Baghdad: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani chaired the 43rd regular session of the Council of Ministers, focusing on the country’s general situation and vital governmental issues. During this session, important decisions were made to address various sectors, including education, federal financial management, construction, transportation, health, and international relations.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Council voted to allocate serviced residential lands to employees of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Baghdad universities, and the Atomic Energy Commission in Baghdad. This allocation will also extend to employees in other governorates. In financial matters, the Council approved the 2025 instructions for implementing the Federal Financial Management Law, while excluding employee compensation and public debt.
The Council authorized the Ministry of Construction and Housing to issue lease contracts for lands allocated by the Ministry of Finance, with proceeds benefiting the Ministry of Finance. On transport development, the Council approved recommendations for the rehabilitation of Baghdad International Airport, selecting the CAAP consortium for the investment opportunity. The Ministry of Transport will negotiate a Partnership Agreement with the consortium, coordinated by the International Finance Corporation.
In the health sector, the capital of the General Company for Marketing Medicines and Medical Supplies (Kimadia) was increased from 500 million dinars to 10 billion dinars. The Council also addressed traffic management, amending a resolution to re-associate Traffic Engineering Divisions with municipal authorities and authorize direct contracts with the Traffic Signs Laboratory.
On the international front, the Council authorized negotiations for a memorandum of understanding with Bangladesh to exempt certain passport holders from entry visas and planned agreements with Lebanon to avoid double taxation. Furthermore, cooperation agreements with Morocco and Lebanon on the transfer of sentenced persons were ratified.
To support local industries, an additional 50% customs duty was imposed on imported intravenous sodium chloride solutions, with market monitoring to ensure compliance. The Council also approved an export support fee under the ASYCUDA system and modifications to rent allowances for agricultural lands.
Lastly, in support of private industry, the Council agreed to issue sovereign guarantees for the establishment of new industrial factories, specifically a high-speed paper cement bag factory and a food industries factory.