Member News

IBBC in partnership with UAE Business Council and with the support of the British Chambers of Commerce in Dubai and in Abu Dhabi are holding a joint webinar to discuss the business environment in Iraq. IBBC has been established in 2009 and is the most successful international business organisation in Iraq. The following topics will be discuss with IBBC members operating in Iraq:

• Current stable situation internally and how its leading to business opportunities as Iraq diversifies the economy.
• A market overview and how to establish a business in Iraq.
• The IBBC Basrah Conference 3-5th December and what to expect.

Speakers:

• Jon Wilks CMG, Senior Advisor IBBC and Former Ambassador to Iraq
• Bradley Jones, Executive Director, UAE-UK Business Council
• John Kitchen, COO, Defaf Alkgaleej Security, Iraq
• David Tannourji, Operations Manager, Mselect
• Amar Shubar, Partner, Management Partners

Register for the webinar here

Background briefing for UAE companies

IBBC is pleased to be offering our insights into the current situation in Iraq – from an economic and political perspective. The Government has created stability and security across Iraq, especially during the more turbulent activities in the region, Iraq is starting to look relatively tranquil. The FCDO has lowered its travel advice to amber for most of the country. A recent article in the Economist said that Baghdad was booming. The sustained oil prices and calm trading conditions, backed by over $400bn of government investment in Infrastructure and modernisation has had a marked effect on the economy, growing constantly above 4% pa. FDI has also reached $100bn in the last two years as investors have return to Iraq and the many infrastructural and diversified economic opportunities have emerged.

Jon Wilks, former ambassador, will be outlining the geopolitical situation in Iraq and the region, with reference to Iran, Israel and the new power structures and opportunity for business to expand cross border.

John Kitchen of Defaf, knows the terrain well and how best to support incoming businesses in Basra, whilst David Tannourji of Mselect has a strong handle on the recruitment dynamics and what international companies need from a workforce, including their annual employment survey insights. Amar Shubar of Management partners advises the government and Central Bank on strategy and how best to implement the digital economy and modernise banking and finance. In short, you will hear directly from current practitioners on the ground, with first hand experience of working in Iraq. IBBC itself has expanded with a range of new members in diverse areas of the economy from Maritime to Innovative tech, healthcare and education and investment companies. As a long-standing business council, we have over 75 corporate members, willing to collaborate with each other in a transparent and ethical manner, and with access to the ear of Government and interpretation of the law.

There is much to discover, and we have not even covered energy !