Iraqi Central Bank: No intention to change the dinar exchange rate
The Iraqi central bank has stated there is no intention to change the dinar exchange rate, with ongoing measures to ensure market stability.
Iraq's central bank governor, Ali Al-Alaq, has confirmed that the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the Iraqi dinar will remain unchanged, highlighting the absence of pressures related to gold reserves or foreign currencies. During the launch of an electronic receipt project (E-Psule), he emphasized the importance of adherence to the central bank's regulations and urged all dealers to return to official channels for acquiring dollars. The central bank is actively monitoring trading activities to stabilize the market, amidst concerns about some traders resorting to the parallel market due to recent changes in import mechanisms.
Al-Alaq further explained that the current involvement of some merchants in the unofficial market is a temporary measure caused by recent developments, but he expects them to revert to official avenues shortly. This transition, he noted, is critical for restoring the exchange rate to its normal levels, particularly as the central bank continues to supply foreign currency without any discrepancies in its reserves. The ongoing stability of the currency is seen as essential for the overall economic environment in Iraq.
Additionally, Al-Alaq highlighted that the development of an electronic payment system is a key strategic pillar for Iraq's economic and financial reforms. He pointed out that the excessive reliance on cash transactions is becoming outdated, and moving towards digital payment systems is crucial for accelerating modernization in financial practices. This transformation is expected to contribute to more robust economic management and efficiency in transaction processes across the market.