IBBC hosted Dara Rasheed at IBBC offices in Westminster Tower on 18 June, the Deputy Minister for Housing, Reconstruction and Public Municipalities is also Deputy Head of the Reconstruction Fund for Areas Afflicted by Terrorism (Refaato) and gave a detailed outlook to members and guests on the current status of reconstruction in Iraq.

Mr Rasheed stated that a mixture of loans, donations and guarantees from international banks, governments and institutions such as the United Nations (UN) and the World Bank, have enabled Iraq to start the rebuilding process, yet further help is required. Mr Rasheed stressed the importance and need of participation and investment from private sector companies, stating that the security situation in Mosul and other areas of Iraq has improved dramatically in the last six months.

Mr Rasheed said notable progress was being made in Mosul, with significant work being undertaken on the university, hospitals, infrastructure and large plans for residential rebuilding. The return of Christian communities to the East of the city and renewed social and cultural gathering such as fun fares and small concerts have given hope and renewed optimism that this once great city can return to its former self.

Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne, President of IBBC and member representatives from Wood, Mosul University, G4S and CCC affiliate ACWA Services were all present to discuss closer cooperation between Refaato and IBBC and what more British companies can do to contribute to reconstruction efforts.

You can find more information on Refaato here: https://www.refaato.iq/en/