Latest news with #IraqBritainBusinessCouncil
Iraq Business
3 days ago
- Business
- Iraq Business
IBBC calls for Sponsors for First Iraqi Equestrian Olympic Rider
From the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC): IBBC calls for sponsors for Zara Murad as she works to become the first ever Iraqi equestrian Olympic rider Zara Murad is a trailblazing equestrian with a historic mission: to become the first-ever equestrian rider representing Iraq at the Los Angeles Olympics 2028. As the first international dressage rider for Iraq, Zara has already made history, breaking new ground for both her country and for women in sport. Driven by a passion not just for competition but for progress, she is fiercely committed to empowering the next generation of female athletes in Iraq and across the region. With every stride she takes in the arena, Zara rides for visibility, for change, and for a future where young women can see themselves on the global stage. Realising the dream To realise the dream of becoming Iraq's first ever Olympic dressage rider Zara needs to compete her horses around the globe, including the Asian Games in 2026 which is a pathway to journey is not just about competition-it's about breaking barriers and empowering women in Iraq to pursue their dreams in sport and beyond. Millions of people watch dressage around the world. The last world cup had 4.7 million viewers with 64 participating countries. We want Iraq to join these nations and showcase its talent on the global stage. Female empowerment Zara wants to inspire women in Iraq to break barriers and pursue their dreams. Dressage reflects strength, discipline, and resilience-qualities every woman possesses. By competing globally, we will encourage young girls to believe in their potential and redefine what's possible for women in sport. With your support The larger the investment, the better the horses and trainers we can secure. Traveling horses worldwide comes with significant costs, and competing at the highest level requires global travel for training and competitions. Your support is crucial in making this journey possible and ensuring success for Iraq on the map. Your Sponsorship Your brand will be represented on the world stage, from the Asian Games to the Olympics, reaching international audiences. Together, we can break barriers, inspire the next generation, and put Iraq on the map in dressage. Zara will give a keynote speech at the IBBC's Mansion House Conference to present her Iraqi Olympic dream. IBBC are supporting Zara in her ambition for Iraqi women and sporting representation. Baroness Nicholson president of IBBC says "Zara is a shining example of what women in Iraq can achieve and will be a great inspiration to the 25 million Iraqi women for what they can achieve in their own lives and to women around the world. I am delighted IBBC is supporting Zara's dream and her quest for sponsors." Zara Murad says "Last year I made history becoming the first ever international dressage rider for Iraq. It's an incredible honour and I carry this responsibility with pride. My goal is to make history again by becoming the first-ever Olympic equestrian to represent Iraq at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. Iraq had no women athletes at the Paris Olympics, and I am determined to change that. I want to show young girls across Iraq and the Middle East that with courage and commitment, barriers can be broken, and dreams can be realized-both in sport and beyond." To sponsor, please contact: [email protected] (Source: IBBC)
Iraq Business
16-05-2025
- Business
- Iraq Business
Ashur Bank joins Iraq Britain Business Council
By John Lee. Ashur International Bank has joined the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC). According to a statement from the IBBC, the move follows a long relationship between the Council and the bank's CEO, Mohammed Al-Delaimy. It says the bank, established in 2005 is one of the leading private banks in Iraq, offering comprehensive banking services to individuals and businesses, with a strong focus on digital innovation, financial inclusion, and developing financial products tailored to the evolving needs of the Iraqi market. Mr. Mohammed Al-Delaimy, CEO of Ashur International Bank, stated: "We, at the bank, are delighted to join IBBC, which we consider a strategic platform to strengthen cooperation with leading international institutions, exchange expertise, and contribute actively to Iraq's economic growth. Our membership in the council aligns with our vision of thoughtful expansion and building effective and sustainable partnerships. This compliments our ongoing collaboration and support with IBBC since day one" Mr Christophe Michels, MD of IBBC said: "IBBC has a long history of partnering with Mr as a member of the IBBC's Advisory Council and previously during his leadership roles at Trade Bank of Iraq and SCB [Standard Chartered Bank], so we are delighted to be working with Ashur International Bank and the promise of modern digitised and corporate banking that Iraq and IBBC members value." (Source: IBBC)
Iraq Business
12-05-2025
- Business
- Iraq Business
IBBC appoints Mohammed Al Saadi of Sama Hammurabi Law as Iraq Members' Rep
