On May 25, 2024, the Central Bank of Iraq, in cooperation with the German Development Agency (GIZ), held the launch ceremony of the National Bank Lending Strategy for the period from 2024 to 2029, at the Babel Hotel in Baghdad.

The Iraqi Company for Financing Small and Medium Enterprises Limited (ICF) participated in the event, in which a number of officials, representatives of diplomatic missions, and organizations in Iraq participated, in addition to broad participation from public and private sector institutions.

His Excellency the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Mr. Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq, stressed in his speech during the celebration the necessity of expanding the base of financial inclusion in Iraqi society, especially by supporting the activities of small and medium-sized companies, which are the backbone of the economy.

He pointed out that employing the workforce is one of the priorities of the Central Bank, with the continuation of its initiatives to support small and medium enterprises, which will culminate in the launch of Riyada Bank, supported by the Central Bank of Iraq and with the contribution of private banks.