Unprecedented" .. Iraq prepares to launch a group of investments worth a quarter of a trillion dollars, 12 NOV

Iraq is preparing to launch a wide range of projects with the aim of attracting investments worth up to a quarter of a trillion dollars over the next two years, in an unprecedented move in the country.

The package of investment opportunities includes projects in the fields of renewable energy, industrial and agricultural cities, and railway networks, in addition to the education, communications, tourism and entertainment sectors, according to the head of the National Investment Commission, Haider Makiya.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Makkia revealed that the authority has completed all the necessary requirements for 103 investment opportunities, in addition to major future projects, and “it is possible that within the next two years there will be funds flowing in the amount of about 250 billion dollars” to Iraq.

This package comes amid the National Investment Commission’s activity to revive dozens of projects that have resumed work, in addition to reactivating others, and addressing the obstacles facing investors with various sectoral bodies. According to the head of the commission, “the number of stalled projects in all of Iraq has reached 249 projects.”

The National Investment Commission was established in 2006. Since then until the end of 2022, the volume of investments flowing into Iraq did not exceed $35 billion. However, after implementing administrative and technical reforms and setting controls to facilitate the investment process, the volume of investment licenses granted increased to $69 billion by last June, according to Makiya.

Commenting on the statement of the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, in late October, that “the volume of investment for the year 2024 reached $100 billion,” Makiya explained that “that number is correct if we add the $69 billion flowing from the same year with other strategic projects such as the Baghdad Metro project and the (Najaf-Karbala Metro) project, the number reaches $100 billion.” link