With the program of board of Directors and its trend to adopt the requirements of supporting the private sector and to consolidate its position in the economic process, His Excellency the President Dr. Fuad Masoom received in his office each of Mr. Jawad
Al-Bolani the Chairman of the Parliamentary Economy and Investment Committee, Mr. Dawood Abed Zayer the President of the Iraqi National Business Council and Mr. Ali Muftin the Board Member of the Iraqi National Business Council the Vice-Chairman of the Association of Private Banks. The delegation discussed the economic situations of the country and the challenges that the Iraqi economy encounters in the status quo
and to activate the role of the private banking sector. The delegation mentioned the necessity of activating the decisions of the Economic Affairs Committee of the Council of Ministers regarding the dealings of the government departments with the private banks and accepting the checks issued by them, along with the issues of concern to the private banks , especially after they have settled their obligations with the Central Bank and a request was submitted to the President to look into this matter because it has a huge impact on the work of banks and the Iraqi economy. God provides success.

The German ambassador in Baghdad Franz Josef Cape receives President of the Iraqi National Business Council Mr. Dawood Abd Zayer President of the Council and the delegation, which included Messrs confident Hindu and Mehdi al-Shammari Organic Board of Directors and Ali Abdul Redha Farah member of the Board and the Executive Director of the Council in his residence at the German Embassy building, in the second hour on Wednesday, 12.1 / appeared in 2016 in a meeting economic and modern building two and a half continued

 

The celebration began by playing the Iraqi Anthem, then reciting some verses from the Koran by the Reciter Tahir Muslim. Then speeches on this occasion started (we will convey their contents incoming in audio/video messages), which were initiated by Mr. Dawood Abed Zayer the President of the Iraqi National Business Council, then Mr. Jawad Al-Bolani, after that Dr. Sami Al-Araji the Chairman of the National Investment Commission, then Mudhir Mohammed Salih the Advisor of the PM for Economic Affairs, then Dr. Mahdi Al-Hafidh spoke, followed by Mrs. Hamdiya Al-Jaff the Chairman of the Trade Bank of Iraq , the speech of Mr. Jaafar Al-Hamdani the Chairman of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, in which they praised the Iraqi National Business Council and its professionalism and the attitudes that it is attempting to crystallize the concept of true partnership between the government sector and the private sector , and all of them praised the beauty and organization of the new headquarters.After delivering speeches, a seminar was held, titled “State Resources Management and Cash Liquidity Remedies”, with the participation of by Mr. Jawad Al-Bolani, Dr. Mahdi Al-Hafidh, Dr. Sami Al-Araji, Dr. Mudhir Mohammed Salih and Mrs. Hamdiya Al-Jaff, and it was conducted by Mr. Dawood Abed Zayer. Congrats to all the members of council for this achievement that was realized by your efforts and money.

 

And say, Work; so Allah will see you work and (so will) His Messenger and the believers”
God Almighty has spoken the truth

By the grace of God the Almighty and the efforts and support loyal and good persons of officials in both legislative and executive authorities, the Iraqi National Business Council held the ceremony of opening the new permanent headquarters for the council located in Al-Arasat Street in Baghdad, in the present many dignitaries concerned with the economic aspect, of MPs, on top of them, Mr. Jawad Al-Bolani the Chairman of the Parliamentary Economy and Investment Committee, Dr. Sami Al-Araji the Advisor of the Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, the Representative Dr. Mahdi Al-Hafidh former Minister of Planning, Mr. Mohammed AbduljabbarAl-Shabbot the Head of the Iraqi Media Network, Mr. Hamdiya Al-Jaff the Chairman of Trade Bank of Iraq, Professor Hammoodi Abbas the Advisor of the Ministry of Industry representing the Minister of Industry, Mr. Shakir Al-Zamili the Chairman of Baghdad Investment Commission, Mr. Jaafar Al-Hamdani the Chairman of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and a number of General Directors and members of the Iraqi National Business Council, a number of businessmen of other organizations, on top of them the Businessman Esam Al-Asadi and the Journalist Falah Al-Dhahabi and the Iraqi satellite TV channels and some foreign TV channels.
The celebration began by playing the Iraqi Anthem, then reciting some verses from the Koran by the Reciter Tahir Muslim. Then speeches on this occasion started (we will convey their contents incoming in audio/video messages), which were initiated by Mr. Dawood Abed Zayer the President of the Iraqi National Business Council, then Mr. Jawad Al-Bolani, after that Dr. Sami Al-Araji the Chairman of the National Investment Commission, then Mudhir Mohammed Salih the Advisor of the PM for Economic Affairs, then Dr. Mahdi Al-Hafidh spoke, followed by Mrs. Hamdiya Al-Jaff the Chairman of the Trade Bank of Iraq , the speech of Mr. Jaafar Al-Hamdani the Chairman of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, in which they praised the Iraqi National Business Council and its professionalism and the attitudes that it is attempting to crystallize the concept of true partnership between the government sector and the private sector , and all of them praised the beauty and organization of the new headquarters.After delivering speeches, a seminar was held, titled “State Resources Management and Cash Liquidity Remedies”, with the participation of by Mr. Jawad Al-Bolani, Dr. Mahdi Al-Hafidh, Dr. Sami Al-Araji, Dr. Mudhir Mohammed Salih and Mrs. Hamdiya Al-Jaff, and it was conducted by Mr. Dawood Abed Zayer. Congrats to all the members of council for this achievement that was realized by your efforts and money.

