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By John Lee.

The eight OPEC+ countries, including Iraq, have reaffirmed their coordinated approach to oil market stability and announced a collective production adjustment for August 2025.

In a virtual meeting held on 5 July, the group cited healthy market fundamentals and a stable global economic outlook as the basis for a 548,000 barrels per day increase in production from July levels. This adjustment forms part of a phased rollback of the 2.2 million bpd voluntary cuts initially agreed in April and November 2023, and formally endorsed on 5 December 2024.

The phased increases will unfold over four monthly increments, but the group reserved the right to pause or reverse these measures depending on market developments - a move designed to maintain price and inventory stability.

The countries also committed to accelerating compensation for any overproduction since January 2024 and reiterated full compliance with the Declaration of Cooperation. Compliance and market conditions will be monitored through monthly meetings, with the next scheduled for 3 August 2025 to decide on September output levels.

Full statement from OPEC:

Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman reaffirm commitment to market stability on current healthy oil market fundamentals and steady global economic outlook and adjust production

The eight OPEC+ countries, which previously announced additional voluntary adjustments in April and November 2023, namely Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman met virtually on 5 July 2025, to review global market conditions and outlook.

In view of a steady global economic outlook and current healthy market fundamentals, as reflected in the low oil inventories, and in accordance with the decision agreed upon on 5 December 2024 to start a gradual and flexible return of the 2.2 million barrels per day voluntary adjustments starting from 1 April 2025, the eight participating countries will implement a production adjustment of 548 thousand barrels per day in August 2025 from July 2025 required production level. This is equivalent to four monthly increments as detailed in the table below. The gradual increases may be paused or reversed subject to evolving market conditions. This flexibility will allow the group to continue to support oil market stability.

The eight OPEC+ countries also noted that this measure will provide an opportunity for the participating countries to accelerate their compensation. The eight countries reiterated their collective commitment to achieve full conformity with the Declaration of Cooperation, including the additional voluntary production adjustments that were agreed to be monitored by the JMMC during its 53rd meeting held on April 3rd 2024.

They also confirmed their intention to fully compensate for any overproduced volume since January 2024. The eight OPEC+ countries will hold monthly meetings to review market conditions, conformity, and compensation. The eight countries will meet on 3 August 2025 to decide on September production levels.

(Source: OPEC Secretariat)

By John Lee.

The opening of new Iraqi TIR corridors has enabled a dramatic reduction in transit times between Europe and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with journey durations cut from 24 days to just 10, according to a press release from the International Road Transport Union (IRU).

Polish logistics company Milton Group recently completed a round-trip from Poland to the UAE using Iraq's overland TIR transit system.

Carrying yacht engines and spare parts, the truck travelled through Poland, Bulgaria, Türkiye, Iraq, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia before reaching the UAE. The return leg to Poland was also completed overland, maintaining the 10-day timeframe for each direction.

The route passed into Iraq through the Ibrahim Al-Khalil border and exited via Traibeel [Terbil], highlighting Iraq's emergence as a strategic land bridge for trade between Europe and the GCC.

The corridor was made fully operational three months ago, with support from IRU members General Company for Land Transportation (GCLT) and Transforat. It forms part of Iraq's wider ambition to become a regional logistics and trade hub.

Milton Group COO Waleed Kassem called the development "a game changer," noting substantial time savings and enhanced logistics resilience by avoiding congested seaports.

IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto praised Iraq's efforts, saying this new connectivity offers "faster and more secure journey times" and greater resilience amid regional uncertainties.

See our Comprehensive Guide to Logistics in Iraq here.

Full statement from the International Road Transport Union (IRU):

From Europe to the GCC: New resilient Iraqi TIR routes slash journey times

With Iraq now fully operational in the TIR system, new faster and more flexible transport routes are opening between Europe and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. One example: from Poland to the United Arab Emirates in 10 days, more than halving the traditional 24-day journey.

Polish transport operator the Milton Group has successfully completed a roundtrip journey linking Poland to the GCC entirely by road, via Iraq's newly operational TIR corridors, with a journey time of 10 days compared to 24 days for traditional maritime-based multimodal routes.

The truck, with two drivers, transported yacht engines and spare parts from a Polish factory through the EU to Bulgaria, then through Türkiye, Iraq, Jordan and Saudi Arabia before arriving at the customer's facility in the UAE.

With the support of IRU members GCLT and Transforat and other partners, TIR corridors in Iraq became fully operational three months ago, reinforcing the country's aim to become a strategic regional logistics and trade hub.

