By John Lee. The Iraqi private sector confronts significant obstacles that must be addressed to unlock the country's economic potential, according to Professor Frank Gunter of Lehigh University, speaking at the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) Spring Conference in London recently. Professor Gunter identified four critical challenges hampering private enterprise development in Iraq: Finance: Iraqi […]
By John Lee. Hussein Afshin, Assistant to the Iranian President for Scientific and Technical Affairs and the Knowledge Economy, has reportedly proposed establishing a joint Iran-Iraq artificial intelligence (AI) centre on one of Iran's islands. Speaking during a meeting in Tehran with Ali Razzouqi, Deputy Head of the Office of the Iraqi Prime Minister, Afshin […]
By John Lee. Baghdad-based advertising firm 4 Corners Creative Agency has announced that it has been acquired in full by Al-Mathar Group, marking what it describes as, "a strategic step aimed at supporting the agency's growth and strengthening its position in both the local and regional markets." 4 Corners was founded in 2016 by Ameer […]
By John Lee. The Iraqi Army Aviation Command has begun equipping newly-delivered French-made Caracal helicopters at Martyr Brigadier General Mohammed Alaa Air Base. According to a statement from the Ministry of Defense, this initiative is part of a broader plan to strengthen the operational capabilities of Iraq's Army Aviation. The Caracal helicopters are equipped for […]
By John Lee. The Iraqi Securities Commission (ISC) has announced new efforts to enhance the attractiveness of the Iraq Stock Exchange (ISX), focusing on corporate governance and expanding the base of listed companies. State-run Iraqi News Agency (INA) quotes ISC board member Wadhah al-Taha as saying that the launch of a corporate governance guide marks […]
By John Lee. Iraqi Kurdistan's 'Visit Kurdistan' platform was formally launched on Tuesday. The private-sector-led initiative is focused on advancing the Kurdistan Region's tourism sector and attracting international visitors. During the event, KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani delivered a speech in which he emphasized that the KRG, as part of its development agenda across all […]
By John Lee. Dr. Mohamed Al Hassan, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq, delivered a briefing to the UN Security Council on Tuesday, at the start of which he highlighted "Iraq's drive towards more stability, more prosperity, and closer regional integration." With just over six months remaining before UNAMI's mandate ends, Dr Hassan […]
By John Lee. The Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) hosted a very informative Tech Forum on the topic of "How Tech and AI can benefit services and entrepreneurs in Iraq and internationally'", as part of its Spring Conference in London last week. The session was chaired by Ashley Goodall, and speakers included: William Page, 1001.tv […]
By John Lee. UK-based NGO Oxfam has published a new report titled, "The Private Sphere Trap -- Women and the climate crisis in Iraq." The report argues: "Women in Iraq are traditionally limited to only taking leading roles in spaces that have customarily been seen as their responsibility, such as care provision, raising children, and […]
By Padraig O'Hannelly. Iraq is experiencing unprecedented stability and security, creating significant opportunities for international businesses, according to Abir Burhan, Company Director of Al-Burhan Group (ABG), speaking at the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) Spring Conference in London. Burhan outlined how the operating environment has transformed dramatically over the past year, with the Iraqi government […]
By John Lee. Iraq's Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Mr Ahmed Al-Asadi, has confirmed his country's readiness to provide all possible facilitation for Lebanese workers in Iraq, provided that they comply with legal procedures designed to ensure their rights and protection. The remarks were made during a meeting with Lebanon's Minister of Labour, Dr […]
By John Lee. The European Union (EU) has confirmed it will maintain operational restrictions on Iraqi air carriers following a technical review that found insufficient progress in the country's aviation safety oversight capabilities. Iraqi Airways and Fly Baghdad remain on the EU's banned carrier list, with both airlines subject to operating restrictions imposed in December […]
