Opening of the Personal Exhibition of Iraqi Artist Mutee Al-Jumaily Entitled “Walls & Plates” Under Patronage of His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to Jordan Mr. Omar Al-Barazanji

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As part of the activities of the Cultural Program (Ibdaa) of the Iraqi Business Council, the personal exhibition of the Iraqi artist Mutee Al-Jumaily entitled “Walls & Plates” was opened on Wednesday January 8th 2025 on the Council’s Hall under patronage and presence of His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to Jordan, Mr. Omar Al-Barazanji, Mrs. Al-Barazanji and the senior staff of the Iraqi Embassy, and presence of IBC Deputy Chairman & Secretary-General, Dr. Saad Naji, Board Member Engineer Mekki Al-Faiz and IBC Members; Mr. Turkey Al-Qaissi and Mr. Mohamad Shanshal, and a large number of prominent cultural and economic figures, in addition to the Council’s CEO and staff.

This is the twentieth exhibition for the Iraqi artist Mutee Al-Jumaily, in which he presented artworks that embody his rich artistic experience, entitled “Walls & Plates”.  In his paintings, artist Al-Jumaily displayed the Arabic letter as a semantic symbol and fundamental component to convey to his viewers Iraq’s cultural and historic identity.

In his “Walls & Plates” exhibition, the artist presented us with artworks that transport the viewer to the country’s memory though colorful plates and walls that carry signs and connotations deeply rooted in Iraq’s ancient history.  Artist Al-Jumaily clarified that his artworks are inspired by the spirit of the old and glorious Iraqi civilization, specifically by the Sumerian and Babylonian symbols, to bring back to the mind that fragrance of a history that expands over a thousand years.  He also pointed out that the exhibition represents artistic attempts to express the Iraqi identity through a mixture of symbolism and abstraction as an attempt to sail into the depths of Iraqi history and civilization.

It is noteworthy that this is the third exhibition for artist Mutee Al-Jumaily organized on the Council’s Hall.  It also represents a significant addition to artist Al-Jumaily’s career in the realms of plastic art and is considered a special occasion to support Iraqi creativity and strengthens Iraq’s cultural and artistic presence in the Arab and international worlds.

The exhibition witnessed wide presence of those interested in plastic art and Iraqi culture, and it received a large turnout from visitors, who expressed their admiration in the displayed works and the distinctive artistic style adopted by artist Al-Jumaily in this exhibition.

IBC Chairman & Board Members Visit the New Iraqi Ambassador to Jordan Mr. Omar Al-Barazenchi

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A delegation including IBC Chairman and Board members; Dr. Majid Saedi / Chairman, Dr. Saad Naji / Deputy Chairman & Secretary-General, Mr. Nazar Auchi/ Deputy Chairman, and IBC members; Mr. Mekki Al-Faiz, Mr. Khalil AL-Buniya, Mrs. Tamara Daghistani, Mr. Muhammad Jawad Al-Jubouri / IBC Advisor, Mrs. Nisreen Al-Otaibi and IBC CEO visited on Thursday December 12th 2024 the Iraqi Embassy in Amman to Congratulate the new Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq, Mr. Omar Al-Barazenchi on his accreditation as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iraq to Jordan.  The meeting was also attended by the Iraqi Consul, Mr. Ahmed Al-Jarba, Commercial Attaché, Mr. Nabil Al-Karbouli, and a number of Embassy staff.

At the beginning of the meeting, His Excellency the Iraqi Ambassador welcomed IBC delegation stressing his keenness on serving the Iraqi and business communities in Jordan.  The two sides also discussed means of enhancing cooperation in economic affairs, encouraging investment and attracting companies to operate in Iraq to achieve development and prosperity.

For his part, Dr. Saedi gave an overview on the Iraqi Business Council and the support provided to investors and businessmen.

IBC Deputy Chairman & Secretary-General, Dr. Saad Naji, talked about IBC economic, cultural and humanitarian programs, in addition to facilitating the businesses of companies and serving the Iraqi community in Jordan.  For his part, H.E Al-Barazenchi stressed his readiness to provide full support to companies and institutions willing to invest in Iraq, stressing the importance of joint cooperation to strengthen economic relations between the two countries.

