Industry Leaders Gather for the 2025 IBBC Spring Conference

The Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) held its annual Spring Conference at the prestigious Mansion House in London, bringing together a wide array of business leaders, policymakers, diplomats, and investors to explore Iraq’s evolving economic landscape and opportunities for bilateral cooperation.

The event attracted a full house of attendees, reflecting the growing interest in Iraq’s business environment and the ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between the UK and Iraq. The conference provided a dynamic platform for dialogue on topics including finance, energy, education, infrastructure, and technology.

Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne, President of the IBBC, opened the conference with remarks highlighting the organisation’s commitment to fostering sustainable partnerships between the two nations. She emphasised the importance of ongoing engagement, particularly in light of Iraq’s recent economic reforms and digital transformation initiatives.

A keynote address was delivered by Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fuad Hussein, who outlined the government’s vision for economic diversification, private sector development, and international collaboration. His remarks were followed by a panel of Iraqi ministers and senior officials who discussed infrastructure development, the energy sector, and regulatory improvements aimed at attracting foreign investment.

The conference also featured prominent voices from the UK business community, including representatives from BP, Shell, G4S, and Control Risks. They shared insights on operating in Iraq, emphasising the importance of responsible investment, long-term engagement, and the value of strong local partnerships.

In addition to the business focus, the event welcomed a notable sporting figure: international dressage rider Zara Griffis, who is set to represent Iraq at the 2026 Asian Games. Her presence highlighted the diverse range of connections being forged between the UK and Iraq, extending beyond commerce into sport and cultural representation.

One of the highlights of the day was a session on digital innovation and education, with speakers addressing Iraq’s need for upskilling its youth population and fostering entrepreneurship. The importance of vocational training and partnerships with UK educational institutions was a recurring theme.

Networking sessions throughout the day enabled meaningful connections among delegates, reinforcing the IBBC’s role as a vital conduit for business cooperation. The conference concluded with a vote of thanks to the organisers and participants, and a strong message of optimism for the future of UK-Iraq relations.

The IBBC Spring Conference at the Mansion House reaffirmed the enduring ties between the two nations and the shared commitment to supporting Iraq’s development through practical business engagement, policy dialogue, and mutual respect.