Milton, already experienced in multimodal routes between Europe and the Middle East, has been among the first companies to test the new road links. In this case, the trucks entered Iraq from Türkiye via the Ibrahim Al-Khalil border crossing and exited to Jordan via Traibeel.

The results were striking: the full road journey took just 10 days, compared to the 24 days typically required for a multimodal route.

To further enhance the economic viability of the trip, Milton organised a return load from the UAE back to Poland, completing the roundtrip within the same timeframe.

Milton Group Chief Operating Officer Waleed Kassem said, "This new inland TIR transit corridor through Iraq is a game changer for trade between Europe and the Middle East.

"By bypassing congested seaports and offering a fully overland route, we've already reduced our door-to-door transit time from 24 days to just 10, a tremendous improvement.

"We see a huge opportunity in the development of this corridor and are proud to have taken part. At Milton, we look forward to scaling this route into a core pillar of efficient, secure, and time-sensitive logistics to the GCC region."

IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto said, "It is truly inspiring to witness the successful launch of this new TIR route through Iraq, seeing the fruits of years of preparations and planning by the Iraqi authorities come to life.

"This marks only the beginning of what promises to be a landmark development for resilient regional connectivity across the Middle East via Iraq, not only providing faster and more secure journey times, but offering significantly more route flexibility and resilience to transport and logistics operators to better manage regional uncertainty."

TIR is the only globally recognised trade facilitation tool, backed by the UN TIR convention and managed by IRU, ensuring the seamless, secure and cost-effective transit of goods across international borders.

(Source: IRU)

By John Lee.

With the TIR system now live in Iraq since April 2025, the Minister of Transport and industry leaders officially marked this milestone this week in Baghdad, signalling a new era for international logistics and trade.

The official launch of the global TIR transit system in Baghdad brought together the public and private sectors to celebrate this momentous achievement. The event was organised under the patronage of H.E. Razzaq Muhaibes Al-Saadawi, Iraq's Minister of Transport, and IRU members General Company for Land Transportation (GCLT) and Transforat.

Managed by the International Road Transport Union (IRU) under a UN mandate, TIR was created in 1949 in post-war Europe to rebuild devastated economies. Its mission then - making cross-border trade efficient and secure - is just as relevant today.

IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto, who delivered the keynote speech, said:

"Today, we celebrate the full implementation of the global TIR transit system in the Republic of Iraq. This is a hugely important step taken by the Iraqi government and supported by different stakeholders across the Iraqi administration.

"This new chapter for Iraq will revive and revamp the country's ancient role as a key crossroads in regional and international trade."

"What TIR did 75 years ago for Europe, it has continued to do ever since for Türkiye, the Caucasus, Central Asia, China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and now, Iraq."

According to a statement from IRU, demand for TIR has soared in the Middle East, growing over 400 percent between 2023 and 2024.

It adds that, alongside robust security, the system's phenomenal success in the region stems from its efficiency and speed - cutting transport times by up to 92% across GCC borders, for example.

"The success of the first shipments that have already transited your borders under TIR is a noteworthy milestone in this journey and a precursor of future success," said Umberto de Pretto.

Logistics and transport companies are starting TIR operations from departure points such as Mersin, Türkiye, to the GCC via the Iraqi seaport of Umm Qasr. With TIR, this journey is being completed securely in less than a week, compared to a minimum of 14 days via the Red Sea, or up to 26 days if the ship needs to reroute around Africa.

In a fully inland operation, a shipment from Poland to the UAE via Türkiye and Iraq was completed in a record 12 days. According to the operator, a multimodal operation via the Red Sea would have taken at least 21 days.

TIR's electronic pre-declaration system (TIR-EPD) has also been integrated with Iraq's URUK platform, enabling the submission of advance cargo information. Trucks can be closely monitored using GPS tracking throughout their journey, while regular checkpoints ensure cargo and transport security.

"Today, we are not merely launching a transit system. We are celebrating a new chapter in Iraq's journey towards prosperity, connectivity and global relevance. The best chapters of Iraq's history are still to be written," concluded Umberto de Pretto.

In high-level talks, IRU and the Minister of Transport discussed next steps to build on this momentum and support Iraq's Development Road Project. They also explored the opening of new inland customs offices for the clearance of goods transported under TIR.

