Iraqi PM caps grain trade company's service fees at 6%

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani on Wednesday ordered a reduction in administrative service fees charged by Iraq's General Company for Grain Trade, the Prime Minister's Office said. Under the directive, the service fee applied during the marketing season will be restructured so it does not exceed 6%, with the change taking effect from the current season. Speaking at the sixth regular session of the Council of Ministers, Sudani told the state-owned company to diversify its revenue streams and rely on its own resources to cover expenses and meet the objectives set out in its internal regulations and related legislation. The Prime Minister's Office said the General Company for Grain Trade is required to operate as a self-financing entity and carry out its activities without depending on the federal budget.