As part of his official visit to the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani led a high-profile delegation, and the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) was honoured to host a special business reception in his honour.
The event, held on January 15th at the prestigious Institute of Civil Engineers in Westminster, provided a platform for key stakeholders to discuss Iraq’s future economic growth and opportunities for British companies. The reception was organized in partnership with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Distinguished Attendees
The reception was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Baroness Nicholson, who was joined by IBBC Senior Advisor Mr. Jon Wilks CMG, to extend a warm welcome to the dignitaries present.
Among those present were His Excellency Mr. Fuad Hussein, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Hayan Abdul Ghani, the Deputy Prime Minister for Energy and Minister for Oil; and Mr. Hamish Falconer, UK Parliamentary Under Secretary for The Middle East.
The gathering also included His Majesty’s Ambassador to Iraq, Mr. Stephen Hitchin, along with other senior Iraqi officials such as Mr. Al Mohammed Sahib Al-Darraji, Technical Advisor to the Prime Minister; Dr. Abdulkareen Faisal, Chair of the Prime Minister’s Advisory Council; and Professor Hamid Khalaf, PM Advisor & Executive Director of the Higher Committee for Education Development in Iraq. The Iraqi Ambassador to the Court of St James, His Excellency Mohammed Jaafer Al Sadr, was also present.
Prime Minister’s Absence and Engagements
While the Prime Minister was unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, he made time for private meetings with several IBBC members and prominent UK business leaders on a separate occasion. His absence did not dampen the spirit of the event, as the gathering was a significant occasion for discussions about Iraq’s rebuilding efforts.
Key Speeches and Trade Opportunities
The reception featured insightful speeches that highlighted Iraq’s ongoing transformation and its potential for economic growth. His Excellency Mr. Fuad Hussein delivered a thought-provoking speech, emphasizing Iraq’s ambitious plans to rebuild its infrastructure and economy. He noted the critical role of British companies in driving these efforts, particularly through investment and expertise.
In response, Mr. Hamish Falconer discussed the $15bn trade deal signed between the Prime Ministers of Iraq and the UK. This landmark agreement promises considerable opportunities for UK businesses, supported by the UK Export Finance (UKEF) and Iraq’s Sovereign Wealth Programme. Mr. Al-Darraji, as head of the Sovereign Wealth Programme, provided further details on the deal through an engaging presentation. [Link to the presentation]
Ambassador Stephen Hitchin concluded the formalities of the evening with a compelling message to UK businesses, urging them to explore Iraq’s untapped potential and seize the opportunities presented by the trade deal.
Acknowledgements and Gratitude
The IBBC expressed its sincere appreciation to all those who attended and showed patience as the official party arrived after their prior engagement. The staff of One Great George Street also received thanks for their exceptional support in ensuring the smooth running of the event.
A special note of gratitude was extended to Mr. Rasheed Al Janabi of GE Vernova and his leadership team for their invaluable support in organizing the event.
Feedback and Positive Reception
The reception received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, who expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities in Iraq and the chance to engage directly with dignitaries following the formal event. The direct interaction provided IBBC members with invaluable insights into the country’s future prospects.
Looking Ahead: IBBC Baghdad Conference
Building on the success of the event, IBBC is swiftly moving forward with the organization of its next conference. Set for February 17th at the Al Rasheed Hotel in Baghdad, the IBBC Conference will be held under the patronage of Prime Minister Al Sudani. The theme of the conference, “Delivering Innovation,” aligns with the goals outlined in Iraq’s newly issued 5-year National Development Plan.
IBBC members can attend the conference free of charge, while non-members interested in attending can contact IBBC London ([email protected]) for membership details or to apply for paid attendance.
The upcoming conference is expected to further solidify the collaboration between Iraq and the UK, highlighting Iraq’s drive towards innovation and economic development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the IBBC Business Reception?
The IBBC Business Reception was hosted in honor of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani and his delegation during their official visit to the United Kingdom. The event aimed to discuss Iraq’s economic growth, infrastructure rebuilding, and the opportunities for British companies to contribute to these efforts.
Who attended the event?
The event was attended by several high-ranking officials, including His Excellency Mr. Fuad Hussein, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iraq; Mr. Hayan Abdul Ghani.
Was Prime Minister Al Sudani able to attend?
Unfortunately, Prime Minister Al Sudani could not attend the reception due to unforeseen circumstances. However, he took time separately to meet with IBBC members and key UK business leaders for individual discussions.
What was discussed at the reception?
Key discussions focused on Iraq’s vision for rebuilding its infrastructure and economy. His Excellency Mr. Fuad Hussein highlighted the importance of British expertise in this endeavour. Mr. Hamish Falconer discussed the $15bn trade deal between Iraq and the UK, and Mr. Al-Darraji provided further insights into the Sovereign Wealth Programme of Iraq.
What are the details of the $15bn trade deal?
The $15bn trade deal, signed between the Prime Ministers of Iraq and the UK, opens numerous opportunities for UK businesses, supported by UK Export Finance (UKEF) and Iraq’s Sovereign Wealth Programme. It aims to facilitate investment and cooperation in Iraq’s economic development.
Conclusion
The IBBC Business Reception served as a crucial moment for strengthening the relationship between Iraq and the UK, providing a platform to explore the vast potential of Iraq’s economy and infrastructure. With influential officials from both countries present, the event highlighted the immense opportunities for British businesses in Iraq, especially with the landmark $15bn trade deal that promises to open doors to investment and collaboration.
Looking ahead, the IBBC’s upcoming Baghdad Conference promises to continue the momentum, focusing on the theme of innovation and aligning with Iraq’s National Development Plan. This conference will provide valuable insights into the country’s development trajectory and the role that international partnerships will play in shaping its future.