An IBBC Trade Mission visited Baghdad from 17 to 20 September 2016. The group was composed of 23 delegates representing 17 different companies. The mission was led by Baroness Nicholson, IBBC’s President and was organised by Christophe Michels, Managing Director of the organisation. The delegation was based at the Babylon Hotel, just outside the International Zone, which is a convenient location and easily accessible by Iraqi and foreign visitors. Being in the centre of the city, this allows for good access to most ministries and other government institutions.

During the visit delegates had formal meetings with:

·       H.E. Mr Jabbar A. H. Luaybi, Minister of Oil

·       H.E. Mr Qasim Al-Fahdawi, Minister of Electricity

·       H.E. Mr Kadim Finjan, Minister of Transport

·       HE Mr Salman Aljumailee, Minister of Planning and acting Minister of Trade

·       Dr Sami al Araji, Chairman of the National Investment Commission

·       Dr Mehdi Al Alaak, SG of the Council of Ministers

·       Mr Abdulmahdi Al Ameedi, DG of PCLD

·       Mr Frank Baker, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Iraq

·       Mr Larry Memmott, Economic Minister, Embassy of the United States

At more informal gatherings the delegation met with representatives of the Central Bank of Iraq, the Iraqi Parliament, Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Union, the World Bank, the UK Department for International Trade (DIT), the British Council, The Economist, Baghdad Chamber of Commerce, Najaf Chamber of Commerce, and the International Union of Businessmen in Iraq.

On Sunday 18 September, the delegation visited the headquarters of member Al Iraqia for Money Transfer Company in Karrada, and met with many of the company’s staff. On the day of the visit the company received a licence from the Central Bank of Iraq to trade as the International Islamic Bank. Following the visit, Mr Hayder Al Shamma, General Manager and Chairman of the newly licensed bank, generously hosted a dinner for the delegation and guests at the Babylon Hotel. Over 100 guests attended the dinner, including officials and businessmen from a broad range of industries and organisations in Iraq.

Harlow International’s Chairman and CEO Mr Mazin Wajdi hosted a sumptuous dinner for the delegation the following evening at his company’s Riverside compound. A number of high-ranking Iraqi officials and international diplomats, including EU Ambassador Patrick Simonnet, attended the dinner. Harlow International also provided transport and security to the delegation on behalf of Iraq’s National Investment Commission.

“Harlow International’s team were outstanding and ensured we were able to conduct all of the meetings on our extremely tight and complex schedule,” commented Christophe. “We are very appreciative of the support they provided to the delegation during the mission.”