Baghdad: The Council of Ministers has announced the issuance of a treasury bond valued at 5 trillion dinars, which will carry a 10% interest rate. This initiative aims to finance advances for completed work on investment plan projects outlined in the 2025 budget.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, during its thirteenth and fourteenth sessions held today, the Council of Ministers also approved amendments to its Resolution (24413 of 2024). These changes are intended to bolster the private industrial sector and refine the process of land ownership for industrial initiatives. One significant amendment involves maintaining the monthly fuel quota for industrial and construction projects, with reductions occurring only in instances verified by the Ministry of Oil.

In addition to these financial measures, the Council of Ministers has enacted several decisions to safeguard local products. Among these is the adjustment of the estimated price for solid soap, as recorded by the General Authority of Customs, to two million dinars per ton, a substantial increase from the previous rate of 528,000 dinars per ton. Furthermore, a new 20% customs duty will be levied on imported soap products from all foreign sources for a duration of four years.

The Ministry of Finance has been tasked with regularly informing the Ministry of Industry about the volume of imports and the revenue generated from the additional customs duties. This measure is designed to monitor import levels and assess the capacity of domestic companies to satisfy market demands, thereby preventing any undue price inflation.