Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi discussed fiscal reform with the IMF and oil development with HKN Energy and ExxonMobil during separate meetings in New York, Shafaq News reported on 23 September.
The IMF talks covered regional instability and its effects on markets, supply chains, inflation and energy prices. Al-Zaidi outlined plans for fiscal automation and a gradual move towards programme and performance budgeting in the proposed 2027 budget. IMF regional director Jihad Azour expressed readiness to continue supporting reform.
In the oil meetings, Al-Zaidi urged HKN to accelerate existing commitments. Discussions with ExxonMobil covered exploration, producing-field development and technology. He also described plans for a Baghdad energy conference to announce exploration blocks.
The discussions set out two government priorities: changing how public spending is managed and advancing oil development. For public institutions, the budgeting proposals are the substantive policy signal. For oil operators and service firms, the relevant distinction is between existing commitments and prospective exploration. The report identifies no new procurement package or funding commitment; it does not establish an immediate change in demand across other sectors.