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Edition of Wednesday, 28 October 2026English edition
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The Geopolitician

Country risk, from the local press

Iraq · Country watch

Iraq Court Lifts Foreign Ownership Ban, Pharma Imports Approved

Iraq's court lifts a foreign ownership ban, boosting investment prospects, while Newbury Pharma gains import approvals for hospital products.

· · 6 articles read

The picture Improving How this is judged →

Business conditions in Iraq are improving with the lifting of a foreign ownership ban, opening investment opportunities. Newbury Pharma's import approvals further enhance the healthcare sector. These developments signal positive momentum for foreign investors and healthcare providers this week.

Flare-up watch: Calm (0.7) · How this is judged → · All Iraq briefings →

In this briefing Munther Ibrahim Hussein · Federal Supreme Court of Iraq · Revolutionary Command Council · US dollar · Iraqi dinar · Newbury Pharmaceuticals International · Ministry of Health (Iraq)

Regulation

  • Finance
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail

Court Rules Ba'athist Ban on Foreign Ownership Unconstitutional

Wooden gavel resting on a dark surface next to book
Sasun Bughdaryan / Unsplash

Iraq's Federal Supreme Court has declared unconstitutional a decree from the dissolved Revolutionary Command Council that restricted foreign nationals from owning assets or investing in Iraqi companies. The court's decision, presided over by Judge Munther Ibrahim Hussein, removes a significant barrier to foreign investment in Iraq. The decree had long been a deterrent for international investors looking to enter the Iraqi market. This ruling is expected to open up new opportunities for foreign capital inflow and partnerships in various sectors, including finance, manufacturing, and retail.

Impact Foreign investors can now own assets and invest in Iraqi companies, increasing capital inflow.

Sources: Iraq Business News ↗

Markets

  • Finance

US Dollar Steady in Baghdad, Rises in Erbil

The exchange rate for the US dollar against the Iraqi dinar remained stable in Baghdad but increased in Erbil, according to Iraqi News. This currency movement reflects regional variations in demand and supply dynamics within Iraq. The steady rate in Baghdad suggests stability in the capital's financial markets, while the increase in Erbil may indicate heightened economic activity or currency demand in the Kurdistan region.

Impact Currency traders and businesses in Erbil face a higher US dollar rate, affecting transaction costs.

Sources: Iraqi News ↗

Trade

  • Pharma

Newbury Pharma Gets Import Approvals for 19 Products

The Iraqi Ministry of Health has granted import approvals for 19 hospital products from Newbury Pharmaceuticals International's portfolio. The approvals allow the Swedish company's local distribution partner to import and sell these products in Iraq prior to full product registration. This development, reported by Iraq Business News, marks a significant step for Newbury Pharma in expanding its presence in the Iraqi pharmaceutical market. The products are expected to enhance the availability of medical supplies in Iraqi hospitals.

Impact Iraqi hospitals gain access to 19 new medical products, improving healthcare supply chains.

Sources: Iraq Business News ↗

Nothing significant reported today in Disruption · Internal tension · Safety & health · Companies · Politics.

Also today in the local press

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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