The National Business Council announced today, Sunday, the security forces has opened the road of Al-Nikhaib and permitted the passing of the trucks coming from Trebil border point, in order to head to other governorates, while it confirmed that will remove a great burden from the citizens and traders. “Mid Furat Operations Command and the security forces stationed in Al-Nikhaib District have permittedthe passing of the trucks coming from Trebil border point after continuous efforts by the council and making a number of communications with the related authorities”, the President of National Business Council Dawood Abed Zayer said in a statement that Al-Mada Press received a copy thereof. Zayer appreciated “the role undertaken by the Office of the PM Hayder Al-Abadi and the Parliamentary Economy and Investment Committee represented by the Representative Ahmed Al-Kinani and Mid Furat Operations Command for the assistance in solving this problem, demonstrating that solving this problem has raised a considerable weight from the merchants, investors and citizens because the shortage and delay of goods was a real problem”.“The National Business Council will continue following up the course of vehicles entry and cooperation with the security authorities to facilitate their passage without delay” Zayer emphasized. The drivers of more than 4000 trucks have appealed on August 12, 2015 to the PM Hayder Al-Ibadi to permit them to enter Baghdad, while they confirmed that they are stuck in Al-Saggar Checkpoint in Al-Nikhaib District.

 

The Minister of Planning Salman
Al-Jumaili discussed with the Chairman of Parliamentary Investment Committee Jawad
Al-Bolani and Private Sector Representatives, the possibility of speeding up the payment of contractors and farmers’ dues through issuing government bonds. In a statement of the ministry, which Furat News received a copy today, “the Minister of Planning Salman Al-Jumaili met the Chairman of Parliamentary Investment Committee Jawad Al-Bolani and the accompanying delegation included the private sector representatives”. The statement said.“During the meeting, the suitable mechanisms to facilitate that the Iraqi contractors obtain their financial dues, which are in the liability of government, as resulting of implementing investment projects over the past years, in the frame of ministerial committee works chaired by the Minister of Planning , which had submitted its recommendations to the Prime Minister and were approved earlier. The statement continued” both parties stressed on the necessity of speeding up to issue the bonds of the contractor within the approved mechanisms and regulations, as well as discussing the farmers dues for marketing their crops through opening a channel for cooperation between the Ministry of Planning and the Parliamentary Investment Committee and the representatives of the private sector, and it indicated that the mechanisms of reconstructing the liberated areas and turning them to constant workshops was discussed, because it is very important in restoring economic and social stability in those area, while stressing on the importance of private sector participation in the reconstructing process due to the capabilities it has in this domain.
“The ministry is ready to support the private sector as it is a main partner in development process in the country”, Al-Jumaili emphasized during in the meeting, explaining that “ the reconstructing process and restoring stability to the liberated areas is a priority with the government” and he pointed out that “the last procedures taken by the ministerial committee of laying down the mechanisms of paying the Iraqi contractors dues are procedures that will ensure these rights”, “the work is carried out now on the all the precise details of process of payment via the issuance of the guaranteed government bonds” he confirmed. Al-Bolani on his part stressed on the importance of opening new horizons before the Iraqi private sector and encourage it to invest though providing an appropriate environment therefore, indicating that his committee seeks through cooperation with the Ministry of Planning to activate the role of this vital sector, especially in these circumstances that Iraq encounters and what is required of expanding the role of the Iraqi private sector. The delegation consisted of Mr. Dawood Abed Zayer the President of the Iraqi National Business Council and Messrs Luay
Al-Saeed and Ali Muftin, who are Board Members of the Iraqi National Business Council.