Umberto de Pretto also held bilateral meetings with Lieutenant General Sami Radi (Advisor to the Prime Minister on ports, customs and transport affairs), Lieutenant General Dr Omar Adnan Al-Waeli (President of Iraq's Border Ports Authority), Thamer Qasim Daoud (Director General of the Iraqi General Customs Authority) and Murtada Karim Al-Shahmani (General Manager and Chairman of the Board of Directors of GCLT).

See our Comprehensive Guide to Logistics in Iraq here.

(Sources: IRU, Ministry of Transport)

By Samer Khraishi, Regional Director for Account Management and Business Development, GCC, Iraq and Jordan at BPC. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News.

Modernising Iraq's Financial Infrastructure: The Rise of Digital Payments

Iraq's financial infrastructure has long been in need of significant transformation. With less than 20% of the population owning a bank account, Iraq has one of the lowest financial inclusion rates in the Middle East, paling in comparison to 54% in Saudi Arabia and 69% in the UAE.

In an effort to close this gap, the Iraqi government and financial sector have focused on the adoption of digital payments, with over two trillion Iraqi dinars worth of e-payment transactions recorded in August 2024 alone. The growing shift towards digital-first payment solutions, enabled by partnerships with global fintech partners, is beginning to bridge the shortfall in financial inclusion and power economic growth across Iraq.

Retiring Iraq's Legacy Infrastructure

Iraq's financial sector has faced challenges in expanding its customer base and has experienced limited banking penetration, leaving a large portion of the population unbanked and dependent on informal financial systems. This low access to formal banking services has left many Iraqis unable to take advantage of modern financial products and services, reducing savings rates and fostering financial instability among individuals and businesses.

Further compounding this issue is widespread reliance on outdated regulatory frameworks, disincentivising the adoption of modern financial technology including cloud-based solutions. In addition, Iraq's financial institutions are hampered by legacy systems often unable to support modern solutions, increasing the complexity of implementing faster, more secure digital payment platforms. Replacing legacy infrastructure will allow financial institutions to enhance transaction speed, strengthen fraud prevention efforts, and expand their services in line with international payment standards.

Laying the Foundations for Digital Transformation

Over the past few years, the Iraqi government has taken crucial steps to address these challenges and modernise the financial system of one of the fastest growing economies in the Middle East. The Ministry of Planning, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI), recently introduced mandates requiring financial institutions to upgrade their digital and technical systems. These upgrades are intended to align Iraq's banking sector with international standards, especially in the key areas of fraud prevention, anti-money laundering (AML), and cybersecurity.

In line with these modernisation efforts, the CBI is promoting digital financial services, particularly among younger age groups with higher smartphone adoption. This shift is expected to foster a generation more reliant on card payments and digital transactions, moving away from Iraq's dependency on cash. The CBI is also accelerating digital transformation by granting a higher number of licences to Payment Service Providers (PSPs) and introducing digital banking licences. These initiatives align with the CBI's goal of building a digital-first economy, paving the way for faster and more secure infrastructure in Iraq's financial industry.

As part of these ongoing efforts, Iraqi banks are adopting advanced cybersecurity defences to combat rising cyber threats as the country embraces digital transformation. Key measures include encryption, multi-factor authentication, AI-driven threat detection, and real-time monitoring. Banks are also enhancing access control with biometric authentication, securing online transactions with encryption and tokenisation, and implementing Security Incident and Event Management (SIEM) systems. Protecting both institutions and their users from these threats is key to building trust in Iraq's digital financial infrastructure.

Complementing these financial sector advancements, Iraq's e-government initiatives are digitalising public services, such as the Ministry of Interior's adoption of digital systems for processing visas and passports. Through collaboration between the Ministry of Interior and PSP partner Tabadul, Electronic Payment Gateways are being implemented, streamlining payments for e-visas and passports, and furthering the country's digital transformation.

The Key Role of Fintech in Iraq's Digital Transformation

Technology vendors are playing an essential role in Iraq's digital transformation journey. Companies like BPC, with global expertise and modern future-proven solutions, can help both startups and established financial institutions implement secure, scalable platforms that meet local regulatory requirements.

In addition, banks and payment providers in Iraq are increasingly collaborating with global fintech partners to enhance their fraud prevention capabilities. By integrating fintech solutions into their systems, they can offer more secure and reliable services to their customers, monitoring and preventing threads from both local and international bad actors.

For instance, Qi Card has enhanced its digital payment capabilities, allowing users to access government salaries and conduct transactions with biometric authentication. Similarly, Cihan Bank is pioneering mobile banking applications by providing customers with convenient access to their accounts.

