Smart cities: A step towards sustainable development and improved quality of life

Baghdad, December 29, 2024 – The President of the National Investment Commission, Prof. Dr. Haider Mohammed Makkiya, chaired the scientific committee meeting for the first “Smart Cities in Iraq” forum, to be held on February 25, 2025. The forum is organized by the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce and the International Chamber of Commerce in Iraq, in cooperation with a number of governmental and international institutions, most notably the New Cities Implementation Authority at the Ministry of Construction and Housing, the National Security Advisory, the Arab Cities Organization/Arab Forum for Smart Cities, and Al Taqaddam Training and Conferences. During the meeting, Dr. Makkiya stressed that the National Investment Authority aims through this event to attract international investment companies specialized in the field of smart cities to contribute to achieving projects that are in line with the Iraqi reality and support technological innovation. He explained that the establishment of smart cities represents an opportunity to achieve the goals of sustainable development and improve the lives of citizens by upgrading the level of services to meet the aspirations of all segments of society. He also pointed out the possibility of generalizing the smart cities model to the housing projects recently launched by the Authority in various governorates, emphasizing the importance of discussing the management of these cities with investors. A small operations room was formed to review the models and determine the costs of establishing smart cities in line with the means of citizens.

For his part. Dr. Ahmed Al-Yasiri, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce in Iraq, explained that the forum is an opportunity to highlight the future of smart cities in Iraq and the latest global solutions and applications. It also aims to promote sustainable development and innovation in infrastructure, focusing on key themes including digital transformation, investment opportunities, and global best practices. The meeting reviewed successful international experiences in the field of smart cities, in addition to discussing mechanisms for their establishment and development. The meeting was attended by representatives of Iraqi government agencies, Iraqi universities and the Iraqi Engineers Syndicate, in addition to DEWA’s Advisor for Renewable Energy Affairs, Dr. Mona Al Jabri.

Under the patronage of the Chairman of the National Investment Commission: Granting eight investment licenses at a cost of more than 250 billion dinars in Babylon Governorate

Under the patronage and presence of the Chairman of the National Investment Commission (NIC), Prof. Dr. Haider Mohammed Makkiya, the Babylon Investment Commission organized a ceremony to hand over investment licenses to eight investment projects at a cost of more than 250 billion dinars, distributed in the industrial, commercial, entertainment and services sectors. In his speech during the ceremony, the head of the National Investment Commission emphasized that Babylon province is witnessing a major economic opening through an increase in investment projects, noting that these projects represent a qualitative leap aimed at enhancing economic development in the province. He explained that the government attaches great importance to the investment file through its government program and amendments to the investment law, which contributed to enabling these projects and driving development. Dr. Makkiya added that the projects launched will provide about 4,000 diverse job opportunities, with a focus on housing, industry, and tourism. He praised the efforts of the Babylon Investment Commission in developing these projects and supporting them with all possible elements of success, calling for investing in the safe atmosphere and stable investment environment to enhance the province’s economic reality in line with its civilized history. During his visit to the headquarters of the Babylon Investment Commission, the Chairman of the Commission listened to a number of inquiries and suggestions related to the referral and advertising controls for projects, in addition to the technical and environmental conditions of the feasibility studies submitted by investors. He stressed the importance of adhering to the instructions issued by the higher authorities to ensure the continuity of investment activity away from any legal violations. The field tour included inspecting a number of prominent projects in the governorate, including:

• The United Factory for the production of packaging materials, which covers more than 70% of Iraq’s needs while exporting the surplus to neighboring countries.
• Al-Kawthar Residential Complex, which includes 1,061 housing units, with 375 units completed as the first phase.
• The Safwa residential complex, which was built on an area of 400 dunums and contains 343 housing units.

The ceremony was attended by Babylon Governor Mr. Adnan Faihan Al-Dulaimi, First Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Investment and Development Committee Mr. Hussein Al-Saabri, Chairman of the Babylon Investment Commission Engineer Abdul Jalil Al-Shajiri, in addition to the Chairman of Babylon Provincial Council Mr. Asaad Al-Salmawi and a number of officials and members of the provincial council.