The Jordanian Prime Minister Mr. Abdullah Al-Nisoor received on Monday, april4, 2016, the delegation of the Iraqi Economic Forum, which has concluded its consultative meeting held in Amman on April,2 and 3. The meeting was attended by the Jordanian Minister of Information Mr. Mohammed Al-Momni and the Minister of the Jordanian Parliamentary Affairs. In the beginning, Mr. PM welcomed the delegation of forum, stressing that in spite of his being occupied and engaged, but he insisted to meet the delegation, believing that the kingdom is willing to facilitate the work of the Iraqi businessmen ithout considering the political attitudes and without regard to their affiliations. The PM explained that Jordan will not take sides and is with any political system chosen by the Iraqi and this is the balanced policy of Jordan. Then, Dr. Majid Al-Saedi spoke after thanking the PM for the honor of meeting the members of the forum to explain the nature and objectives of establishing the forum and the weighty role that is awaiting it in the Iraqi economy.The Representative Jawad Al-Bolani, after extending thanks to the PM and praised the policy of Jordan toward Iraq and thanked His Majesty, the king and the government for their magnanimity for Iraqis. “We are looking for a new stage of construction and building, which is one of the priorities of the economic aspect and give an active role for the Iraq private sector” he added. The Jordanian Minister of Information Mr. Mohammed Al-Momni, after welcoming the guests, spoke calling for investment in the media aspect and the policy of Jordan is noninterference in the political affairs of countries.

This evening, It was announced the emergence and establishment of the Iraqi Economic Forum, which 9 economic unions and organizations have agreed to establish it, to be a true and expressive voice of the private sector,and to contribute in planning the economic policies and an assistant and supporter of the government for the sake of building Iraq. The Iraqi National Business Council, Federation of Chambers of Commerce, Iraqi Industries Union, Peasants Associations Union, Iraqi Contractors Union, Iraqi Association of Private Banks, Iraq Economic Assembly, Iraqi Business Council/Jordan, and Iraqi Business Council/ Abu Dhabi congratulation for the this achievement.

At ten a.m., on Saturday 21/5/2016, at the meeting room in headquarters the Iraqi National Business Council, the Integrity Commission held a symposium, titled (“ Civil Society… Required Roles to Implement the United Nations Convention against Corruption”) in cooperation with the Iraqi Institute for Economic Reformation and the Iraqi National Business Council, after approving this convention by the Iraq Council of Representatives in Law No. (35) for the year 2007, as the Non-Governmental Organizations Law No. (12) for the year 2010 to emphasize the importance and activity of the these organizations in the new Iraq and the significance of taking their responsibilities in reorganizing the methods and modes of the social culture related to the works of sustainable development especially in the interim stages in a form that agrees with the new approach to built a democratic constitutional state of good governance, as Article No. (13) of the United Nations Convention against Corruption stipulates to encourage individuals and communities who do not belong to the public sector, such as civil society, NGOs and local community to participate in combating and preventing corruption and to raise public awareness in connection with the existence, enormity and danger of  corruption. There was a mention to the Integrity Commission Law No. (30) for the year 2011, Article (10)/Fifth, which stated the importance of the NGOs and established for them a special relation department that undertakes performing what is required to promote the culture of moral behavior in both the private and public sectors, related to the cooperation of NGOs through training programs and public outreach via media and others.   The session was chaired by Dr. Amir Hussein Al-Fayyadh/Dean of College of Political Science – Al-Nahrain University, while Mr. Dawood Abed Zayer presented a work paper about the concept of integrity and the method of applying it by the private sector, where he touched on the conflicting instructions, which the private sector is subject to, and the most of regulations  and instructions are unjustifiable and must be reconsidered or changed, as they create great impediments that lead to hindering the work progress. It is necessary to adopt electronic systems in order to avoid corruption and lay down regulations that will curb corruption.He mentioned. In order to eliminate corruption, the Central Bank of Iraq must use new systems that include entering the Iraqi currency notes into a banking system and converted into non-cash system and the dealing will be conducted in electronic cash instead of paper dealing, in order to follow up the expenditure of money in a safe and legal manner for every citizen and follow up suspicious money outside the electronic banking ash system, he added. Mr. Mazin Sahib Al-Shammari of Relations Department, delivered a lecture, in participation with NGOs and Integrity Commission, in which he explained the required mechanisms to activate participation in the obligations of United Nations Convention against Corruption through a study published in 2016, titled (Real Gaps and Challenges) in which the Transparency International indicated the challenges the civil society encounters in the Arab countries , such as the absence of democracy traditions, poor power distribution and sharing, poor governance infrastructures and sense of citizenship, the fragility of infrastructure and deformity of economic development and corruption spread. The activities that the civil society organizations may

 

