The Ministry of Industry and Minerals (MIM) is the principal Iraqi authority on industrial activity and manufacturing regulation. The Ministry administers industrial licensing, oversees State-owned industrial enterprises, develops industrial policy, and coordinates with sectoral authorities on manufacturing matters. For manufacturers operating in Iraq, MIM is a recurring counterparty across the lifecycle of a manufacturing operation from initial licensing through ongoing oversight, expansion, and resolution of operational issues.
Mandate and Functions
MIM’s mandate encompasses several principal functions:
- Issuance and renewal of industrial licences for manufacturing operations
- Development of industrial policy and strategic planning for the sector
- Oversight of State-owned industrial enterprises and mixed-sector companies
- Coordination with sectoral authorities on manufacturing matters
- Implementation of Investment Law industrial project support in coordination with the NIC
- Administration of industrial zones under MIM oversight
- Statistical and research functions on the industrial sector
- Engagement with international industrial cooperation
The Ministry’s breadth makes it a regular counterparty for industrial operators across multiple dimensions of their operations.
Organisational Structure
MIM operates through several directorates and affiliated bodies. The principal organisational components typically include the General Directorate for Industrial Development, sectoral directorates for specific industries, the State Company for the Iraqi Industrial Federation supporting industry coordination, the General Company for Industrial Estates managing MIM-administered zones, and various State-owned industrial enterprises operating under MIM oversight. The structure has evolved over time, and current organisational arrangements should be confirmed when engaging with the Ministry.
Industrial Licensing Function
The Ministry’s industrial licensing function is its most direct interface with private manufacturers. The function covers initial licensing of new manufacturing operations, renewal of existing licences, amendment of licences to reflect changes in operations, ongoing oversight and inspection of licensed operations, and enforcement against non-compliant operations. The licensing pathway is addressed in detail in subsequent articles in this chapter.
Industrial Policy Development
MIM develops national industrial policy in coordination with broader economic policy authorities. Policy areas include sectoral priorities for industrial development, integration with the broader economic framework including the Investment Law, support for specific industries identified as strategic, regional development priorities affecting industrial location, and skills development supporting the industrial workforce. Policy developments affect the operational environment for manufacturers, and engaged operators monitor MIM policy developments rather than treat them as remote considerations.
State Industrial Enterprises
MIM oversees substantial State-owned industrial enterprises across sectors. The relationship between State enterprises and private operators is complex, State enterprises can be suppliers, customers, competitors, or partners depending on the specific context. Private manufacturers should understand the State enterprise landscape in their sector rather than treat the sector as purely private. State enterprise reform and partial privatisation have been recurring themes in Iraqi industrial policy.
Engagement with MIM
Effective engagement with MIM involves understanding the Ministry’s policy priorities and operational realities, maintaining current licensing and compliance positions, participating in industry forums and consultations where appropriate, building relationships at the working level supporting routine matters, and engaging at senior levels for strategic decisions. Manufacturers who treat MIM as a counterparty rather than an obstacle generally have smoother operational experiences.
Coordination with Sectoral Authorities
MIM coordinates with sectoral authorities for industries with specific regulatory frameworks. Examples include the Ministry of Health for pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing, the Ministry of Agriculture for agricultural and food manufacturing, the Communications and Media Commission for telecommunications equipment, and various other sectoral bodies. Manufacturers in regulated sectors typically engage both MIM and the sectoral authority, with each handling different aspects of the operation.
How We Can Help
Etihad advises on MIM engagement matters, strategic positioning with the Ministry, licensing applications and renewals, response to MIM inspection and enforcement, participation in MIM-administered programs, and resolution of disputes affecting MIM-administered matters.