The IBBC and Middle East Association held a complimentary reception in the House of Lords, hosted by Baroness Nicholson who welcomed the assembled members. Mr Jon Wilks CMG spoke of the opportunities in Iraq and benefits of trade councils like IBBC and Mr Nicholas Hopton CMK is Director General of the Middle East Association spoke of the complementary nature of the two organisations for doing business in the region. Christophe Michels, IBBC MD reminded the audience that MEA played an important part in helping launch IBBC in 2009 and he was pleased to return the compliment as MEA is once again growing. Mr Sadik Al-Hasan MP, head of the APPG on Iraq, was delighted to be addressing this audience and kindly complimented IBBC and Baroness Nicholson for her work in Iraq and pledged his ongoing support to both organisations.

Over 90 members of both organisations attended the networking event, comprising of businesses operating in Iraq and the Middle East. Ambassadors from Algeria and H.E Babiki Elamin of Sudan, former ambassadors, and academics from University of Oxford.

All agreed to hold regular networking events to develop opportunities for British and International trade.