Iraq Yields $100 Mn in Revenues after Expelling Militias from Frontier

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi at Mandali border crossing between Iraq and Iran (Reuters)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi at Mandali border crossing between Iraq and Iran (Reuters)
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Iraq Yields $100 Mn in Revenues after Expelling Militias from Frontier

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi at Mandali border crossing between Iraq and Iran (Reuters)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi at Mandali border crossing between Iraq and Iran (Reuters)

Iraq's Border Ports Authority announced record financial revenues from customs duties as a result of the measures taken by the government of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi at all border crossings to combat customs corruption, impose order and expel armed factions from the country's frontier.

Head of Iraq's Border Ports Authority Omar al-Waeli said the revenues amounted to $100 million in July despite customs exemptions on several goods and closure of the outlets due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He indicated that the revenues came from seven or eight crossings out of Iraq’s 21, stressing that the authority intends to achieve more revenues to support the state treasury in light of the country’s financial issues.

During his visit to Mandali crossing with Iran last month, Kadhimi vowed to pursue the “ghosts” who were transporting cargo trucks across the border without paying customs fees.

He ordered a team from the Emergency Response Division to take over the crossing, saying they are authorized to use live fire to stop anyone from attacking people working at the border.

Meanwhile, an informed source at the Ports Authority confirmed that the measures taken by the government have made a total difference in terms of increasing the financial revenues achieved and imposing the law.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, the source said that units of the armed factions were present at the ports under the pretext of supervising religious groups arriving from Iran during the pilgrimage season, but their presence became permanent.

They used the ports for trade operations, customs clearance, and illegally imposing fees and royalties, he added.

The source said that the government recently expelled all the factions and groups working outside the customs area, and dismissed several employees cooperating with those groups.

He also said he expects the revenues to increase in the coming months compared to previous years, noting that over half of the border ports are shut due to the COVID-19, and operating crossings are not at full capacity.



Monsha’at Showcases Saudi Arabia’s Entrepreneurship Journey at Expo 2025 Osaka

People attend a workshop within the Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. (SPA)
People attend a workshop within the Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. (SPA)
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Monsha’at Showcases Saudi Arabia’s Entrepreneurship Journey at Expo 2025 Osaka

People attend a workshop within the Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. (SPA)
People attend a workshop within the Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia underscored its growing international presence as a hub for entrepreneurship through an interactive workshop held at its pavilion during Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan. The event aimed to highlight the Kingdom’s experience in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and to foster opportunities for international collaboration in this vital sector.

The workshop, organized by the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Monsha’at), brought together around 30 participants from various countries. Monsha’at presented its integrated ecosystem designed to empower the Kingdom’s entrepreneurial landscape by simplifying business processes, boosting access to financing, promoting a culture of entrepreneurship, and encouraging innovation and the adoption of modern technologies.

Key initiatives were showcased, including the Biban Forum, an international platform that connects entrepreneurs with investors, highlights Saudi success stories, and offers opportunities for professional development. This initiative plays a significant role in positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for entrepreneurship.

Monsha’at also shared the Kingdom’s experience hosting the Entrepreneurship World Cup, one of the largest global competitions in its field. The event has attracted more than 420,000 participants from 191 countries, with 500 startups advancing to the final stage.

Over $5 million in cash prizes have been awarded, in addition to tailored training and development programs.

The workshop is part of Monsha’at’s broader participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, with the goal of promoting the Kingdom’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, showcasing its strategic initiatives, and expanding international cooperation, all aligned with the objectives of Vision 2030.

The Saudi Pavilion at Expo Osaka offers a multi-sensory experience centered on the Kingdom’s transformative journey under Vision 2030. It highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing quality of life through innovation and technological progress.

The pavilion also features immersive experiences that reflect the richness of Saudi cities, villages, and cultural heritage. Constructed using lightweight Saudi stone, the structure was designed by renowned architects from Foster + Partners to represent the Kingdom’s vision of building sustainable, empowered communities.