets

Nothing significant reported today.

Trade

Nothing significant reported today.

Politics

  • energy
  • manufacturing

Iraqi PM urges US firms to invest in key sectors

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has called on US companies to explore investment opportunities in Iraq, focusing on the petrochemicals, glass, and phosphate industries, according to Iraqi News. During a meeting in New York, al-Zaidi emphasized the potential for US firms to play a significant role in Iraq's economic development. This invitation aligns with Iraq's broader strategy to attract foreign investment and diversify its economy.

Impact US firms in petrochemicals, glass, and phosphate sectors are encouraged to invest in Iraq, potentially boosting economic ties.

Sources: Iraqi News ↗

Also today in Iraq

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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