IBBC

IBBC facilitates business, trade, investment, human resources, training and transfer of technology and know-how into the Republic of Iraq, seeking to bring together Iraqi, British and international companies and public sector bodies through a joint platform identifying mutual interests and common goals. It is a powerful network of some of the most important Iraqi, British and international business organisations enjoying high-level support from both Governments and the EU.

Committed to a free, prosperous and diverse Iraq, IBBC intends to create strong relationships that will benefit business, industry and the people of Iraq. IBBC is fully supported in its goals by Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki, and, through him, the National Investment Commission. IBBC is more than a business initiator, aiming, in co-ordination with the Iraqi Government to promote best practice and international standards to facilitate business in Iraq, which is a high potential, emerging market.  Following considerable improvements in security and the successful creation of democratic institutions, Iraq is reviviving and expanding her economic base to bring greater prosperity to her people.

IBBC, funded privately by its Members, operates through an independent secretariat in London, and is playing a major role in the development of trade and investment with Iraq.

In addition to the monthly Founder Members’ Board, the six-monthly Business Council, and the bi-monthly Sector Table meetings, IBBC Events include:

• Two major conferences in London each year, as well as two Receptions in the House of Lords
• Two major conference in Iraq each year
• An annual weekend is held at Cumberland Lodge in Windsor, where invited speakers add to a discussion about a topic of relevance
• Irregular round-table dinners (between four and six per year) held at the Reform Club in London
• Occasional seminars and study groups on subjects of high value (such as the fight against corruption and the impact of the Bribery Act)
• Frequent Trade Delegations are arranged – a minimum of four each year – varying in location between Baghdad, Basra and Erbil.

IBBC is broadly based and driven by the private sector, working closely with Iraqi and British Governments.

SECTOR TABLES

IBBC has, at its core, a number of Sector Tables (which meet on a bi-monthly basis) led by Founder Members; each Table consisting of a small group of companies that have a business interest in the relevant sector. Founder Members are invited to recruit new members and define the goals they would like to achieve.

Sector Specific Tables

Oil & Gas: With oil reserves of over 115 billion barrels, Iraq has the world’s third largest oil resources. In more recent years, these reserves have been estimated at over 350 billion barrels, and, if these reserves are proven, Iraq would have the largest untapped source of oil globally: but Iraq’s petroleum industry has been starved of capital and technological investment for decades. Chaired by John Attrill of Penspen Group, the Oil & Gas Sector Table assists Iraq in the sustainable development of its petroleum reserves in order for Iraq to be able to enjoy the best possible economic and social development that such natural resource wealth will bring. The following companies are part the Oil & Gas Sector Table: AMEC, BP, CCC, Chevron, Exxon Mobil, Foster Wheeler, Gulfsands Petroleum, KBR, KCA Deutag, Kuwait Energy, Mott MacDonald, Penspen, RPS Energy, Shell, Swagelining, Vitol, and Weir Group.

Construction & Infrastructure: With a focus on assisting Iraq in the effective and sustainable development of her infrastructure, the Construction and Infrastructure Sector Table is chaired by Hani Akkawi of CCC and Neil Clark of Kier. Through identifying and categorising the need and best route to market for construction and infrastructure in areas including water, sewerage, roads and airports, and working with Government agencies to support this work. The following companies are part of the Construction and Infrastructure Sector Table: AMEC, CCC, Tata Steel, Foster Wheeler, KBR, Kier Construction, Mott MacDonald, Rafidain Construction & Engineering and Swagelining Limited.

Financial & Professional Services: The Financial & Professional Services Table aims to work with its Iraqi counterparts to support the promotion of a business environment that simplifies and eases the operation of Iraqi and non-Iraqi companies in Iraq. The Sector Table is chaired by Hussein Al Uzri of the Trade Bank of Iraq and Chris Frost of PwC. The following companies are part of the Financial & Professional Services Table: Avicenna Capital, Control Risks, Clyde & Co, DLA Piper LLP, Erbil Chamber of Commerce, Ernst & Young, G4S, Mamnoon Limited, Olive Group, PwC, RMi, Saracen Trade & Investment, SKA, Titon Middle East and the Trade Bank of Iraq.

Education & Training: With the IBBC having promoted courses in English and IT through the University of Basra, an Education & Training Sector Table is in the process of being established.

Other planned Sector Tables include: IT & Telecommunications; Health; Agriculture; Manufacturing; Security; Tourism;

Planned Non-Sector Specific Tables: Corporate Social Responsibility; The Legal Environment; Sports