To the esteemed editors of the Iraq Economist Network, We have read with great interest the paper published on your network’s website on March 8, 2021 and entitled “World Bank’s assessment is flawed Manufacturing is viable in Iraq!” by Dr. Amer K. Hirmis. We would like to provide some of comments for clarification in response to some of the ideas put forward by the paper.
Read MoreAbstract In late September 2020, the World Bank published a report entitled ‘Breaking out of fragility: a country economic memorandum for diversification and growth in Iraq’ (henceforth WB 2020). [i] In October 2020, the Iraqi government published its ‘White Paper for Economic Reforms: Vision and Key Objectives.’ This was followed in January 2021 by a draft ‘White Paper for
Read MoreFebruary 11, 2021 Washington, DC: On February 8, 2021 the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation [1] with Iraq. The COVID-19 pandemic and a sharp decline in oil revenues have exacerbated Iraq’s longstanding economic vulnerabilities. Real GDP contracted by an estimated 11 percent in 2020, reflecting a slowdown in non-
Read MoreEnd-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approv
Read MoreBaghdad - The German Government, via KfW Development Bank, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have signed a new agreement to provide crucial funding for the national COVID-19 response in Iraq. KfW, on behalf of the German government, will support IOM Iraq’s ongoing efforts to help communities prepare for and respond to COVID-19, and increase support to
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