PM:11:16:23/09/2025
312 View
+
-
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani chaired the 38th regular session of the Iraqi Council of Ministers on Tuesday, during which several strategic economic and service-related decisions were approved, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The meeting focused on energy, infrastructure, and investment priorities. Among the most prominent decisions were:
- Approval of a project to deliver a 42-inch gas pipeline to the Basra power plant, allowing it to pass through the Ministry of Commerce’s Rasafa silo without rent.
- Endorsement of recommendations for the liquefied gas platform project, described as a vital strategic initiative.
- Ratification of the audit committee’s findings regarding contracts for oil stations under the General Company of Iraqi Ports.
- Separation of procurement committees in the Ministry of Oil and related companies from the federal budget law’s guidelines.
- Cancellation of electricity debts owed by the Baghdad Secretariat and municipalities, with a requirement that they cover electricity costs from July 1 onward.
Infrastructure and Investment Projects
The Council also approved budget increases for stalled or delayed projects, including the Basra–FAW road project, the Nineveh International Stadium, sports facilities, and infrastructure development in Samarra.
The National Investment Board was empowered to sign contracts with Malaysian company HSS and UAE-based CHSS, granting them investment licenses to move forward on new projects.
Energy and Regional Cooperation
Finance Minister Taif Sami was authorized to sign a loan agreement with General Electric International Inc. for the Sadr gas power plant project, which includes the supply and installation of substations for the Iraq–Jordan electricity interconnection initiative.
In addition, the Finance Ministry received authorization to negotiate and finalize a draft agreement with Jordan to avoid double taxation and regulate land-based goods transportation between the two countries.
The decisions highlight the government’s push to accelerate energy reforms, attract foreign investment, and advance large-scale infrastructure developments.