Chairman of the National Investment Authority meets with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Arab United Company to discuss investment cooperation opportunities

The Chairman of the National Investment Commission (NIC), Prof. Dr. Haider Mohammed Makkiya, received on Monday the President of Al-Arab Saudi United Company for Consulting and Digital Solutions, Sheikh Sultan Al-Saadoun. During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance investment cooperation in various fields, in addition to discussing opportunities for economic partnership and infrastructure development through strategic investments that serve the Iraqi economy. At the beginning of the meeting, the Chairman of KDIPA gave a detailed explanation of the amended Investment Law No. 13 of 2006, highlighting the facilities and guarantees provided by the law to investors. He also reviewed a number of investment opportunities available in various sectors aimed at achieving sustainable development that contributes to enhancing the reality and future of the Iraqi economy and efficiently utilizing natural resources.

For his part. Sheikh Sultan Al Saadoun affirmed the commitment of Saudi Arabian United Arab Company to build strong relationships and fruitful understandings with Iraqi government agencies, especially the National Investment Commission, as the official sponsor and supervisor of investment activity in Iraq. He expressed the group’s keenness to support the Iraqi government’s efforts to achieve mutual and effective digital investments. The meeting witnessed a comprehensive presentation of the company’s future vision on a number of important files, including digital solutions, consulting support, attracting competencies, providing services and solutions, information technology, engineering services and others. The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Parliamentary Development and Investment Committee, MP Hasnain Al Khafaji, in addition to a number of officials at the National Investment Authority and representatives of the company.

President of the National Investment Authority supports the initiative to build 100,000 housing units in Baghdad and the provinces

BAGHDAD – Monday, December 23, 2024
The National Investment Commission (NIC) held today its regular meeting of the heads of investment authorities in Baghdad and the governorates, chaired by Prof. Dr. Haider MohammedMakiya, in the presence of the Chairman of the Iraqi Economic Council, Mr. Ibrahim Al-Masoudi Al-Baghdadi, and a number of directors general and officials in the Commission. During the meeting, Dr. Makkiya affirmed his full support for the “Tashkeen ” initiative launched by the Iraqi Economic Council, which aims to build 100,000 housing units in Baghdad and the governorates in a vertical and horizontal manner, with a focus on providing economic housing suitable for middle-class and low-income groups, according to accurate architectural specifications and plans. He also directed the heads of agencies to identify suitable land for these projects in coordination with the higher committee formed for this purpose.

Investment Law Amendments

The meeting discussed the proposed amendments to the Investment Law No. 13 of 2006 as amended in cooperation with the competent government agencies, with the aim of enhancing the investment environment in Iraq and increasing the competitiveness of the economy in line with global changes. Dr. Makkiya called on the heads of investment authorities in the governorates to submit their proposals to ensure that these amendments are aligned with the needs of their governorates and enhance confidence in the investment climate.

Unified Investment Map

The head of the Authority pointed out that the Prime Minister approved the hiring of an international consulting firm to prepare preliminary feasibility studies, in preparation for the development of a comprehensive investment map for Iraq. The map aims to identify the economic identity of each governorate in proportion to its resources and population, contributing to enhancing job opportunities and achieving economic recovery.

Solar Energy in Residential Projects

The meeting also discussed the Prime Minister’s directives on introducing solar energy systems in investment housing complexes. It was agreed to include in investment contracts a clause that obliges investors to provide solar energy systems from international sources for each housing unit, in addition to obliging investors with active licenses to apply this measure in projects that are under implementation or completed.

Other initiatives

The meeting agenda included:

• A change initiative towards institutionalized leadership for investment authorities, following the example of the National Investment Authority (NIA).
• Discussing circular economy projects and minimizing the depletion of raw resources in investment projects.

Conclusion of the meeting

Dr. Makkiya stressed the importance of strengthening joint work between the National Investment Commission and the provincial authorities to achieve ambitious investment goals, praising the active role of the heads of the authorities in implementing the National Investment Commission’s vision to advance the reality of the Iraqi economy.

