11th April, 2019

A delegation Baghdad Chamber of Commerce visited the Chamber premises on 11^th April. Led by Mr Jaafar Rasool Jaafar Al-Hamadani, Chairman, Baghdad Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the trade mission included representatives of companies in the trading, construction, investment, tourism, transport and other commercial activities.

The event highlighted huge business opportunities for UK investors available in the Iraqi market and attracted many British business executives. The Iraqi companies were visiting London to meet potential investors and business partner to explore the opportunities for strengthening links between the UK and Iraq private sectors.

The delegation was accompanied by officials from the Iraq Embassy in London including Mr Nazar Mirjan Mohammed, Iraq’s Charge d’Affairs.

Welcoming the delegation, Mr Abdeslam El-Idrissi, Deputy CEO and Secretary General, ABCC, delivered greetings from the Chamber’s Chairman, the Rt Hon Baroness Symons, and from CEO Mr Bandar Reda.

Mr Nazar Mirjan Mohammed spoke of the role of the chambers of commerce in building stronger business contacts between the two countries. He stated that the Baghdad Chamber was one of the oldest in Iraq having been established in 1926. The Iraqi Charge d’Affairs stressed that his country’s economy was currently undergoing a major transformation which offered an increased role for the private sector.

He looked forward to the trade mission leading to a reinforcement of bilateral trade relations and paid tribute to the ABCC for its work in support of Iraq. He urged British companies to recognise the investment potential of Iraq because of its abundant natural and human resources and strategic geographical position.

For his part, Mr Jaafar Rasool Jaafar Al-Hamadani reiterated the thanks to the ABCC for its hospitality and for hosting the event. He also extended thanks to British companies that had continued to trade and do business in Iraq throughout the recent period. He stated that the visit enabled Iraqi and British firms to explore ways of working together for mutual success.

Mr Al-Hamadani briefly outlined the major sectors in the Iraqi economy starting with oil and gas. Agriculture also made a major contribution to the country’s wealth because of the natural landscape and rivers. Construction offered huge opportunities for investors because of country’s demand for new housing units. He hoped that the Baghdad Chamber could work more closely with the ABCC in future to help companies take full advantage of the emerging opportunities.

Mr El-Idrissi indicated that the ABCC was committed to supporting Iraq and pledged to work closely with the Baghdad Chamber.  Finally, he outlined the services that the ABCC was able to offer companies in the Arab countries seeking to do business in the UK and with British partners.