"Iraq Infrastructure Report Q1 2016" is now available at Fast Market Research

The negative view of Iraqi construction and infrastructure that has pervaded our outlook for several quarters has had little reason to change this quarter. While the security situation, particularly in the Islamic State (IS)-held north of the country, worsens, the government's ability to finance infrastructure will remain limited and private investment will be deterred. On a positive note, the World Bank has agreed a USD350mn loan to help rebuild infrastructure in war-damaged regions. In the investment bright spot of Kurdistan , the regional government has passed a law allowing the region to tap international capital markets for USD5bn towards infrastructure development.

Iraq's construction industry is being severely affected by the poor security situation, with the IS insurgency even affecting business sentiment in the Kurdish region, the once-considered relatively safe haven and primary investment destination. After failing to agree on a budget for 2014, the new parliament has approved one for 2015. However, it has been greatly limited by the falling oil price and the diversion of funds to security, meaning in the short term that infrastructure development will not likely receive the full state backing it requires. Meanwhile, the poor business and operational environment will continue to deter private investment from a country with a large reconstruction-related project pipeline. The potential in Iraq is great, as too is the risk, and we do not foresee stability until at least the medium term.

Full Report Details at
- http://www.fastmr.com/prod/1070795_iraq_infrastructure_report_q1.aspx?afid=302

Key Developments

In the previous quarter we had expected growth in 2014 to contract by 6% in 2014, but after the release of official data, we have significantly downgraded our estimate to -16.2% for the full year. Furthermore, as opposed to seeing 2015 as a return to growth, as we had originally expected, we now see a decline of -7.6%. We are forecasting in 2016 a return to growth, with a very base-effected and weaker than originally anticipated 3.8%.

The Iraq Infrastructure Report features BMI Research's market assessment and forecasts covering public procurement and spending on all major infrastructure and construction projects, including transportation and logistics by land, sea and air; power plants and utilities, and commercial construction and property development. The report analyses the impact of regulatory changes and the macroeconomic outlook and features competitive intelligence on contractors and suppliers.

BMI's Iraq Infrastructure Report provides industry professionals and strategists, sector analysts, investors, trade associations and regulatory bodies with independent forecasts and competitive intelligence on the Iraqi infrastructure and construction industry.

Key Benefits

* Benchmark BMI's independent infrastructure industry forecasts for Iraq

About Fast Market Research

Fast Market Research is a leading distributor of market research and business information. Representing the world's top research publishers and analysts, we provide quick and easy access to the best competitive intelligence available. Our unbiased, expert staff is always available to help you find the right research to fit your requirements and your budget.

For more information about these or related research reports, please visit our website at http://www.fastmr.com or call us at 1.800.844.8156 (1.413.485.7001 Int'l)

You may also be interested in these related reports:

- Peru Infrastructure Report Q1 2016
- Indonesia Infrastructure Report Q1 2016
- Canada Infrastructure Report Q1 2016
- South Korea Infrastructure Report Q1 2016
- Romania Infrastructure Report Q1 2016