Earlier this month, IBBC’s Deputy Chairman, Eng. Rasmi Al-Jabri, and Commercial Adviser, Mr Richard Cotton visited Basra in southern Iraq. This trip’s purpose was to meet with Members on the ground and assess the latest economic developments. IBBC were also there on the invitation of the Basra Council and Governor, who requested that IBBC support the Council in its efforts to improve existing administrative systems, financial control, and auditing.

Highlights of this trip included meetings with Eng. Asaad Al-Edani, Governor of Basra, Mr Aqeel Al Khalidi, Chairman of Basra Council’s Investment and Economic Committee, and a private members’ dinner at the Shams Al Basra Hotel.

It was also encouraging to note that Basra and its surrounding areas have been enjoying improved access to electricity and clean water. Money supply is increasing as well, contracts are being awarded, and the benefits of these are being felt throughout local communities. Larger companies also appeared to be more concerned with productivity than the previously necessary but somewhat limiting security arrangements.

Eng. Rasmi Al-Jabri was happy with this visit’s outcome. “Recent attention on the Iraqi economy has mostly been focused on the capital and Kurdish Regional Government in the north. The south as a whole, as well as Basra in particular have enormous economic potential across a variety of sectors. It is wonderful that IBBC is making its members more aware of this”. IBBC’s Richard Cotton, was similarly positive. “Increased awareness ultimately leads to further investment, and to this end Rasmi’s efforts to host delegates in Basra is much-welcomed. IBBC looks forward to organising and hosting further similar visits to Basra and southern Iraq”.

For more information on the Iraq Britain Business Council, visit our website at https://iraqbritainbusiness.org/

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