From the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC):
IBBC Autumn conference ‘Gateway to Iraq’
Basrah is the physical and symbolic gateway to Iraq, with ports for export and import and the impressive massive new Al Faw port, with links into Iraq. There are plans to build freeports for businesses and communities along the development road to Turkey and beyond. We will examine the Gateways for trade, for finance, for education, technology and the infrastructure that underpins this ambitious, game changer for Iraq.
Iraq is now at the centre of activity in the Middle East and finding its own voice in its own interest. How Iraq’s foreign policy is used to promote Iraq’s interests, including in its relations with its neighbours, and generate inward investment for Gateway projects, is key to the country’s ambitions.
If you attended the IBBC Baghdad Conference earlier in 2025, you would know how many Iraqi ministers and officials spoke, the overwhelming turnout and how the top echelon of businesses attended and contributed their insights into the business outlook.
IBBC are confident again to bring these expert and influential voices to the conference, to explain what is next for Iraq, and the promise of the development road and infrastructure amassing around Basrah, with its access to energy and future logistics to Turkey and Europe.
Already we know the Governor of Basrah will be attending, the British Ambassador and President of BP Iraq, Mr Mohammed Al Asaadi, Honorary IBBC Representative in Iraq & CEO of Sama Hammurabi Law Firm, Dr Norman Ricklefs, Namea Group, Lara Hampshire of British Embassy discuss ease of doing business in Iraq, and Dunia Chalabi, CEO of TotalEnergy and of course our principal sponsor Al Busttan.
Panels will cover the dynamic subjects of Innovation with SAP, and Al Maraffa, and the Maritime Gateway discussion with Al Zaman focused on developing Iraq’s maritime industries.
Hear former British Ambassador Jon Wilks manage the day’s proceedings and the ‘Ease of doing business’ panel run by Chairman Dr Norman Ricklefs of Namea Group that will offer insights and opportunities and challenges for Iraq’s business dynamics. The Finance and Investment panel will address the global energy and financial market impact and guide us to where opportunities for growth and investments will emerge.
On the Business Conference Day (4th December) expect high level Government officials from Iraq and the UK to be in attendance, among IBBC Members and distinguished guests. Everyone wants the stability to continue and comments on the likely government outline will be discussed.
Education day (3rd December) will convene the Education group’s conference – featuring Professor Al Uzri of IBBC and focused on Schools, Higher Education and Skills and training. Expect many members to attend as they all believe in the importance of reskilling Iraq’s workforce, and the Universities and Schools group are growing and contributing to Iraq’s educational evolution. Register your interest by emailing us: [email protected]
Finally, on 3rd December the Tech Forum discuss various aspects of the AI revolution from capital to application and its impact, with top practitioners. Register here for the Tech Forum here>>> followed by the conference reception in the evening.
We are fortunate to have so many top tier sponsors for this conference, which indicates great significance for our members and the business community. We are therefore offering free admission to members and their supplier companies, and to qualified leading businesses in Iraq and the region.
To register interest, please email us: [email protected]
Sponsors: Al Busttan (Principal Sponsor and Pre-conference Reception) Gold Sponsors: Al Zaman Group, Trade bank of Iraq, Basrah Gas Company, Al Marafaa, Sardar Group, Al Fajer Group and Silver: SABIS® ; Bronze: SAP; Tea & Coffee Sponsor: Al Rida Investment ; Work Force Partner: Mselect; Corporate Travel Partner: London Sky; Tourism Partner: Bil Weekend
