From the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News.
Forum on Commercial Arbitration Supports Stronger Investment Environment in Iraq
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Iraq joined leading national institutions and private sector partners this week in Baghdad for a high-level forum focused on advancing arbitration and strengthening Iraq’s commercial dispute-resolution landscape.
The event, funded by the European Union, was organised by the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce (FICC) and ICC Iraq, with participation from the Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq and the Council of State.
The forum outlined the current status of arbitration in Iraq, highlighting progress achieved to date and the remaining steps required for reform. International experts from Egypt, the UAE, Switzerland, and Georgia shared comparative experiences and lessons learned, offering practical insights that can help guide Iraq’s next phase of development. National experts also contributed their views on the growing importance of arbitration and the priorities for strengthening its role within the country.
International Arbitration: Essential for Modern Investment
International arbitration has become the preferred method for resolving complex commercial disputes across many sectors, particularly oil and gas and construction. For foreign investors, it offers a neutral, efficient, and enforceable mechanism, an essential foundation for building confidence and enabling cross-border trade and investment.
A stronger and more trusted arbitration system in Iraq will help attract new investment and deepen confidence among international partners. Public institutions are already taking important steps to reinforce this system, supported by UNDP Iraq as part of broader efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and integrity in the national economy.
“Iraq, drawing on its civilizational heritage and judicial renaissance, sends a message of confidence: it is ready for cooperation, investment, and developing arbitration as a bridge between local justice and the international system.” Judge Taghreed Abdul Majeed, Deputy President of the Court of Appeal in Rusafa, Baghdad.
Next Steps: Adopting Iraq’s New Arbitration Law
UNDP continues to support the Government of Iraq in finalising a new Arbitration Law, enhancing judicial understanding of international standards, integrating arbitration into judicial training, and encouraging universities and students to engage in global arbitration and mediation platforms.
A key milestone ahead is the adoption of the new Arbitration Law, which will align Iraq’s legal framework with international best practice. This will play a crucial role in boosting investor confidence and advancing the country’s economic diversification agenda.
“The judiciary and arbitration proceed in parallel and transparently, each within its own scope to eliminate disputes and achieve justice. The Supreme Judicial Council has worked to develop and adopt arbitration in Iraq alongside the judiciary. The Arbitration Law is long awaited, and we hope the new parliamentary session will approve it in a manner that reflects the true value of arbitration” Judge Kadhim Abbas, Deputy President of the Federal Court of Cassation.
The forum coincides with the launch of a new phase of support under the EU-funded ACAI project, which aims to help Iraq establish a modern, internationally aligned arbitration framework that strengthens investor trust, supports economic growth, and contributes to long-term sustainable development.
