IBBC undertook a successful trip to Iraq at the beginning of the year, to meet with numerous IBBC Members, Iraq Government representatives and UK officials based in the Republic of Iraq. Christophe Michels the Manging Director of IBBC was joined by Rasmi Al Jabri, IBBC’s Deputy Chairman and Iraq representative for the visit, which included a Dinner hosted by IBBC for members and guests.

The IBBC team met with a variety of Iraqi Government officials, including Mr Abas N. Mhan Al-Nejadi, Advisor to the Minister of Industry, H.E. Dr Abdulkariem Al Faisal the Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Advisory Commission, Dr Sami Al Araji Chairman of the National Investment Commission, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Finance and the Iraqi Parliamentary Committees of Oil & Gas and Finance.

Meetings were also held with several IBBC members, including new member Al Maseer Insurance Company, an Iraq based organisation bringing innovative insurance services to the country, find out more about Al Maseer here. Meetings were also held with representatives from the International Islamic Bank, ExxonMobil and March Group.

IBBC additionally held meetings with Bev Simpson the Director of DIT Iraq, Baghdad University and the Central Bank of Iraq. On Tuesday 15 January, IBBC hosted Members and guests at the Babylon Hotel in Baghdad with guest speakers HM Ambassador Jon Wilks CMG and Dr Sami Al Araji, Chairman of the National Investment Commission, who spoke on the opportunities and challenges that face Iraq in 2019. Numerous member representatives were in attendance from Al Burhan Group, Al Nukhba, Al Maseer, Basra Gateway Terminal, EY, G4S, GE, Gulfsands Petroleum, International Islamic Bank, Khudairi Group, Management Partners, National Bank of Iraq, Restrata, Serco and Siemens.