Public sector support has been strong with the Kurdistan Regional Government's MyAccount initiative so far registering over 600,000 civil servants with their own bank accounts. The initiative aims to ensure one million civil servants have their own bank accounts with around 1,000 ATMs available across the region.

Additionally, BPC provides a platform that enables banks to issue digital payment cards, facilitate QR code payments, and enhance mobile banking solutions. These technologies are especially valuable in regions where access to traditional banking services is limited, helping to promote financial inclusion across the country.

The Road Ahead for Iraq's Financial Infrastructure

The introduction of mobile banking solutions, as demonstrated by fintechs including Zain Cash, has helped to bring financial services to underserved populations in Iraq. Zain Cash alone has onboarded over 1.2 million users, allowing them to make payments, send remittances, and conduct financial transactions without needing a traditional bank account. This growth in mobile wallets will to be a key driver in expanding access to financial services, particularly in rural areas where traditional banking infrastructure is limited, boating financial inclusion the country.

Furthermore, modernising Iraq's financial systems could significantly boost economic growth. Digital payments can formalise Iraq's economy and bring small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into the banking system, whilst also enabling access to key financial tools. With SMEs making up 88% of businesses in Iraq, providing them with access to digital finance promises spur economic development and transform the Iraqi economy.

Click here to learn more about digital banking in The Middle East.

By John Lee.

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani oversaw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the National Investment Commission (NIC) and Egypt's Talaat Moustafa Group for Real Estate Development (TMG) to develop part of the economic zone in Al-Rafeel [Rafael] City, west of Baghdad.

The agreement involves Iraqi-Egyptian-Saudi investment and includes participation from Saudi Arabia's Al Muhaidib Group.

The MoU aims to attract investments across multiple sectors and was accompanied by a presentation of city plans, covering land allocation, infrastructure, schools, hotels, and service facilities.

Al-Sudani reiterated the government's commitment to facilitating investment and accelerating strategic development initiatives. Talaat Moustafa Group CEO Hisham Talaat Moustafa confirmed readiness to initiate implementation procedures.

(Source: Media Office of the Prime Minister)

By John Lee.

Talaat Moustafa Group Holding (TMG Holding) has confirmed that it is in advanced negotiations with Iraq's National Investment Commission (NIC) to develop a large-scale mixed-use project southwest of Baghdad, marking a major step in its regional expansion.

The project, spanning approximately 14 million square metres [14,000 donums; 1,400 hectares], is expected to comprise around 45,000 mixed-use residential and commercial units. The company says the project aims to replicate TMG's integrated city model successfully implemented in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, incorporating sustainability, smart technologies, and comprehensive infrastructure.

In a statement to the Egyptian Stock Exchange, TMG said it estimates the project will generate total sales of around $17 billion, with annual recurring revenues exceeding $1.5 billion once fully operational. The group anticipates receiving the land allocation from the Iraqi authorities by year-end.

This initiative, to be developed through TMG Saudi, aligns with the company's strategy to boost foreign exchange earnings, hedge against local currency volatility, and reinforce its leadership in exporting real estate and tourism models to regional markets.

TMG Holding stated that it will continue to update shareholders on any material progress regarding the Iraq project, in line with Egyptian Stock Exchange disclosure requirements.

(Source: TMG Holding)

By John Lee.

Iraq's Ministry of Industry and Minerals has announced the signing of a strategic agreement between Iraq's State Company for Glass and Refractories and Saudi-based Ajial Company to develop the largest integrated industrial complex in the region based on silica as a core raw material.

The deal was signed under the patronage of Minister Prof. Eng. Khaled Battal Al-Najm.

The complex, to be located in Anbar province, will support a wide range of future industrial projects, including the production of flat glass, bottles and jars, ceramic sanitary ware, ceramic wall and floor tiles, glass electrical insulators, sodium silicate, and other silica-based products.

According to the Ministry, this initiative marks a major step forward in Iraq-Saudi industrial collaboration and is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits. The facility will utilise Iraq's abundant silica resources to boost industrial output, create job opportunities, and reinforce economic sustainability.

Minister Al-Najm highlighted that the agreement aligns with the Ministry's vision to enhance Iraq's industrial capabilities and diversify income sources through the utilisation of local raw materials. He described the deal as a turning point in bilateral industrial cooperation and a critical contribution to strengthening the industrial base in Iraq.

(Source: Ministry of Industry and Minerals)

By John Lee.

