ARTICLE AD BOX
  Sandy Ingram Â
What is Article VIII?  Â
 Article VIII outlines key rules for countries in the IMF framework...
Member countries agree not to hinder international transactions for trade, services or travel. They can't block money flowing in or out without IMF approval. It forbids discriminatory currency actions...It ensures convertibility of foreign held currency.Â
 Member nations must convert foreign held balances into their own currency or special drawing rights (SDRs) when used for acceptable currency transactions.Â
 Accepting Article VIII signals a country is committed to open and fair currency practices.
 It boosts trade, builds investor trust and integrates the nation into the global economy.  Iraq does not yet have Article VIII status.