Tag Archives | United Kingdom

Iraq Partners with Vodafone for Govt-Owned 5G Network

By John Lee. The Iraqi Ministry of Communications has signed an agreement with UK's Vodafone to establish a new 5G telecommunications network fully owned by Iraq. The agreement outlines Vodafone's role in preparing the network for launch, providing expertise in network design, commercial strategies, and business growth planning. A memorandum of understanding was also signed […]

UK Firm reportedly Wins Gas-Field Contract in Iraq

By John Lee. UK-based Fulkrum, which describes itself as "a leading inspection, expediting, auditing and technical staffing service provider," has reportedly won a multi-million-dollar contract to provide surveillance services for a major gas hub development project in Iraq. According to a report from Oilfield Technology, the company has also registered a new entity in Basra […]

Genel Energy Loses Iraq Arbitration Case

By John Lee. Genel Energy has announced that a British court has dismissed its claim for damages from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) for loss of Genel's rights to develop the Bina Bawi and Miran fields in Iraqi Kurdistan. In a statement made after the close of trading in London on Monday, the company said […]

UK, Iraq sign "landmark" Agreement to tackle Organised Crime

By John Lee. The British Home Secretary has signed a joint statement with Iraq to tackle people smuggling and organised crime networks operating across the region and in Europe. During a 3-day official visit to Iraq, Yvette Cooper spoke to ministers from the Federal Government of Iraq and met ministers in the Kurdistan Regional Government […]

"Very Competitive Terms" - BP sees Kirkuk Oil Field Deal by Feb

By John Lee. British oil major BP aims to finalise an agreement to develop Iraq's Kirkuk oil field by February, CEO Murray Auchincloss (pictured) announced at the Energy Intelligence Forum. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in August with Iraq's Oil Minister covers redeveloping the 20-billion-barrel field and adjacent sites, including gas, solar, and exploration […]

Iraq Selects Vodafone for 5G National Telecom Licence

By John Lee. Iraq's Minister of Communications, Dr. Hayam Al-Yasiri, announced the Cabinet's approval of British multinational Vodafone as the operator for the national 5G mobile licence. The decision follows recommendations from the Ministry's negotiation team. The Ministry will formally notify Vodafone to begin negotiations on a memorandum of understanding, outlining preparatory steps for project […]

IBBC Education Conference to address Iraq's Higher Education Strategy

From the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC): IBBC education conference to address Iraq's higher education strategy in skills and training. Education is becoming a significant topic in Iraq as the economy diversifies and expands, the country modernises and raises its economic ambitions and realises the potential of its growing youth population. Demography is driving the […]

UK names New Ambassador to Iraq

By John Lee. Mr Irfan Siddiq OBE has been appointed as the United Kingdom's Ambassador to the Republic of Iraq in succession to Mr Stephen Hitchen who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Siddiq will take up his appointment during March 2025. He is currently British High Commissioner to Cyprus, and has […]

EY advises on Iraq Banking Reforms, with Focus on Rafidain Bank

By John Lee. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani chaired a meeting focused on the reform of Iraq's banking sector, particularly Rafidain Bank, with representatives from Ernst & Young (EY) presenting recommendations. Key proposals included updating the bank's legal status, capital structure, and strategy to align with global banking standards. The recommendations will be submitted […]

EdgeNext and Commercis announce Partnership for Iraq Expansion

By John Lee. Cloud infrastructure and edge computing services company EdgeNext has announced a strategic partnership with Commercis, a UK-based connectivity, cybersecurity, and innovative IT solutions provider. According to a press release, this collaboration will enable the expansion of EdgeNext's cloud delivery services throughout Iraq, "bringing transformative improvements to the country's digital landscape." It continues: […]

Iraq: Expanding Opportunities at the IBBC Conference

From the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC): Iraq is making a significant comeback, presenting the private sector with an increasing array of opportunities to invest and contribute to its ongoing development. The Sudani government has not only introduced stability and reforms but is also investing in a wide range of infrastructure projects that promise growth […]

Iraq Rethinks Bank Merger Plans

By John Lee. Iraq's Cabinet has revised an earlier decision to merge its Agricultural, Industrial and Real Estate Banks. At the start of 2024, the Cabinet approved a contract with UK-based professional services firm Ernst & Young (EY) to study the merger of Industrial Bank, Real Estate Bank, and Agricultural Bank [Agricultural Cooperative Bank?] into […]