"The future of Iraq" is on the conference table in Dubai.. These are its details , 3 DEC

  "The future of Iraq" is on the conference table in Dubai.. These are its details

12/3/2023

Gulf Today newspaper revealed, on Sunday, the details of a major conference that will be held in Dubai on December 7, with the aim of strengthening economic partnerships between Iraq and the Emirates, and pushing towards achieving transformation in the Iraqi economy.

A report published in the English newspaper, and translated by Shafaq News Agency, quoted the “Iraqi-British Business Council” (IBBC) indicating that trade exchange between the UAE and Iraq witnessed significant growth exceeding 60% last year, which confirms the sustainability of economic relations between the two countries. .

The report noted that the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, will deliver a welcome speech on the second day of the conference dedicated to “building a sustainable future,” which will open on December 7 and last for two days.

He explained that the “Iraqi-British Business Council” conference in 2022 sparked positive reactions from 230 delegates, which led to an increase in membership by 15%.

The report continued that the Council seeks at this year's conference to achieve the same number of delegates who will meet to deliberate on topics such as "Education and Training in Iraq" and "Building a Sustainable Future."

The report also quoted the Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade and Industry, Abdullah Ahmed Al-Saleh, as saying, “It is a great honor to join our friends from Iraq and the Iraqi-British Business Council, to discuss joint efforts to assist the country in the reconstruction process,” adding, “Iraq He suffered a lot, but he has tremendous potential and capabilities to contribute a lot to the world.”

Al-Saleh continued: “The Business Council brought together companies working in the field of business and trade from all over the world for the benefit of Iraq and the members of the Council,” adding: “While the Iraqi-British Business Council is committed to a free, prosperous and diverse Iraq, it works as a bridge between Iraq and the rest of the world and connects governments and the private sector from In order to ultimately benefit businessmen, industry and the people of Iraq.”

Al-Saleh praised the Business Council and its leadership for organizing this platform for better communication, expressing his full support for its mission of “enabling the transfer of technology, infrastructure and expertise to Iraq to enhance its growth and development.”

The Council considered that “the significant growth in trade between Iraq and the UAE, which exceeded 60% last year, confirms the permanent economic relations between the two countries,” adding that this conference also confirms the position of the UAE as the main commercial center for Iraq, and displays the growing role of the state in Facilitating international cooperation.

The report stated, "The UAE has tremendous potential for investment in Iraq and for companies operating there, without the need for administrative and bureaucratic jobs that can be found in Iraq."

The report also quoted the Director General of the Business Council, Christophe Michels, as saying, “By defending the private sector in Iraq, the UAE is considered an ideal place due to its role as a regional center, linking international companies to Iraq.”

The Gulf Today newspaper report noted that the two-day conference is being held at a critical juncture, and addresses pivotal issues such as economic sustainability, education, financing and climate change, while the Business Council expects a shift in education and sustainability in Iraq, with a focus on increasing skills training and industrial cooperation. .

In addition, the conference will address sustainability through gas exploitation and financing strategies to support investments beyond oil price fluctuations, according to the newspaper report.

According to the report, Member of the British Parliament, Wayne David, who is the Shadow Minister for Middle Eastern Affairs, will speak before the conference about Britain's foreign policy in the Middle East. Energy bodies and companies, including Total Energies, BP, Basra Gas Company and Siemens, will participate in the conference, and there will be discussions on financial reform with industry leaders such as the CEO of Standard Chartered Bank and the President of the Commercial Bank of Iraq.

According to the report, there will be participation by senior representatives of British universities, high-level representatives from the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education, and the Prime Minister’s Office. Translated by: Shafaq News Agency LINK