Economist Podcasts Mission possible: Baghdad is booming
74 snips
Sep 4, 2025 
Gareth Brown, the Middle East correspondent, reveals Baghdad's booming construction scene and shares insights from his discussion with Prime Minister Muhammad al-Sudani about the city’s future. Archie Hall, US economics editor, dives into the YIMBY movement in Washington, D.C., where locals embrace population growth. Emma Irving, Asian news editor, explores the intriguing role of superstition in Hong Kong, examining how beliefs shape economic behaviors and even tourism during festivals. Tune in for a whirlwind tour of these dynamic topics!
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Digital Reform Multiplied Revenue
- Iraq has digitised and streamlined services like passport renewal to dramatically speed processing and raise revenues.
- Simple bureaucratic tech upgrades helped customs revenue jump from under 900bn dinars to an expected over 3tn in 2024.
Meeting The Prime Minister In A Rebuilt Palace
- Gareth Brown describes meeting Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in his former-palace office with a massive TV and claims about security improvements.
- He noticed parts of Baghdad were unrecognisable compared with his previous visits, illustrating rapid change.
Baghdad's Construction Surge
- Baghdad is undergoing a visible construction boom with cranes, new hospitals, schools and hotels reshaping the city.
- Private investment and foreign firms are carrying a large share of this rebuilding alongside public projects.
