The Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), Masrour Barzani, on Saturday met Baroness Emma Nicholson, President of the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC). Prime Minister Barzani highlighted the reforms of the ninth cabinet, its bid to diversify the economy and crucially to make the Kurdistan Region a focal point for business. Baroness Nicholson […]
A high-level meeting between the United Nations and international donors took place in Baghdad to discuss the United Nations' updated development strategy for Iraq. The meeting focused on the 2020-2024 United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), which was signed by the Government of Iraq in September. The UN was represented by the Deputy Special […]
By John Lee. The Iraqi Ministry of Oil has officially established the new Basra Energy Company (BECL), which will be the main contractor at the giant Rumaila oilfield, under a Technical Service Contract (TSC). Representing BECL at the ceremony, Zaid Elyaseri (BP) said the field will be developed to reach a peak production of 1.7 […]
The Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) has hosted a very successful Tech Forum as part of its Autumn Conference in Dubai on Monday. Sponsored by SAP, the session focused on the applications and benefits of data to the Iraqi economy. Speakers included: Padraig O'Hannelly, Iraq Business News (IBN); Sean O'Brien, SAP; Christopher Ferguson, Scott Logic; […]
By John Lee. The Iraqi Ministry of Health has signed the contract for the construction of the Shatrah General Hospital, in Dhi Qar governorate. Acting Minister of Health, Dr. Hani Al-Uqabi, signed the contract with a Jordanian company to build the 200-bed facility, with funding including a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). […]
ZoodPay, the "Buy Now Pay Later" (BNPL) app, has announced that it has successfully completed a $38-million Series B fundraising. London based VC Sturgeon Capital, Zain Group's venture capital arm 'Zain Ventures', and other existing investors joined the funding round. Headquartered in Switzerland, the ZoodPay & ZoodMall app has already more than 8 million users […]
As a measure of confidence in the global and Iraqi economy, the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) is seeing a marked upswing in quality and quantity of speakers at the Autumn Conference at the Address hotel, Dubai 22nd November. The topic, in line with COP26 and the new energy horizon, is one of sustainability. Not […]
By John Lee. The UK-based Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD), a business unit of Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW), has won two contracts with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Iraq: Lot 1: Residential certified Project Management Course, delivered to Directorate for Mine Action (DMA) in Baghdad. Contract value $21,738; Lot 2: Residential certified […]
IFC, National Bank of Iraq Partner to Boost Access to Finance for SMEs, Create Jobs To support the growth of smaller businesses in Iraq and help them create jobs and overcome challenges, including from COVID-19-related disruptions, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced an investment for the National Bank of Iraq (NBI). IFC's $10 million […]
Following a successful investigation and conviction of four individuals for corruption at Unaoil, the UK's Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has recovered criminal gains of almost £100,000 from a former senior executive. The full amount must now be paid into the public purse within 28 days. Earlier this year, the SFO was praised by HM Crown […]
By John Lee. Italian energy company Eni S.p.A has signed an agreement with UniHouse to execute the Talented Iraqi Program. Under the scheme, high-caliber, talented Iraqi students will be placed in the UK to study for Bachelor of Medicine degrees. UniHouse will provide a full range of services, including preparation, exams, orientation, and in-country academic […]
By John Lee. Shares in Petrofac were trading up more than 7 percent on Monday, as the company was ordered to pay GBP 77 million [$105 million] after the UK's Serious Fraud Office (SFO) secured further convictions in its investigation into bribery and corruption at the Jersey-registered energy services company. On Friday, Petrofac Limited pleaded […]
