IBBC representatives, members KCA Deutag and Control Risks, and UK Trade Envoy for Iraq Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne, participated in a Lunch and Learn session at the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce on 13 May 2016. More than 30 representatives from businesses based in the region also attended the meeting.

The session, the first official event jointly held by the IBBC and the Chamber, looked at business opportunities and challenges in Iraq.

Baroness Nicholson spoke about her role as trade envoy, and gave her view on the opportunities available and the strength of the export market. IBBC’s Associate Director Dr Alastair Niven explained  how the organisation works and helps businesses.

Rodrigo Rendon from KCA Deutag spoke about how his company entered the Iraqi market in 2010/2011, and what their experience of operating in the country has been.

Toby Chinn of Control Risks gave expert advice on how to evaluate and manage the risks of operating in Iraq as an investor.

Donna Hutchinson of QuEnSH Specialists gave an account of some of the administrative challenges an SME needs to overcome when setting up a business in Iraq.

Finally Akeel Al-Khalidy, owner of South Group Corporation and head of the Basrah Investment Commission, outlined the major parallels between Basrah and Aberdeen.

The event was preceded by an IBBC member dinner at No. 10 Bar and Restaurant on Thursday evening and a visit to the Aberdeen office of Restrata, an IBBC member organisation, held on the morning of May 13. IBBC also met with representatives of the University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University during the visit.

IBBC has an MOU with the Chamber and is planning a visit for Iraqi delegates in 2017.