In a completion of the efforts been exerted by Iraqi National Business Council since 2004 regarding the contractors’ dues, the council made an active movement with the related authorities in this regard, which was crowned by holding a workshop in the Ministry of Planning on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 with the special committee to lay down a mechanism of paying the dues of the contractors thru the government bonds, in the present of Mr. Salman Al-Jumaili the Minister of Planning the Committee Chairman, and committee members, each of Mr. Fadhil Abed Nabi the Deputy of Ministry of Finance, Mr. Mahir Johan the Deputy of Ministry of Planning, Mr. Deputy Governor of Central Bank, and Dr. Mudhir Mohammed Salih and Mr. Kadhim
Al-Hasani the Advisors of the Prime Minister, in the presence of the Representatives: Mr. Nadhim Al-Saedi the Chairman of the Parliamentary Services and Reconstruction Committee, and Mr. Ahmed Al-Kinani and Mr. Yahya Al-Ethawi the members of the Parliamentary Economy and Investment Committee.At the workshop, what the committee has reached was reviewed, that the bonds covers 40% of the payable dues with an interest of 5% and shall be payable after three years not two. Liquidity has been provided in the banks: Al-Rafidain, Al-Rasheed and Trade to liquidate all bonds with 40% of the contractors’ dues equally for whoever is willing; furthermore, a committee of experts was constituted to appraise strategic projects according to need, from those that their percentage of completion is high, to pay 100% of their dues, along with obtaining the required undertakings to complete them. of their dues, along with obtaining the required undertakings to complete them. The committee also explained that the remaining 60% of the dues will be paid after auditing these projects by the Federal Board of Supreme Audit, as requested by the International Monetary Fund, and the auditing is about 87% complete up to the moment. Mr. Dawood Abed Zayer the President of Iraqi National Business Council delivered a speech, in which he demonstrated this problem and highlighted the grievance and suffering of the contractors, and how that affects all the contracting companies, and he clearly requested
the government and committee to return to the payment ratio of payment to 50% of the dues, while asking the government: Is this a reward from the government to the government and committee to return to the payment ratio of payment to 50% of the dues, while asking the government: Is this a reward from the government to these companies that contributed in reconstructing Iraq? That they are inflicted with these serious losses and bankruptcy sometimes, and how to build confidence in future? The Engineer Emad Majid Neama the Head of Maisan Contractors Gathering delivered a speech, in which he requested the attendants to stay away from courtesies and discuss the suffering of the contractors, because their problem which became a human crisis for its social and tribal challenges that the contractor pays its price daily, he addressed committee the “we hold the government and you the full responsibility for any damage that inflicts the contractors and their families as result of delay in payment and I request you to reply to the following questions” :
1-What is the mechanism by which the bonds will be paid and how the contractor will convert them into cash?
2-When the payment of bonds will start?
And the Minister of Planning asked for a clear answer about these questions, which were replied by the Deputy of Ministry of Finance Mr. Fadhil Abdulnabi, as he said:
The mechanism will be as follows: after the lists of due arrives to the Ministry of Planning, they will be audited and sent to the Ministry of Planning, which will send a letter of payment to the Central Bank, which will pay the bonds to the contractor and he will be able to go to Al-Rasheed, Al-Rafidain and Trade banks to convert them into cash. Letters of payment will be sent to every authority (Governorate or Ministry, etc.), once they are received.
2- Ministry of Finance will begin sending the letters of payment to the Central Bank for the first batch of lists that already have been received from the Ministry of Planning, before the Lesser Feast on God’s will. Mr. Minister of Planning will raise a recommendation to the Prime Ministry in order to send a circular that is binding to all the contractual departments to give a specific timeframe to provide the lists of dues; otherwise the contractual department shall bear all the legal and administrative consequences. Engineer Abdullah Awaiz Al-Jibouri raised a question in case that all advance payments were not sent by the ministries to the Ministry of Planning? Also Dr. Salman Al-Jumaili the Minister of Planning explained the contractual department shall bear the legal consequences and the accountability of Integrity Commission in case of not raising the payable dues of any contractor. Mr. Khalid Al-Obaidi approached and put forward the subject of the liability clearance from the General Commission for Taxes, were not sent by the ministries to the Ministry of Planning? Also Dr. Salman Al-Jumaili the Minister of Planning explained the contractual department shall bear the legal consequences and the accountability of Integrity Commission in case of not raising the payable dues of any contractor. Mr. Khalid Al-Obaidi approached and put forward the subject of the liability clearance from the General Commission for Taxes, as the commission makes a condition to transfer the full tax amount in order to issue a liability clearance and the Deputy of the Ministry of Finance replied that it will issue circulars on condition that the tax amount shall be a debt on the ministries until there is liquidity. Mr. Dawood Abed Zayer demanded that these bonds enter into currency auction in case the contractor is credited dues in Dollar with banks in order to open letter of credit for the same purpose of project, and the Deputy Governor promised to put the subject forth to the Governor of Central Bank. Based on the principal (take then demand), we consider what is stated in this workshop as step in the way of obtaining all the rights of contractors’ community. The delegation of council consisted of: Engineer Sabah the Vice Chairman of Council, Mr. Ali Muftin the Board Member, Engineer Luay Al-Saeed the Board Member, Mr. Alaa Al-Attabi the Board Member, Mr. Khalid Al-Obaidi the Board Member and the Consultant Engineer Abdullah Awaiz Al-Jibouri