Prime Minister's Advisor Reveals Plan to Merge Rafidain and Rashid Banks

Iraqi News

06-04-2025

Baghdad-INA
Advisor to the Prime Minister and Executive Director of the Reform Management Cell, Amer Al-Adhadh, revealed plans to merge Rafidain and Rashid Banks. While addressing the government's achievements in the field of economic reforms, he explained the contents of the "House of Reform" project and its importance to the investment file. He also outlined the contents of the draft law on public-private partnerships, which aims to enhance the investment environment in Iraq.
Al-Adhadh told Al-Shabaka magazine, as reported by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), in his talk about the 'Reform House' project, 'This project is not just a government program, but rather a comprehensive roadmap aimed at achieving sustainable development through interconnected goals, one of which is activating human capital and enhancing national competencies.'
He added, "Economic reforms cannot succeed without a legal and regulatory environment that attracts investment, which is what the government is working towards through this project."
Regarding cooperation with the World Bank, Al-Adhadh stated, "The World Bank commended the reforms implemented by the Iraqi government, including the "House of Reform" policies that support sustainable development, and cooperation focuses on supporting financial reforms, providing technical advice, and financial assistance to enhance the stability of the Iraqi economy and improve financial governance systems."
Al-Adhadh also noted that "the government has made significant progress in preparing the draft law on public-private partnerships, which is an essential part of the government's program. This partnership aims to enhance cooperation between the government and the private sector, particularly in infrastructure, transportation, and energy projects, thus contributing to stimulating the national economy and achieving sustainable development."
Regarding the issue of restructuring the banking sector, Al-Adhadh revealed a plan to merge Rafidain and Rashid Banks into a single entity with the aim of improving Iraq's credit rating and increasing international confidence in the banking sector. He noted that an international consulting firm has been commissioned to oversee the merger process, which includes improving financial and administrative performance and developing the digital infrastructure.
The Prime Minister's advisor also addressed the issue of economic diversification, stressing that "the government has achieved a significant increase in non-oil revenues, which is an important achievement within the framework of the income diversification strategy." He noted that "the government is focusing on improving tax administration, developing customs duties, and stimulating investment in non-oil sectors such as industry, agriculture, tourism, and technology, to ensure the sustainability of these revenues."
Al-Adhadh confirmed that "the economic reforms implemented by the government contribute to strengthening the investment environment and achieving sustainable economic growth, ensuring Iraq has a stronger and more diversified financial future."