Minister of Electricity Ziyad Ali Fadel held what he described as a productive meeting with representatives of ACWA Power of Saudi Arabia, one of the world's leading renewable energy companies, to finalise contracting procedures for the establishment of a 1,000-megawatt solar power plant in Najaf.

The two sides agreed on a roadmap to expedite the completion of this strategic project, seen as a major step towards diversifying Iraq's energy sources and leveraging the country's significant solar potential to meet rising electricity demand.

Minister Fadel noted that the Najaf Solar Power Plant forms part of a broader package of strategic initiatives, which also includes the 1,000-megawatt "Shams Basra" project being developed by Total of France in Basra, and another 525-megawatt project in Babil and Karbala being implemented by a local company [Al-Bilal Group].

These projects are expected to significantly strengthen Iraq's electricity network and support long-term energy sustainability.

Minister of Oil, Hayan Abdul-Ghani, also met with a representative of ACWA Power at the weekend, during his visit to London.

(Sources: Ministry of Electricity; Ministry of Oil)

From the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News.

Fresh solutions: youth tackle tomato waste in Iraq

When Zaid, a veterinarian and university lecturer, decided to enter a hackathon to dream up innovations in agriculture, he turned to the past to find a name for his team. He chose the name NABU to honour the ancient Mesopotamian deity, revered as the god of wisdom, agricultural prosperity and abundant harvests. With this inspiration, the team was determined to tackle a pressing issue facing farmers in the Ninewa region of Iraq: tomato waste.

'We wanted to address the massive food waste during peak tomato seasons, where farmers often discard excess tomatoes,' said Zaid. 'Our goal was to transform these surplus tomatoes into valuable products.'

A meeting of minds at the hackathon

The team's journey began at the EU-funded hackathon in February, where they came together to create something that could solve a real-world problem.

'Some of us had backgrounds in agriculture, while others were involved in different initiatives, but the hackathon was where it all clicked,' said Isen, a team member with deep agricultural roots. It was here that NABU's core idea took shape: turning surplus tomatoes into dried food products.

Each item is crafted from surplus tomatoes, showcasing a practical and sustainable solution to seasonal food waste in Iraq. Photo: © UN in Iraq

'We were inspired to create value-added products that could provide both a sustainable solution for farmers and a nutritious option for consumers,' said Huda, a member with a diploma in finance and a current student in management information systems.

The products they envisioned included dried tomato slices, tomato powders, and tomatoes preserved in olive oil-natural products that could be sold locally and eventually internationally.

Turning vision into reality

During the hackathon, the team refined their idea and expanded it.

'We realized that drying wasn't enough-we needed to add more value,' said Zaid. 'That's when we introduced different forms of tomato powder and even began to explore the potential health benefits of tomatoes, like extracting lycopene, known for its anti-aging and anti-cancer properties.'

Collaboration during the event was crucial.

'The hackathon provided a competitive and dynamic environment that pushed us to think critically about how to turn our idea into a viable business,' said Islam, a young journalist.

Participants brainstorm ideas during the Agri Hackathon, where young minds came together to tackle local farming challenges. Photo: © UN in Iraq

By the end of the competition, NABU had refined a business model that set them on the path to becoming local food innovators.

Expanding the vision: Rabiyan, the local brand

After winning first place and receiving a grant of 2.5 million Iraqi dinars (about $1,900), NABU began investing in product development.

'We used the grant to scale our production process, making sure our products were fully packaged and ready for the market,' said Saja, who has a degree in physics and was instrumental in turning the vision into a tangible product. 'We're actively looking for additional funding to grow our business and increase our reach,' Isen added.

Winning team showcases their tomato-derived creations, developed to transform surplus crops into valuable goods. Photo: © UN in Iraq

Their brand, Rabiyan, was named after a region in Mosul known for its high tomato production. 'Rabiyan is synonymous with tomatoes in our community,' said Zaid. 'By naming our brand after this place, we wanted to highlight the local nature of our products.' The team was determined to push forward, knowing that the road to success wouldn't be easy. 'We've faced challenges, especially in terms of customer trust and market penetration, but we believe in the quality and health benefits of our products,' said Noor, who has a background in veterinary medicine.

Building customer trust and looking to the future

The team has been working on building customer trust in their products, especially since dried tomato products are new to the Iraqi market.

'People are interested, but we need to work harder to convince them that our product is of the highest quality,' Huda said. They have been using social media, local exhibitions, and even offering free samples to increase awareness and customer confidence.

