Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has launched a committee to review a proposed budget bill, following objections by lawmakers that it will not provide the adequate funds for the country's reconstruction.
Government officials have raised concerns, claiming the proposal does no allocate sufficient funding for public services or the restoration of areas liberated from ISIS.
“The committee is comprised of experts and representatives from all of Iraq’s provinces,” Mr Abdul Mahdi said on Tuesday night.
The committee's findings are expected to be presented to parliament on Sunday and Monday.
“The government is trying to find the best solution to resolve outstanding issues and do what is best for the Iraqi people,” the premier said.
Lawmakers had gathered on Monday to discuss the 2019 budget but failed to pass the draft.
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Read more:
Iraqi politicians botch another attempt to agree on draft budget
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Iraq's 2019 budget ignores reconstruction costs, politicians say
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Minister of Finance Fuad Hussein is expected to head the committee and work alongside his acting deputy finance, the head of provincial planning and development council, economic experts and relevant parties to revise the legislation.
The premier approved the draft budget in October, which now awaits parliament approval. The budget of $111.9 billion envisions an increase in spending of $24bn and a deficit of $22.6bn for next year.
Kurdish politicians have previously rejected the draft because of a drop from 17 per cent in 2018 to 12.67 per cent.
However, the establishment of the committee aims to establish trust between the central government and the country's different factions, Kurdish parliamentarian Janghis Awakaly told The National.
“I believe this is a good opportunity for both federal government and Kurdistan Regional Government to try and resolve their outstanding budget issues,” Mr Awakaly said.
Previous budget allocations in Iraq have been skewed, with Sunni and Kurdish regions getting smaller shares than areas dominated by Iraq’s Shiite majority.
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
F1 drivers' standings
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 281
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 247
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 222
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull 177
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 138
6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 93
7. Sergio Perez, Force India 86
8. Esteban Ocon, Force India 56
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
UAE jiu-jitsu squad
Men: Hamad Nawad and Khalid Al Balushi (56kg), Omar Al Fadhli and Saeed Al Mazroui (62kg), Taleb Al Kirbi and Humaid Al Kaabi (69kg), Mohammed Al Qubaisi and Saud Al Hammadi (70kg), Khalfan Belhol and Mohammad Haitham Radhi (85kg), Faisal Al Ketbi and Zayed Al Kaabi (94kg)
Women: Wadima Al Yafei and Mahra Al Hanaei (49kg), Bashayer Al Matrooshi and Hessa Al Shamsi (62kg)
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin
Director: Shawn Levy
Rating: 3/5
Du Football Champions
The fourth season of du Football Champions was launched at Gitex on Wednesday alongside the Middle East’s first sports-tech scouting platform.“du Talents”, which enables aspiring footballers to upload their profiles and highlights reels and communicate directly with coaches, is designed to extend the reach of the programme, which has already attracted more than 21,500 players in its first three years.
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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What drives subscription retailing?
Once the domain of newspaper home deliveries, subscription model retailing has combined with e-commerce to permeate myriad products and services.
The concept has grown tremendously around the world and is forecast to thrive further, according to UnivDatos Market Insights’ report on recent and predicted trends in the sector.
The global subscription e-commerce market was valued at $13.2 billion (Dh48.5bn) in 2018. It is forecast to touch $478.2bn in 2025, and include the entertainment, fitness, food, cosmetics, baby care and fashion sectors.
The report says subscription-based services currently constitute “a small trend within e-commerce”. The US hosts almost 70 per cent of recurring plan firms, including leaders Dollar Shave Club, Hello Fresh and Netflix. Walmart and Sephora are among longer established retailers entering the space.
UnivDatos cites younger and affluent urbanites as prime subscription targets, with women currently the largest share of end-users.
That’s expected to remain unchanged until 2025, when women will represent a $246.6bn market share, owing to increasing numbers of start-ups targeting women.
Personal care and beauty occupy the largest chunk of the worldwide subscription e-commerce market, with changing lifestyles, work schedules, customisation and convenience among the chief future drivers.
