Iraq launches $450B investment drive as oil exports surpass 816M barrels
Baghdad pushes reforms to attract capital while oil revenues near $42 billion in 2025
BAGHDAD, Iraq (MNTV) — The Iraqi government unveiled $450 billion in investment opportunities across housing, education, digital transformation, industry, agriculture and environmental projects, while new figures showed the country’s oil exports exceeded 816 million barrels in the first eight months of 2025.
The National Investment Commission said ongoing projects are valued at more than $102 billion and currently employ over 950,000 people, underscoring Baghdad’s efforts to accelerate diversification beyond oil.
Officials highlighted reforms such as changes to company law, banking sector restructuring, support for small and medium enterprises, and expanded digitization of state services as measures aimed at drawing foreign capital.
At the same time, data released by the State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO) revealed that crude exports reached 816,140,045 barrels between January and August, averaging just over 102 million barrels per month. Revenues from shipments between March and August totaled nearly $41.85 billion.
The bulk of oil exports came from Basra and central fields, which accounted for 798.4 million barrels, while Kirkuk’s Qayyarah field contributed just over 7 million barrels.
Shipments to Jordan reached 1.86 million barrels during the same period, though none have been sent since July.
Officials said Iraq’s improved credit rating and steps to align financial regulations with global standards — including expanding electronic payments and tightening oversight—have strengthened investor confidence.
Meanwhile, oil exports have remained stable this year despite OPEC+ restrictions, after sharp declines in late 2024 due to Baghdad’s voluntary production cutbacks.
Together, the government’s investment plan and sustained oil revenues highlight Iraq’s dual strategy of leveraging its energy resources while advancing reforms to build a more diverse and resilient economy.
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