Abstract
This study aims to analyze the trends of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Iraq in light of customs and investment reforms during the period (2004–2025), as key determinants of improving the investment climate. The importance of the research lies in assessing the actual impact of customs and legislative reforms on the volume and quality of FDI inflows over a long time horizon. The research problem stems from the unclear ability of these reforms, despite their multiplicity, to generate sustainable investment transformation and diversify investment structures away from the oil sector. The study is based on the hypothesis that gradual customs transformation—particularly in its modernization and digitalization phase—positively influences FDI trends, although this impact remains partial due to persistent institutional and legislative challenges. The research adopts a quantitative analytical approach by examining trends in FDI inflows, customs revenues, and foreign trade volumes, and by comparing average indicators across three economic stages to measure the impact of customs and investment reforms on.