Iraq · Country watch
Iraq Signs Healthcare and Internet Transit Deals
Iraq advances healthcare with Roche and plans internet transit deals in Doha, impacting technology and pharma sectors.
The picture Improving How this is judged →
Business conditions in Iraq are improving with new healthcare and internet transit agreements. These developments enhance the technology and pharma sectors, offering growth opportunities.
Flare-up watch: Calm (0.4) · How this is judged → · All Iraq briefings →
In this briefing Hani Al-Aqabi · Abdulhussein Abdulzahra · Roche · Ministry of Health (Iraq) · DNO · Kurdistan Region · Ministry of Communications (Iraq) · Doha
Companies
Iraq and Roche Sign Healthcare Deal
Iraq's Ministry of Health has signed a cooperation programme with Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche to enhance specialist medical care in the country, according to Iraq Business News. The agreement was signed by Dr. Hani Al-Aqabi, Technical Deputy of the Ministry, on behalf of Minister of Health Abdulhussein Abdulzahra. This collaboration aims to develop healthcare services by integrating Roche's expertise and resources into Iraq's medical infrastructure.
Impact Healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies in Iraq will benefit from enhanced medical care capabilities through this partnership.
Sources: Iraq Business News ↗
DNO to Increase Drilling in Kurdistan
Norwegian oil and gas operator DNO plans to increase drilling activities in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, driven by strong financial and operational results in the third quarter of 2026, Iraq Business News reports. The company has deployed a second third-party rig to boost production in the region, capitalizing on higher oil prices and resumed production.
Impact Energy companies operating in Kurdistan may experience increased competition and opportunities due to DNO's expanded drilling activities.
Sources: Iraq Business News ↗
Trade
Iraq to Sign Internet Transit Deals in Doha

The Iraqi Ministry of Communications announced plans to sign agreements in Doha, Qatar, with three major nations to route European internet traffic through Iraq, according to Iraqi News. These deals aim to position Iraq as a key transit hub for internet capacities, enhancing the country's digital infrastructure and connectivity.
Impact Telecom companies and internet service providers in Iraq will gain from improved infrastructure and international connectivity.
Sources: Iraqi News ↗
Nothing significant reported today in Regulation · Disruption · Internal tension · Safety & health · Markets · Politics.
Also today in the local press
- Residents Evacuated from Russian-Controlled Ukrainian Town Arrive in Belarus — PUKmedia Kurdish
- Iraqi government denies 16 trillion dinar foreign loan reports to cover deficit — Iraqi News
- G20 Foreign Ministers Set to End Talks Without Joint Communiqué Amid Divisions over Ukraine — PUKmedia Kurdish
- Flash Floods Kill Seven, Including Five Children, in Eastern Syria — PUKmedia Kurdish
- Health Minister highlights global partnerships at 6th Iraq International Health Expo — Iraqi News
- UEG Discusses Iraqi Oil Field Development with Ministry of Oil — Iraq Business News
- KRG Deputy Minister "Calls Iraq's Development Road Project Unfair" — Iraq Business News
Sources in this briefing
Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.
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