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IBBC “Gateway to Iraq” Conference

Basra hosted the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) conference, “Gateway to Iraq,” across two dedicated days on 4th and 5th December 2025, bringing together senior Iraqi leadership, international business figures, and sector specialists to discuss Iraq’s future economic transformation.

The event opened on 4 December with the Education Day, held at the Technical University of Basra, focusing on skills development, training, and future workforce needs. The Business Day conference followed on 5 December, serving as the main platform for high-level policy dialogue and investment discussion.

Education Day Highlights – 4 December

The Education Day was attended by academic institutions, industry experts, and private sector leaders, with a strong emphasis on linking education with market needs.
Al Zaman Group (AZG) members actively attended the Education Day, reaffirming the group’s commitment to the development of maritime education in Iraq. AZG expressed strong interest in advancing:

  • Maritime training and capacity building
  • IMO-certified courses
  • Cooperation with the Iraqi Supreme Maritime Authority (ISMA).

This participation reflects AZG’s long-term strategy of supporting sustainable maritime growth through education and international standard compliance.

High-Level Government Participation – Business Day, 5 December

The Business Day on 5 December 2025 was marked by strong sovereign-level representation, emphasizing the strategic importance of the conference. Distinguished attendees included:

  • H.E. Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, Prime Minister of Iraq
  • H.E. Hayyan Abdulghani, Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil
  • H.E. Assad Al-Edani, Governor of Basra
  • Members of Parliament and senior Iraqi government officials

Their presence sent a strong signal of government backing for international investment and private sector engagement.

IBBC Leadership and International Participation

The IBBC delegation was led by:

  • Mr. Christophe Michel, CEO of IBBC
  • Mr. Jon Wilks, Former British Ambassador to Iraq

Alongside IBBC members representing innovation, finance, energy, infrastructure, and maritime industries.

Al Zaman Group Gold Sponsorship and Exhibition Presence

Al Zaman Group (AZG) participated in the conference as a Gold Sponsor, reinforcing its role as a leading private sector contributor to Iraq’s development—particularly within the maritime sector. This sponsorship aligned with the leadership role of Mr. Ahmed Shaban, Chairman of IBBC Maritime Committee and Chairman of Al Zaman Group.

AZG also operated a corporate exhibition booth throughout the conference, presenting its portfolio, services, and strategic vision to visiting delegations, government officials, and investors. The booth attracted strong interest from stakeholders across maritime, logistics, and infrastructure sectors.

IBBC Maritime Committee Executive Meeting

An executive meeting of the IBBC Maritime Committee was held during the conference, bringing together committee members and maritime professionals from diverse international backgrounds. Discussions focused on:

  • Strategic development of Iraq’s port and shipping sectors
  • Modern shipbuilding and repair capabilities
  • Private sector participation
  • Regulatory frameworks and international compliance

Participants emphasized the collective commitment to supporting Iraq in building a modern and globally competitive maritime industry

Maritime Panel – “Gateway to Iraq – Part 1”
One of the most prominent sessions of the conference agenda was the Maritime Panel, conducted under “Gateway to Iraq – Part 1.”

The panel was directed by:

  • Mr. Colin Findley – Panel Director

Among the keynote speakers and panelists was:

  • Mr. Ahmed Shaban, Chairman of IBBC Maritime Committee and Chairman of Al Zaman Group

The panel addressed several strategic national projects and maritime priorities, including:

  • The Al Faw Grand Port Project as Iraq’s future gateway to global trade
  • The Development Road Project linking Iraq to regional and international logistics corridors
  • Shipbuilding and fleet modernization in Iraq
  • International Maritime Organization (IMO) compliance and the need to align Iraq with global safety, environmental, and operational standards

Speakers emphasized that maritime development is essential for economic diversification, trade security, and long-term national growth.

Strategic Importance of “Gateway to Iraq”
The conference focused on five core sectors:
Innovation, Maritime, Finance, Energy, and Infrastructure—key pillars of Iraq’s national economic transformation strategy.

By hosting the conference in Basra, IBBC reaffirmed the city’s unique position as:

  • Iraq’s maritime capital
  • A regional logistics hub
  • A gateway for international trade and energy exports

Conclusion
The IBBC “Gateway to Iraq” Conference in Basra (December 2025) delivered a powerful message of confidence in Iraq’s future. With strong government backing, international participation, and active private sector leadership—particularly from Al Zaman Group—the event highlighted a shared commitment to building:

  • A modern maritime economy
  • Sustainable infrastructure
  • International-standard education and training
  • Long-term investment partnerships

The conference concluded with a clear vision:
Positioning Iraq as a regional powerhouse for trade, energy, and maritime excellence.