The following is the text of a speech to be delivered this morning by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who is addressing the Iraq Britain Business Council’s 4th London Conference on the theme: "Iraq: The Road To Success?" This conference I know is one of several taking place that highlight the economic opportunity Iraq […]
By John Lee. The U.S.-Iraqi company Markez Inc. has reportedly won another contract to build homes in Iraq. According to a report from Bloomberg, the company has signed a $150 million contract to build 800 homes in the south-west of Baghdad. Building will start in the first quarter of 2013 and the project will be […]
By John Lee. The new Syrian Ambassador in Baghdad, Sattam Jadaan Al Dandah, presented his credentials to Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari on Thursday. During the meeting, they discussed relations between the two countries and peoples, in addition to the developments of the Syrian crisis. The Minister stressed the ministry's readiness to provide assistance and support […]
By John Lee. United States Ambassador Stephen Beecroft (pictured) inaugurated the U.S. Pavilion at the 39th Baghdad International Fair. The U.S. Pavilion houses booths for over 35 organizations, including 24 companies, seven universities, and three U.S. government agencies. The Pavilion features bilingual staff to welcome visitors and connect them with appropriate companies or universities, as […]
More and more Iraqis are frequenting restaurants in Baghdad and in other major cities across the country to eat the signature dish "masgoof", as once rampant violence has declined. As a result, the fishing industry and restaurants serving the iconic cut-open carp that is best eaten in groups, are seeing a boom: (Source: AFP)
By John Lee. The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for Iraq, Mr. Martin Kobler, has welcomed the decision announced on 30 October 2012 by the Government of Iraq to set 20 April 2013 as the date for the forthcoming Governorate Council elections, following consultations with the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC). “Setting […]
The British Embassy in Iraq has launched the competition for this year’s Chevening Scholarships in Iraq. This year, the programme is looking for applications from the fields of energy, the private sector, the public sector, good governance, human rights, security and rule of law but applications from other fields may also be considered. To apply […]
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has announced that it are now accepting applications for two U.S. Government-sponsored exchange programs aimed at fostering mutual understanding and developing leadership skills. The programs provide Iraqi students and academics with networking and professional development opportunities with their American peers and colleagues. These programs work to support the goals of […]
By John Lee. The Iraqi government has decided to grant both Sudan and Yemen a total of $15 million. The Republic of Sudan is to get $10 million in the form of direct funding to Sudan's federal budget for FY 2013. "The funds will be channeled to the post-conflict rehabilitation in Darfur region, west Sudan," […]
By John Lee. Petronor, the Dubai-based international services company, is launching the second phase of Iraq Energy City (IEC), fully equipped international community in Basra, catering to the oil and gas industry. Located 20 minutes from Basra International Airport, IEC offers accommodation and commercial real estate to international companies looking to enter the Iraq market, according […]
Genel Energy has issued its Interim Management Statement for the period from 1 July 2012 to 31 October 2012. Highlights 2012 production guidance increased to c45,000 bopd following the resumption of export sales in August. Sales revenue guidance for 2012 remains unchanged at c $250 - 300 million Following the resumption of exports in August, […]
By John Lee. Paolo Scaroni, the CEO of Italian oil and gas company Eni, spoke out on Wednesday to complain about the difficulties of doing business in Iraq. "Our adrenaline rush now is not what it was when we entered Iraq", he said ,"[it's] more complex than we first thought." On one hand, we could […]
