Latest news with #MohammedS.Al-Sudani
Iraq Business
13 hours ago
- Business
- Iraq Business
Baghdad Airport Development progresses with Public-Private Partnership
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani has reaffirmed his government's commitment to upgrading Baghdad International Airport (BIAP), chairing a high-level meeting to advance a public-private partnership (PPP) project aimed at overhauling Iraq's main aviation hub. Attended by representatives from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Prime Minister's advisors, and the Head of the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA), the meeting focused on finalising the bidding documents and launching the Request for Proposals (RFP) for qualified investors. The Prime Minister emphasised that the project must reflect Baghdad's status and meet rising passenger demand, in line with international standards. He called for guarantees to protect current employees and enhance their skills, while ensuring commercial management to improve state revenues. Plans include a new terminal with an annual capacity of 8.5 million passengers-expected to rise to 15 million by 2040-along with runway upgrades, VIP terminal unification, and investment in commercial activities around the airport. The IFC, which has supported similar airport projects in 11 airports across nine countries, is advising the government on feasibility, technical scope, and private sector engagement. While security and core sovereign functions will remain under government control, private investors will manage passenger services, ground handling, and air cargo within the terminals. (Source: PMO) Tags: Aviation, Baghdad, Baghdad International Airport, Baghdad International Airport Development Project, BIAP, cg, featured, Infrastructure, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Investment, Iraq Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA), public=private partnership (PPP), World Bank
Iraqi News
2 days ago
- Business
- Iraqi News
Al-Sudani reaffirms Government Support for the Iraqi Industrial Sector to Boost Production and Reduce Unemployment
Baghdad-INA Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani inaugurated today, Saturday, the factories of the United Arab Company for Food Industries Ltd., located in Al-Mahmoudiya District, south of Baghdad, along the main highway. Prime Minister's media office said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA):" Al-Sudani toured the company's facilities, including its factories and administrative departments, and met with its workers,he listened to a detailed briefing on the company's products and production level, which represents the first phase of operations, as well as the challenges faced." Prime Minister Al-Sudani praised," the efforts of the company's leadership and employees, affirming the government's readiness to provide all necessary services and facilitation to move into the second phase of expansion and production. He commended the factory as a model project implemented to modern standards and emphasized the importance of supporting successful private sector ventures in establishing advanced production lines, noting that the private sector is a true partner in advancing the national economy." The completed first phase includes factories for pasta and noodles, built on 20% of the total area of 123 dunams. The total investment amounts to 128 billion Iraqi dinars. The company plans to increase its workforce to over 1,000 employees and aims to supply the local market while also considering export offers to neighboring countries. Key Highlights from the Prime Minister's Remarks: These factories currently employ 800 workers who receive entitlements similar to public sector employees—this is the true meaning of partnership in confronting challenges. The private sector contributes to solving societal problems, including addressing unemployment. The unemployment rate has decreased to 13% due to the expansion of the private sector, especially following the enactment of the Retirement and Social Security Law, which equalized benefits between private and public sector workers. The government continues to address laws and regulations that may hinder private sector operations. Private sector representatives participate in every session of the Economic Ministerial Council and are involved in proposals and decision-making. The private sector needs state support in completing infrastructure to launch projects. The government is committed to supporting domestically manufactured goods by subsidizing 18% of the product value for export purposes. Citizens take pride in products labeled 'Made in Iraq,' which undergo testing and quality control. Domestic production generates significant cash flow and contributes to job creation. The Iraqi industrial sector must be encouraged to take the lead in enhancing and expanding production, and the government will provide the necessary support. Iraqi factories today are equipped with the latest machinery and technologies, marking a significant industrial revival. The government's responsibility is to regulate, support, and prepare the appropriate groundwork—while the private sector must lead in work and production.
Iraq Business
3 days ago
- Business
- Iraq Business
Iraqi Airways closer to Removal of EU Ban
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani chaired a key meeting with representatives from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to track progress on lifting the European Union's ban on Iraqi Airways. During the session, the IATA delegation and the Head of the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) presented a detailed update, confirming that 71% of the agreed corrective action plan has been implemented. Discussions also explored the signing of a potential Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Iraq and IATA to further formalise collaboration. The review included compliance with IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) and EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) standards, with IATA affirming improved operational performance and pledging continued support through technical training to bolster aviation governance in Iraq. Topics also covered included airport security, pilot development programmes, and the importance of aligning Iraqi Airways with global aviation service standards in areas such as cargo, ground services, and fuel operations. (Source: PMO)
Iraqi News
4 days ago
- Business
- Iraqi News
Al-Sudani Chairs a Meeting with a Delegation IFC
Media Office of the Prime Minister said in a statement obtained by the Iraqi News Agency INA that Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani Chairs a Meeting with a Delegation from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to Follow Up on the Baghdad International Airport Development Project.
Iraqi News
5 days ago
- Business
- Iraqi News
Al-Sudani affirms adoption of Modern Designs for New Sadr City and Ensures Timely Implementation
Baghdad-INA Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani launched today, Wednesday, the construction work of the New Sadr City project. The Prime Minister's media office said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA),'Al-Sudani stressed the importance of commencing infrastructure works in New Sadr City, including sanitation networks, potable water systems, roads, electrical grids, and telecommunications for 60,000 housing units, he commended the efforts of all parties involved—Baghdad Municipality, the local government, Baghdad Governorate, members of the Higher Committee for Sadr City, and the follow-up team at the Prime Minister's Office—for overcoming challenges to reach this phase.' The Prime Minister highlighted,' the new economic model being applied—unprecedented in Iraq—where the government first undertakes infrastructure development, followed by the private sector stepping in as a key partner to construct the residential areas according to the set plans, he affirmed that the project integrates the old city with the new one, to address the randomly expanded suburbs, which suffer from substandard services the city also holds deep symbolic significance as it bears the name of the two martyr Sadr figures.' New Sadr City spans approximately 4,000 dunams, located between the Al-Maamel area and the outskirts of the current Sadr City. The project is based on a modern urban planning philosophy and includes 60,000 housing units with diverse designs and sizes, in addition to comprehensive public services. The city will be divided into 3 sectors, 12 districts, and 52 neighborhoods, with a fully integrated commercial and service center at its core. On April 22, 2025, the infrastructure, roads, and related works contract for an area covering 11,000 housing units—including the main road base layers—was awarded to a Chinese company under a 1,200-day contract. This marks the first phase of the project. Key Highlights from the Prime Minister's Remarks: All economic activities and services have been accounted for, and many initial obstacles have been overcome. There has been a misunderstanding of the project—some assumed it involved the demolition of residential neighborhoods—but implementation is now underway, with the selected Chinese company present on-site, chosen through rigorous criteria. Execution of the project will adhere to high standards, established specifications, and approved designs, ensuring maximum speed. Technical departments and resident engineers are instructed to be present and fully prepared to support implementation without delays. The project integrates the old city with the new one. The designs aim to create connected, urban areas with high-quality services. Addressing the housing crisis is a top priority for the government, being tackled through multiple channels. Launching residential complexes in Baghdad and other provinces is part of the plan to overcome the housing crisis. Work has begun on 8 of the 16 planned cities approved in the government program. The government's approach to informal housing is to offer viable alternatives to citizens who were forced to live in such conditions.