Opening of The International Poster Exhibition “Iraq 100” On IBC Hall

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As part of the activities of “Ibdaa” Cultural Program, the International Poster Exhibition “Iraq 100” was opened on Wednesday November 4th 2024 on the Iraqi Business Council Hall in cooperation with the international Architecture Award “Tamayouz”, in the presence of His Excellency the Charge d’Affairs of the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Jordan, Mr. Muneef Ali Hussein, the Embassy Cultural Advisor, Dr. Kheir Al-Din Al-Amin, IBC Deputy Chairman & Secretary-General, Dr. Saad Naji, and Mr. Osama Al-Shammari, in addition to IBC CEO and Staff.

On behalf of “Tamayouz” International Architecture Award the Chairman of the Jury, the prominent Iraqi artist Dhiya Al-Azzaawi, the event was attended by Engineer Aseed Al-Atyan, along with many artists and media figures.

This event was organized to celebrate the centenary of the founding of the Iraqi State, where a hundred art posters were exhibited embodying the visions of the participating artists on Iraq’s past, present and future in an integrated artistic experience celebrating the centenary of the founding of the Iraqi State.  It is worth mentioning that the posters were displayed in Baghdad, displayed today in Amman-Jordan, and will later tour many western capitals.  The exhibition will open daily for one week; till Monday November 11th 2024 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, except Friday and Saturday.

IBC Signs MOU with The Royal Jordanian Airlines To Provide Exclusive Discounts and Privileges To IBC Members

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The Iraqi Business Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Royal Jordanian Airlines to provide exclusive discounts and privileges to IBC members as a new step aiming to enhance economic cooperation and provide the best services to IBC members.  IBC announced the signing of this important MOU with the Royal Jordanian Airlines on Monday October 7th, 2024, at IBC offices in Amman.

IBC Chairman, Dr. Majid Sadi, and Head of the Royal Jordanian Commercial Sector, Mr. Kareem Makhlouf, signed the agreement in the presence of IBC Deputy Chairman & Secretary-General, Dr. Saad Naji, IBC’s CEO Mrs. Abeer Al-Naib and a number of IBC members and Royal Jordanian Airlines employees.

On this occasion, Dr. Sadi expressed IBC pride in this partnership, stressing IBC constant keenness on serving its members and provide he facilities that support their commercial activities.

For his part, Mr. Makhlouf expressed his pleasure in this partnership, stressing its importance, especially since the Iraqi Business Council includes major companies operating in Iraq and Jordan as members.

This agreement aims to provide exclusive discounts to IBC members, employees of IBC member companies and IBC employees on air tickets fares with the Royal Jordanian Airlines, on all segments of the Royal Jordanian Airlines network around the world, and its economy and business classes.  The agreement further includes a set of privileges and facilities that will enhance a unique travel experience for the members.

Meeting between The Iraqi Business Council – Jordan, and Jordan Free & Development Zones Group Company to Discuss Investment Opportunities

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A bilateral investment meeting was held on Tuesday August 6th 2024 at IBC offices attended by IBC Deputy Chairman & Secretary-General, Dr. Saad Naji, IBC Board member, Engineer Mekki Al-Faiz, and IBC members; Mr. Ahmad Al-Amili, and Mr. Aqeel Hadi, And IBC’s CEO Mrs. Abeer Al-Naib  On the side of Jordan Free & Development Zones Group Company the meeting was attended by the Chairman’s Advisor, Mr. Muhammad Al-Wakid, the Director General of the Free Zones, Mr. Abdul Hamid Al-Gharaibeh, the Director General of the Development Zones, Mr. Yousif Arafat, the Director of Investors’ Services, Engineer Jafar Al-Qudaa, and the Director of Marketing and Communications, Mrs. Noor Al-Sharif.

