The IBBC has boosted its operations in Iraq by opening a new office in Erbil today (Wed).

The latest bureau is in the HQ of UB Holding, one of the city’s most prestigious office blocks and has been donated by the kind generosity of the company’s chief executive Hadi Nezir.

VIP guests included KRG Trade and Industry Minister Sinan Çelebi, British Consul Hugh Evans and Erbil Chamber of Commerce President Dara Jalil Al Khayat.

The new Iraqi bureau come less than year since the first opened in Basrah last July.

Baroness Nicholson said: “Opening a new office in Erbil is a very important step in the IBBC’s history, especially after the success of our Basrah bureau which hugely increased our presence in the south. Basrah gave us a firm base on which to build and I am sure Erbil will do the same.”

Speaking at the Erbil opening ceremony Baroness Nicholson praised the KRG region’s rapid growth, fuelled by a booming oil sector.

She said: “Each time I come here I am amazed at the pace of change after years of war, isolation and suffering by the Kurdish people.

“The KRG region is fast growing emerging market with relative political stability.”

The IBBC’s new office is inside UB Holding at UB Plaza in Erbil’s Gulan Street. In the coming weeks an office manager will be hired.

The IBBC’s first office in Iraq was opened in Basrah last July and has been used frequently for receptions. Earlier this year UK Minister for Trade and Investment Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint paid a visit and it was also used for the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Basrah Governor. The office is run by IBBC employee Ahmad Hoobi.

* After the opening UB Holding’s Chief Executive Mr Hadi Nezir hosted a special dinner for guests at the Rotana Hotel, Erbil.

* Baroness Nicholson’s full speech is available on the IBBC website www.webuildiraq.org and by clicking on events.