Baghdad: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning, Mohammed Tamim, chaired the 24th session of the Ministerial Economic Council for 2025 today, Monday, where significant economic measures were discussed and approved.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the session, held at the Council building, was attended by key figures including the Ministers of Finance, Trade, Agriculture, Industry, Labor, and Social Affairs. Other attendees included the Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers, the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, the Chairman of the Securities Commission, the Deputy Chairman of the National Investment Commission, and advisors to the Prime Minister on economic and legal affairs.

During the meeting, the Council approved several critical decisions, including the Ministry of Finance’s request to issue estimated annual tax controls for 2025. These controls, prepared by a special committee, encompass profit rates for imports, exports, contracting, and undertakings, as well as profits from various professions.

Moreover, the Council agreed to the Ministry of Transport’s request to increase the total cost of the land acquisition project and the preparation of studies and designs for the headquarters building of the Iraqi Supreme Maritime Authority. Additionally, they approved the Ministry of Planning’s request to extend the unified electronic platform for advertisements and tenders for 60 days, optionally.

The Council also addressed a request from the Ministry of Health/Department of Projects and Engineering Services to increase the reserve amount for constructing a laboratory building for the Institute of Forensic Medicine. Furthermore, based on a presentation by the Minister of Agriculture, the Council decided to suspend the import of figs and grapes for one month to support local production. Conversely, they approved the reopening of cucumber imports due to limited local production and to ensure crop availability during the Arbaeen pilgrimage.