After securing first place at the Agri Hackathon and winning a grant of 2.5 million Iraqi dinars, the team behind NABU began transforming their vision into a growing product line. Photo: © UN in Iraq

Looking ahead, NABU aims to expand the Rabiyan brand across Iraq and into Gulf countries, with a focus on markets such as Saudi Arabia, where demand for high-quality, locally produced products is steadily increasing.

'Believe in your idea. Even if it seems small or crazy at first, keep pushing. You never know where it can lead you,' Zaid added.

NABU's journey from a hackathon idea to a growing business is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and perseverance. With a strong local foundation and an eye on international markets, the team is poised for continued success. 'We started with just one tomato,' said Huda. 'Now we have four products-and we're just getting started.'

The agricultural hackathon was organized by the International Trade Centre in partnership with Mosul Space under the EU-funded SAAVI project.

(Source: UNDP)

From the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC):

How Iraq is Modernising and Diversifying its Growing Economy

For the last three years Iraq has enjoyed relative stability, good oil prices and a growing economy. For those who invested in the Iraqi stock market, returns of over 100% are common and GDP in 2025 is estimated to be up to 5%.

Oil and Gas sales has driven this expansion, but other factors such as sovereign wealth funds are now encouraged by the GOI's stability to invest, such as the Saudis with their Public investment fund, the Qataris ( both government and private sector, and the Gulf states, have driven around $3.5bn investment into infrastructure, housing and the development road initiative, in addition to Iraqis investing in consumer real estate such as cafes and housing  all feeding off economic and political confidence. The government has also pledged up to $400bn of investment into development, infrastructure and the Al Fawr port complex and the new $15bn trade deal with UK for cyber, telco and defence support.

At IBBCs Baghdad conference in February, over 350 business delegates flocked to hear the leading minsters or oil, communications, foreign affairs and key advisors to the Prime Minister, expand on opportunities in Iraq, where the atmosphere was palpably enthusiastic to participate in the new Iraq economy.

Beyond Infrastructure we also see expansion in Schooling and Universities, in more diverse services such as travel, tech and professional services like law and banking. Collaboration with international companies and countries is key to Iraq's evolution, as new skills and technologies are coming into the country, driven by international confidence in Iraq. Iraq needs a more skilled workforce to enable engineering and business expansion, and companies like Unihouse and Mselect are supporting these skills.

Indeed, IBBCs membership mix reflects this diversification, modernisation and internationalisation of the economy: private schools, training and skills companies, tech and media companies, high end added value design, and the establishment of Agritech and marine sector companies bringing expertise into the country like DPD, AL Zaman Group(Marine Shipbuilding company Uk Ltd ) Gold Sponsors, and CJ-ICM.

At our Spring Conference at the Mansion House on June 3rd we will showcase the leaders in these new sectors and explain why they are now investing and establishing in Iraq. You will also meet the best of British expertise, through the sagacity of Lord Howell on energy, Lord Green on banking, Professor Frank Gunter with his report on Iraq Entrepreneurs, and from Iraq the minister of Transport, who will outline the significant infrastructure opportunities, as well as other Iraqi officials soon to be confirmed. Underpinning UK investment the UKEF CEO, Tim Reid, will present how companies can access the £billions in UK trade guarantees, Jon Wilks CMG ( former Ambassador) will articulate his much anticipated geo political insights and dynamics especially with an election looming and developments in Syria, Iran and the Middle East, The IFC on investment initiatives led by Hogan Lovells (Gold sponsor) and with TBI (Gold Sponsor), and key IBBC companies in energy, finance , maritime, agritech, tech and education will be evident on stage. For those wanting more interactive discussion there are roundtables on Entrepreneurship, Growth, Transport (with Sardar, Gold Sponsors), Education and a special Tourism and heritage panel and exhibition. On 2nd June will be a special networking reception at the Mansion house for delegates, and the Tech forum online - covering how AI and Tech support the services sector- including its use in education, investment and Pharma.

To view the latest speaker, line up and to register, please go to this link on IBBCs website.

While the worlds stock markets are in turmoil, for once, Iraq presents a beacon of economic and social stability as it takes the long march towards modernity and diversification of its economy. Come and hear how this is happening and meet the people who are making it happen. Register here for the IBBC Mansion House conference.

Gold sponsors include: Trade bank of Iraq, Sardar Group and Al Zaman Group (Marine Shipbuilding company Uk Ltd), Hogan Lovells International LLP