Sage449

For Immediate Release Wednesday, April 17, 2024 Press Release Washington DC, 17 April, 2024 – The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) today signed a ceremonial agreement for a $50 million loan to the National Bank of Iraq (NBI) that will expand access to financing for entrepreneurs across the country. This marks DFC’s first loan to a commercial bank in Iraq. DFC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Scott Nathan joined National Bank of Iraq Chairman Bassem Al-Salem for the ceremony. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani witnessed the ceremony on the margins of the U.S.-Iraq Higher Coordinating Committee meeting – a testament to the strong bilateral partnership between the U.S. Government, the Government of Iraq, and the private sector to advance economic growth and opportunity in the country. “DFC is committed to helping Iraq unlock its economic potential and empower its private sector by providing meaningful financial support for small businesses,” said DFC CEO Scott Nathan. “Today’s announcement is a significant step forward in these efforts. This investment will increase access to finance for first-time borrowers and women entrepreneurs across Iraq.” “Access to finance is a key driver of innovation, economic growth, and job creation. USAID’s assistance helps private banks to overcome liquidity challenges and offer affordable commercial loans to small businesses. Through our partnership with NBI and DFC, we’re helping to create a more robust, diversified, and inclusive private sector in Iraq,” said USAID Mission Director to Iraq Elise Jensen. “The Iraqi government’s dedication to fostering an environment conducive to growth, and the Prime Minister’s strategic focus on empowering small and medium-sized enterprises, have been pivotal to reaching this significant milestone. We are confident that this collaboration will foster a more inclusive and dynamic economy in Iraq." said National Bank of Iraq CEO, Ayman Abu Dhaim. The loan will increase access to financing opportunities for smaller Iraqi businesses (persistently a key barrier for growth) through Iraq’s largest private sector bank. This initiative will prioritize first-time borrowers and allocate funding for women-owned enterprises, bringing more small businesses into Iraq’s formal financial system. During the project preparation, USAID provided advisory services to facilitate the NBI/DFC loan negotiations and expedite closure of the deal. DFC is the lender of record for the loan transaction. About DFC The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) partners with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world today. We invest across sectors including energy, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and small business and financial services. DFC investments adhere to high standards and respect the environment, human rights, and worker rights. About USAID The United States, through USAID, has been a steadfast partner of Iraq, helping enhance the social and economic stability for the benefit of its citizens. USAID is working with the Iraqi Government, international institutions, and local partners toward a stable and prosperous Iraq through accelerating economic growth and empowering women, youth, and religious and ethnic minorities.

With possible extension and an RV could be islamic party of the century & all new found wealth. Party on. 🥳 Party animal. Speaking of party animal, anyone hear from our favorite 🤡 wish someone knew him and know he's alright. Sadly have lost many wonderful people before this occurs and miss them. ❤❣

Like as long as the installation of 1000 ATM machines doesn't postpone the RV further. Can't see why it would but don't think like them so there ya go. Prayers up for all of us.

WeeGee - bronx cheer on this with no offense to you for bringing it over. 🥰😀

Darwin Award prospect?

What about this possibility - a friend indicated it to me as we were discussing situation - when Drudge, the State Dept. and other govt jokers were saying an attack from Iran was imminent. The Biden admin then released 10 billion to them and ordered Netanyahu to withdraw immediately from Gaza which, I think, was done with the agreement that Iran wouldn't attack us.

Ok, not peeing in anyone's post toasties but ya been at it for 24 years - US founding fathers didn't take that long - 8 years revolutionary War and was non-stop since - even 2 world wars and multiple others & stock market crash in '29 plus recovery after. Iraq you should be there by now.

Reminded me of I'm taking YOUR ball and going home - the rest of the world China, N Korea, India etc. are never going to acquiesce to Iraq style of operation. Yes will do business with Iraq but not buy into how Iraq wants to live.

BB - I've read about the royal family & Prince Andrew is just one of many including allegations the former queen was a satanist. I was astounded on what I read and never found support for the allegations or at least any support printed as real proof.

Agree BB - friends involved in dinar have sent me theirs. My intent is holding for them and when RV occurs, they get it back. 🧡

Feel badly for them, will be a crispit or dead shortly. Something learned recently - found interesting and certainly not surprising: Hamas, which according to the Council on Foreign Relations, a New York City research center, is “the largest, most influential political fundamentalist movement” in the Muslim world. By one means or another, Hamas aims to convince the world of its deep desire to eliminate Israel, and establish there instead the 23rd religious Muslim state. Hamas is an Arabic acronym for “Harakat al-Muqawamah al-Islamiyya,” which means “The Islamic Resistance Movement.” But “hamas” is also an Arabic word that means “zeal.” Although Arabic and Hebrew are sister languages, the Hebrew meaning of “chamas” is “violence,” according to the Hebrew-English volume of Reuben Alcalay’s Hebrew-English, English-Hebrew dictionary. “Cruelty” and “injustice” are additional definitions, but not “zeal.”

Deleted comment - momma told me can't say anything nice, keep my trap shut. 🤐

My former company did a lot of US government work on infrastructure for Iraq after Hussein caught. Both electrical, water/wastewater and some other work. There for at least 3 years. I volunteered to go, and was on short list - had to sign up for a year but the pay grade & upload for being in a war area was fabulous. Sorry never called.

Wow one of the more detailed reports not just rhetoric, read in quite a while. Thank you.