NIC Chairman Lays the Foundation Stone for 11 Housing Projects in Wasit and Highlights the Importance of Strategic Investment Planning

Dr. Haider Mohammed Makiya: Proper investment planning strengthens the national economy and achieves government program goals

During his visit to Wasit Governorate, the Chairman of the National Investment Commission (NIC), Professor Dr. Haider Mohammed Makiya, announced the commission’s plan to contract with an international consultancy firm to conduct initial feasibility studies aimed at shaping the economic identity and comprehensive developmental plan for all Iraqi provinces.

Dr. Makiya also revealed that the NIC is preparing to launch a package of investment projects exempted from public bidding in key sectors. These projects, which were reviewed in the Ministerial Economic Council and the Cabinet, aim to add significant value to the economies of Baghdad and other provinces, directly benefiting Iraqi citizens.

Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth

Dr. Makiya highlighted that investment with a realistic and accurate vision serves as a cornerstone for achieving the government program’s goals. He pointed out that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) reached approximately $69 billion over the past 18 months, out of a total of $85 billion in foreign and domestic investments during the same period.

He added that the NIC is working on several high-impact strategic projects, including:

• Al-Teeb Economic City in Maysan Governorate.
• Renewable energy projects.
• Waste management and power generation projects.

Foundation Stone Ceremony and Project Inspections

As part of his visit, Dr. Makiya laid the foundation stone for 11 housing investment projects distributed across all administrative areas of Wasit Governorate, comprising a total of 5,000 housing units. This move aims to strengthen the housing sector and meet the needs of the population.

The visit also included inspections of several key investment projects, such as:

• Wasit General Investment Hospital, a 100-bed facility providing comprehensive medical services.
• Wasit Smart Egg Farm, with a production capacity of 700,000 eggs per day in its first phase.
• Jawaher Wasit Residential Complex, comprising 2,248 housing units on an area of 388 dunams.

Emphasis on Planning and Sustainable Development

Dr. Makiya emphasized that the Prime Minister’s approval of the NIC’s agreement with an international consultancy firm will enable the creation of a comprehensive investment map for each province. This map will align with the economic nature and developmental needs of each region, fostering economic integration and enhancing the ability to attract foreign investment effectively.

Government Commitment to Provincial Development

Wasit Governor, Dr. Mohammed Jameel Al-Miyahi, welcomed the NIC Chairman’s visit, noting its importance in strengthening the economic landscape of the governorate. He confirmed the existence of an investment map for 2025, which includes ambitious projects aimed at increasing developmental revenues and leveraging the political, security, and social stability in the province.

At the end of his visit, Dr. Makiya met with the Chairman of the Wasit Provincial Council, Mr. Ali Hassan Suleiman, along with council members and investors. They discussed the challenges and mechanisms for enhancing investment in the governorate to ensure the successful implementation of projects that meet citizens’ needs and drive sustainable development.

National Investment Authority (NIA) achieves milestone of attracting $63 billion worth of FDI in a year and a half

Chairman of the National Investment Commission: Improving Iraq’s global ranking is a priority to attract foreign investment

The head of the National Investment Commission (NIC), Prof. Dr. Haider Mohammed Makiya, announced that Iraq has achieved a qualitative investment flow of about $63 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in just a year and a half. He explained that these investments, which were distributed across multiple sectors, represent a great opportunity to improve Iraq’s global ranking as an attractive investment destination. The entry of reputable international companies of various nationalities reflects the attractiveness of the promising Iraqi market, especially in sectors such as renewable energy, oil and associated gas, he said.

Enhancing the investment climate through international agreements

During his meeting with the Director of the Anti-Corruption and Arbitration Initiative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and his accompanying delegation, Dr. Makiya pointed out the importance of Iraq’s accession to the Singapore Convention on Mediation and International Investment Disputes in New York on April 17, 2024, as well as the New York Convention on the Recognition of Foreign Judgments of 1958. He pointed out that these steps enhance confidence in the investment climate and support the completion of the legislative environment to attract international investors and improve Iraq’s ranking in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index.

