The Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) Managing Director, Christophe Michels, visited Baghdad from 21 to 26 June 2026 for a programme of high-level meetings with senior Iraqi Government officials and IBBC members.

A core focus of the visit was engagement with the new Iraqi Government. Mr Michels was accompanied by Mr Ahmed Shaban, Chair of the IBBC Maritime Committee; Ms Hind Hussein, Member of the IBBC Advisory Council; and Mr Ali Mashkour, IBBC Baghdad Manager. Together, the delegation met senior ministers and government officials to explore opportunities for IBBC expanding cooperation across transport, water resources, infrastructure, investment and private sector development.

The delegation met H.E. Dr Muthanna Al-Tamimi, Minister of Water Resources, to discuss opportunities for greater cooperation in water management, irrigation technology and infrastructure. The Minister highlighted the need for modern expertise and equipment to improve irrigation systems and discussed long-term water security, including the continued maintenance of Mosul Dam and preparations for future drought conditions. Both sides also explored opportunities to utilise UK Export Finance (UKEF) to support priority infrastructure projects, with the Ministry and IBBC agreeing to continue technical discussions.

The delegation met H.E. Wahab Salman Al Hasani, Minister of Transport, where discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the Ministry and IBBC, particularly in aerospace, maritime services, logistics infrastructure and the Development Road project. The meeting built upon the close relationship established through IBBC’s Maritime Committee and long standing member involvement at Baghdad airport and explored opportunities for greater private sector participation in supporting Iraq’s transport ambitions.

Mr Michels and the delegation also met Dr Yousif Khalaf Al-Dunainawi, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Advisory Commission (PMAC), to discuss the Government’s programme to strengthen the role of the private sector by enabling ministries to focus increasingly on regulation and oversight while creating greater opportunities for private enterprise. Dr Khalaf reaffirmed PMAC’s continued support for IBBC’s activities, expressed interest in participating in the forthcoming Cumberland Lodge Residential Retreat, and welcomed continued cooperation on IBBC’s planned trade mission in September.

Mr Michels, accompanied by Mr Mohammed Alsaadi, IBBC Iraqi Members’ Representative, also met H.E. Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, former Prime Minister of Iraq. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on Iraq’s economic outlook, the country’s investment climate and the important role of the private sector in supporting sustainable economic development. Mr Michels also briefed H.E. Al-Sudani on IBBC’s current programme of activities and its continued commitment to strengthening commercial and institutional ties between Iraq and the United Kingdom. Mr Sudani expressed his continued support for the work of the IBBC.

Throughout the week, Mr Michels met a wide range of IBBC members, where discussions focused on expanding business opportunities. He also met with the advisor from the Ministry of Communications to discuss Iraq’s business environment, investment opportunities and IBBC’s forthcoming programme of conferences, forums and trade missions.

A highlight of the visit was a reception hosted on behalf of IBBC by His Majesty’s British Ambassador to Iraq, Mr Irfan Sidiq. Over 50 members and guests attended the reception at the Ambassador’s residence. The Ambassador, Zaid Elyasery, President of BP Iraq and member of the IBBC Executive Committee and Mr Michels welcomed guest and gave short speeches.

The IBBC also visited Baghdad’s historic Mutanabi Street and the Iqra cultural district, where he learned more about ongoing heritage restoration projects and the area’s growing role as a cultural and commercial destination.

IBBC extends its sincere appreciation to Mr Wadee Al Handhal for his generous hospitality in hosting a guided tour of Baghdad’s historic Old City and the Iqra district, followed by a dinner in honour of Mr Christophe Michels’ visit. The evening brought together IBBC members and guests in an informal setting to showcase Baghdad’s rich cultural heritage while discussing opportunities to encourage investment, tourism and the regeneration of the capital’s historic centre.

IBBC also extends its sincere appreciation to Mr Mohammed Alsaadi, IBBC Iraqi Members’ Representative, for his generous hospitality in hosting a dinner for IBBC members from the Kurdistan who were visiting Baghdad to attend the Ambassador’s reception. The evening provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships between members from across Iraq, exchange views on IBBC’s future activities, and further reinforce unity within its nationwide membership.

Reflecting on the visit, Christophe Michels said:

“Despite the geopolitical crisis engulfing the region and the dire short and medium term economic outlook for Iraq, it was heartening to witness resilience and often optimism from members. We are grateful to all of them for their continued support to the organisation and are delighted that the new Iraqi Government is equally supportive. IBBC will push for this crisis to be used to drive real reform that will create space for the private sector and allow it to develop its considerable growth potential.”

The visit further reinforced IBBC’s role as a trusted platform bringing together government, business and international partners to promote investment, trade, knowledge exchange and long-term economic cooperation between Iraq, the United Kingdom, and internationally.