The Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) concluded a successful series of high-level meetings and events in Baghdad from 10 to 13 May 2025, as part of the preparations for its upcoming Spring Conference scheduled for 3 June at the Mansion House in London.

On 10 May, Christophe Michels, Managing Director of IBBC, and Ardil Salem of Hogan Lovells, met with Dr. Abdulkareem Al Faisal, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Advisory Commission. The discussions focused on Iraq’s engagement and contributions to the Spring Conference.

Later the same day, the IBBC delegation met with Dr. Ali Kareem Hussein Dhahir, Director General of Rafidain Bank, to discuss the participation of the bank’s delegation in the upcoming conference.

In the evening, IBBC hosted a reception for its members and friends at the Baghdad Hotel. The event was sponsored by IBBC member Sama Hammurabi Law.

On 11 May, Christophe Michels, Ardil Salem, and Robert Gardner from Hogan Lovells held a constructive meeting with Dr. Ammar Hamid Khalaf, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI), to coordinate the CBI’s involvement in the Spring Conference.

Following the meeting at the CBI, the IBBC team and Mohammed Alsaadi, IBBC’s Members Representative in Iraq, visited the Zagurat government building to meet with Dr. Salih Mahood Salman, Prime Minister’s Advisor on Banking Affairs. The discussion centered on Dr. Salman’s planned contribution to the IBBC conference in London.

That evening, Mr. Michels and Mr. Alsaadi attended a dinner hosted by the British Embassy at Chemcha restaurant on Jadriya Street, further strengthening diplomatic and business relations.

In parallel with these engagements, Christophe Michels and IBBC’s administrator at the Baghdad Office, Nabeel Mohsin conducted a series of interviews with candidates for the position of IBBC Baghdad Office Manager, a critical role in supporting the Council’s growing operations in Iraq.

On the final day of the visit, 13 May, the IBBC team, including Mr. Michels, Mr. Salem, Mr. Gardner, and Mr. Alsaadi, visited the headquarters of the General Federation of Trade Unions in Iraq. There, they met with President Mr. Sattar Danbous and his deputy Mr. Raheem to explore avenues of cooperation and worker engagement in economic development.