Modernizing legislation and streamlining procedures

The head of the commission explained that the commission is working on amending the Iraqi Investment Law No. (13) of 2006 as amended, updating regulations and controls, in addition to activating electronic platforms to facilitate investment procedures and reduce human interaction. In addition, clear mechanisms have been adopted to resolve investment disputes through specialized courts or arbitration bodies in line with the Commission’s objectives to transform Iraq into a competitive investment destination at the regional and international levels. Dr. Makiya called on the anti-corruption and arbitration promotion team to intensify efforts by holding workshops and meetings to develop international arbitration centers, enhance efforts to confront corruption in sustainable ways, and create a suitable environment to attract foreign investments and develop the private sector. He also emphasized the importance of reviewing Iraq’s global ranking and working to improve it.

Plan 2025 to Boost Investments and Fight Corruption

For its part, the UNDP delegation reviewed its 2025 work plan, which focuses on combating corruption, promoting e-governance, and diversifying the economy. The delegation pointed out that the plan aims to improve legislative capacities, develop a strategic framework for resolving commercial disputes, and complete meetings and workshops with the staff of the National Investment Authority to support the business environment and achieve sustainable development.

National Investment Authority Chairman meets Wasit Governor to discuss investment opportunities and infrastructure development

The Chairman of the National Investment Commission (NIC), Prof. Dr. Haider Mohammed Makkiya, met on Sunday with the Governor of Wasit, Dr. Mohammed Jamil Al-Mayahi, to discuss a number of issues related to enhancing investment opportunities in the province and developing infrastructure to support economic development. During the meeting, they discussed the importance of investing in vital sectors, with a focus on agricultural projects and ways to improve the business environment to facilitate the attraction of local and foreign companies. The two parties also emphasized the need to follow up on the implementation of investment projects and solve the obstacles that may face investors, in order to enhance the partnership between the public and private sectors, stimulate the local economy and provide job opportunities for the people of the governorate. Among the topics discussed was the project to establish a waste treatment and power generation plant in Wasit, a project that will be based on a similar model to the plant to be implemented in Baghdad Governorate. The move comes as part of the National Investment Authority’s efforts to promote sustainable development and diversify investment projects in various Iraqi governorates.

Chairman of the National Investment Authority chairs the ninth regular meeting of the Opinion Committee and discusses important files

On Sunday, December 15, 2024, the ninth regular meeting of the National Investment Authority (NIA ) was held at the headquarters of the National Investment Authority (NIA ). Chaired by Prof. Dr. Haider Mohammed Makia, where they discussed several important files on the agenda.

Key topics discussed:

1. Controls and mechanisms for investment vacations:
   • Extend the investment term.
   • Amending the project’s capital at the investor’s request.
   • Changing the legal status and name of the investor from a natural person to a legal person or vice versa.
2. Draft law on the third amendment to the Investment Law No. 13 of 2006, as amended:
   • An expanded conference was directed to be held to discuss the final draft of the amendment with the participation of the relevant parliamentary committees and the heads of investment authorities in the governorates.
3. Mechanisms and controls for amending plans and designs for investment projects.

Attendance:

The meeting was attended by Mr. Deputy Chairman of the Authority. In addition to the general managers and advisors in the authority.

This meeting is part of KDIPA’s efforts to enhance the investment environment in Iraq. Keeping abreast of legislative and administrative developments in order to improve the performance of the investment sector and support economic development.

The National Investment Authority organizes a training course to develop job skills in cooperation with the Iraqi Journalists Union

The National Investment Authority (NIA), in cooperation with the Iraqi Journalists Union, held a five-day training course organized by the Authority’s Training and Development Department. The course aims to enhance participants’ job competencies and develop their skills in line with modern organizational performance requirements.

The course began with a lecture delivered by Dr. Hashim Al Mousawi, Vice President of the Federation, in which he addressed key topics on job behavior and career development. The lecture focused on the importance of employees adopting skills such as:

• Take responsibility
• Teamwork
• Occupational safety
• Transparency and trust
• Excellence and professionalism

The course also reviewed several key topics. Most notably:

• Human Resource Development and Challenges
• How to evaluate performance in the government sector
• Effective strategies for motivating employees
• Innovative ways to support skills development

The course witnessed great interaction from the participants, who expressed their interest in the topics raised and benefited from the practical activities provided. This course comes as part of KDIPA’s efforts to enhance job performance and raise the efficiency of employees, which contributes to achieving its organizational goals.