The meeting began with a welcome speech delivered by Dr. Saad Naji, who expressed his thanks and appreciation to the present guests, lauding their keenness on boosting cooperation with the Iraqi Business Council.  The meeting discussed a number of issues relating to investment in Jordan, as well as eliminating obstacles that stand in the way of investors, amending investment regulations to ensure attracting new investments and strengthening the existing ones.  The members also discussed the mechanisms that attract investors; such as the facilities provided for granting long-term residency permits and employment of investors’ children.  IBC Director General presented a comprehensive overview on the Council’s distinguished activities and investments of IBC member companies to affirm the Council’s vital role appertaining to boosting investment and economic cooperation between the two countries.

For his part, Mr. Abdul Hamid Al-Gharaibeh talked about the investment opportunities available in the Free Zones, especially in Queen Alia International Airport, pointing out the incentives, exemptions and competitive benefits provided to investors.  Mr. Al-Gharaibeh further proposed the arrangement of a field visit to IBC members to visit Queen Alia International Airport Free Zone.

Also, Mr. Yousif Arafat gave an overview on the investment opportunities available in the Development Zones; such as Ajloun Development Zone (the Cable Car Resort) and the Dead Sea Zone, stressing the importance of exploiting these opportunities to further enhance economic cooperation between the two sides.

At the close of the meeting, the two sides agreed to expand the horizons of cooperation, continuous communication and to periodically provide IBC with a list covering available investment opportunities and coordinate bilateral meetings with the investors interested in the Free and Development Zones.

IBC Delegation Meets with The New Jordanian Ministerial Economic Team To Enhance Economic Cooperation

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Chairman of the Iraqi Business Council, Dr. Majid Saedi, IBC Deputy Chairman & Secretary-General, Dr. Saad Naji, IBC Board member, Engineer Mekki Al-Faiz, and IBC members; Mr. Ahmed Al-Amili, Mr. Aqeel Hadi, Ms. Nisreen Al-Otaibi and IBC CEO, Mrs. Abeer Al-Naib met on Wednesday October 2nd, 2024, with the new Ministerial Economic team at the Jordanian Prime Ministry.

The Jordanian Ministerial delegation was headed by His Excellency the state minister for Economic Affairs, Mr. Muhannad Shehadeh, His Excellency the Minister of Investment, Mr. Muthanna Al-Gharaibeh, and Her Excellency the Minister of Transport, Engineer Wissam Al-Tahtemouni.

The two sides discussed means to enhance economic cooperation, facilitate the business of Iraqi investors in Jordan, as well as find solutions to the challenges of trade exchange, sustainability of investment projects, propose the establishment of Investment Guarantee Funds and expand the electricity network between Iraq and Jordan.  Also, the two sides stressed the importance of organizing periodic conferences and meetings between the private sectors in both countries.  The participants also stressed the need for stable legislations and instructions regulating investment to ensure a stable and attractive investment environment.

IBC Hosts the Signing & Publicizing of the First Poetry Collection “Humanization” by Poet/Engineer Haider Hadi Al-Khafaji

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As part of its activities under “Ibdaa” cultural Program, the Iraqi Business Council hosted on Wednesday August 14th 2024 a distinguished cultural evening for signing and publicizing the first poetry collection by Poet/Engineer Haider Hadi Al-Khafaji entitled “Humanization”.  The event was attended by IBC Deputy Chairman & Secretary-General, Dr. Saad Naji, IBC Board member, Engineer Mekki Al-Faiz, IBC member, Engineer Turkey Al-Qaisi, and a group of elite intellectuals, artists, writers and poets.

 

The poetry event was steered by the well-known Journalist and media figure, Mr. Muhammad Al-Sayyed Muhsin, who lauded the activities of IBC “Ibdaa” Cultural Program, stressing the prominent role of IBC in supporting the cultural and literal scene and enhancing communication among innovators and the public.  In his presentation, Mr. Muhammad Al-Sayyed Muhsin addressed the biography of the Poet/Engineer Haider Hadi Al-Khafaji, reviewing the most prominent stages in his professional and poetic career beginning from his first start in the world of poetry in the early 1980s of the last century till the publication of his first poetry collection “Humanization”.

 

He emphasized Poet Al-Khafaji’s excellence in presenting a poetic experience that combine between engineering and poetry, as he reflects in his works a deep human feeling and a unique ability to converse with inanimate objects in such a way that reflects his unique vision of the world around him.