From the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC): IBBC appoints Mr Mohammed Al Saadi of Sama Hammurabi Law as Iraq members' representative. The appointment of Mr Al Saadi as IBBC's Iraqi representative is an important role for IBBC. As the link between members and management and as the main contact in Iraq he will speak to Government on IBBC's behalf. This honorary role was originally created for Rasmi Al Jabri and has remained vacant for a while. In an interview Mr Al Saadi expresses the following insights : 'The Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) is an important economic platform that supports economic growth in Iraq, through the participation of reputable companies with strong track records across diverse sectors. As a legal firm and a member of the Council, we intend to establish solid foundations for cooperation and strengthen relationships between IBBC-supported companies and Iraqi government entities and institutions in need of their services. We also aim to provide legal cover for these companies, advocate for their interests, and convey the perspectives and needs of Iraqi member companies to the Council-representing them in line with their economic and technical requirements across various fields. Hammurabi Law has achieved numerous milestones in the legal field. We were the first legal firm established in Iraq in this domain, and we have represented many IBBC members both before and after joining the Council. We hold the highest number of cases before the Federal Supreme Court in Iraq-over 580-without a competitor, as the second highest holds no more than 60 cases. We also have over 5,000 general powers of attorney across various fields and over 7,000 criminal-specific cases. Our firm has received multiple awards and formal letters of appreciation, including from the Iraqi Parliament-being the first lawyer to receive such an honour, and only the second Iraqi lawyer ever to be recognized by this body. We've also been honoured by various official entities, unions, institutions, and civil society organizations. Our firm holds the record for the most legal precedents issued by courts-again, with no rival. I would be happy to share our full biography upon request. It is our deep desire to serve our country, Iraq, by facilitating the contribution of high-quality, world-class companies to its development. We firmly believe in IBBC's great potential to contribute to Iraq's economic growth. Iraq and the United Kingdom also share a rich historical relationship built on mutual respect. This mission is not easy-especially at the outset-given the great loss of my dear friend and brother, the late Muhannad Al-Hattab. I am determined to do my utmost to maintain the Council's standing and operational strength during this interim period. Iraq and the United Kingdom share a long and honourable history of positive relations. The UK played a key role in laying the foundation for the modern Iraqi state during the monarchy, elevating Iraq's regional stature. We hope that, through renewed cooperation, we can revive the spirit of that era. The IBBC is the key to opening many closed doors and enabling that cooperation to flourish. We have high hopes for renewed cooperation between Iraq and the UK. The IBBC serves as a vital bridge for building these relations in a way that benefits Iraq's growth and development.' Christophe Michels, Managing Director of the IBBC, said: "I am delighted that Mohammed Al Saadi of Sama Hammurabi Law has accepted the position. In the last 18-months Mohammed has played an increasingly prominent role within IBBC both in Iraq and in the UK, which included informal support to many members, sponsorship of events and advocacy on behalf of the council. This important honorary appointment will allow Mohammed to play a more prominent role within IBBC events and to formally engage on the Council's behalf with Government and other stakeholders." (Source: IBBC)
Iraq Business
09-04-2025
- Business
- Iraq Business
How Iraq is Modernising and Diversifying its Growing Economy
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
Iraq Business
07-03-2025
- Business
- Iraq Business
IBBC Report "Is Iraq Business Ready?" Now Available in Arabic
From the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC): Now Available in Arabic: Professor Frank Gunter's Report "Is Iraq Business Ready?" The Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) is pleased to announce the release of the Arabic version of Professor Frank Gunter's report, which was presented at the IBBC Baghdad Conference on 17 February 2025. Titled "Is Iraq Business Ready?", the report provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges facing Iraq's economy, emphasising the urgent need to expand the private sector, reduce dependence on oil, and address regulatory barriers that hinder investment and business growth. This Arabic edition reflects IBBC's commitment to making critical economic insights accessible to a wider audience, ensuring that policymakers and business leaders can benefit from Professor Gunter's analysis and recommendations. You can now download the Arabic version of the report here , and in English here .
