Baghdad: Thursday’s newspapers in Baghdad have highlighted key developments, focusing on the preparations for the opening of the Baghdad International Fair and a recent United Nations assessment of Iraq’s economic growth.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Zawraa newspaper, issued by the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate, reported that the Ministry of Trade has finalized its preparations for the 48th Baghdad International Fair. Scheduled from the 1st to the 7th of the next month, the event will see participation from 20 Arab and international countries and 1,100 companies. Mustafa Nizar Al-Ani, Director General of the Iraqi General Company for Exhibitions and Commercial Services, announced in a press conference that the event, themed “Investment, Development and Prosperity,” will span 20,000 square meters with Oman as the sponsor. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has endorsed the fair, emphasizing the importance of expanding local and foreign investments and partnerships with the private sector. The fair will also facilitate discussions between the Iraqi Minister of Trade and the Jordanian Minister of Trade as part of the Iraqi-Jordanian Committee.
Furthermore, Al-Sabah newspaper, issued by the Iraqi Media Network, covered the United Nations Development Program’s perspective on Iraq’s economic growth. It expects moderate growth in the coming years, with the UNDP offering full support for government reforms. The report cited that Iraq ranks third in the Arab world for foreign exchange reserves in 2024. Auke Lootsma, the program’s resident representative, highlighted potential growth driven by legal reforms and digital economy expansion. He stressed the need for infrastructure development in sectors like electricity and water, along with enhancing educational outcomes for Iraqi youth to compete in local and global economies.
Meanwhile, Al-Zaman newspaper addressed the ongoing issue of employee salaries in the Kurdistan Region. The Ministry of Finance distanced itself from the delays, attributing the problem to the Kurdistan Regional Government’s failure to localize dues and update retirement records. The ministry emphasized that it manages the region’s salaries with the same professionalism as federal ministries, adhering to procedures mandated by the Federal Court. The ministry reiterated the importance of salary localization to ensure timely disbursement, as guaranteed by the constitution.