 

During the event, the Poet presented his first poetry collection “Humanization” that reflected a distinct poetic experience.. rich with sentiment and humanity.  In its verses, the poetry collection included a creative dialogue between man and inanimate objects, presenting a new poetic language blending between human feelings and silent worlds.. thus creating an exceptional literary experience that captures the reader’s conscience.    The Poet also recited several poems from this collection schoing man’s sentiments and his dialogues with inanimate objects amid great interaction and admiration of the attendees.

Signing of MOU between IBC’s Ibdaa Cultural Program & Al-Ebrahimi Fine Arts Group To Enhance Cultural Cooperation

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The Iraqi Business Council announced yesterday; Monday July 22nd 2024 the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between IBC’s Ibdaa Cultural Program and A-Ebrahimi Fine Arts Group. The MOU aims to enhance cultural cooperation, archive, and document the history of fine arts, boost cultural and artistic awareness in society.
The signing ceremony took place at Al-Ebrahimi Fine Arts Group’s museum in Shmesani where the MOU was signed by IBC Deputy Chairman & Secretary-General and founder of Ibdaa Program, Dr. Saad Naji, on IBC side, and Dr. Hassanein Al-Ebrahimi, member of the Iraqi Business Council and founder of Al-Ebrahimi Group for Fine Arts, on behalf of Al-Ebrahimi Group.
The signing ceremony was attended by a large number of cultural, artistic and media figures. The MOU was concluded in the framework of IBC’s Ibdaa Cultural Program, which is a cultural project that seeks to develop the scene of fine arts in Iraq and abroad and build cooperation bridges with international cultural and artistic institutions to exchange experiences, ideas and projects. The Program resulted in several cultural activities including art exhibitions, seminars, publication of books and workshops that contribute to strengthening cultural and artistic ties.
IBC Deputy Chairman & Secretary-General, Dr. Saad Naji, expressed his delight with this cooperation, stressing that this step will significantly contribute to supporting the art movement and enhancing its role on the regional cultural arena. Dr. Naji also announced the launching of a club for fine arts connoisseurs and collectors, calling on fine artists to join the club to develop the fine arts movement and raise awareness in the importance of collecting fine arts.
For his part, the founder of Al-Ebrahimi Fine Arts Group indicated that the MOU reflects the commitment of the institution to sponsoring fine arts and contributing to their dissemination on a broader scale. The Al-Ebrahimi Fine Arts Group is a pioneering institution concerned with collecting, exhibiting, publishing and sponsoring fine arts, focusing on raising cultural awareness and artistic sense. The Group owns a museum that houses the largest private collection of Iraqi and Arab fine arts.

Proceedings of the Second Session on Investment Opportunities in Iraq In the “Economic Forum for Financial, Industrial & Commercial Partnerships between Iraq, Jordan & the Region”, held in the Dead Sea – the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

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Economic Forum for Financial, Industrial & Commercial Partnerships

Between Iraq, Jordan & the Region

Sunday May 5th 2024

Second Session

 

Below is the press release of the proceedings of the Second Session of the “Economic Forum for Financial, Industrial and Commercial Partnerships between Iraq, Jordan and the Region”, which was held in the Dead Sea area – the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.  The Session was chaired by the Vice President and Secretary-General of the Iraqi Business Council, Dr. Saad Naji, and addressed the main investment opportunities in Iraq.

A number of speakers participated in this Session including; the Director General of Planning & Studies Department in the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity, Mr. Ammar Muhammad Kadhim, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Media & Telecommunications in Iraq, Engineer Bassam Salim Hussein, Board member of the Iraqi Business Council and Head of “Energy World” Group, Consulting Engineer Mekki Al-Faez, Chairman of INTAJ Society for Information and Communications Technology, Mr. Amjad Sweiss and the Deputy Director General of Jordan – Kuwait Bank, Mr. Zuhdi Al-Jayousi.

Economic Forum for Financial, Industrial & Commercial Partnerships Between Iraq, Jordan & the Region – First Session

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Economic Forum for Financial, Industrial & Commercial Partnerships

Between Iraq, Jordan & the Region

Sunday May 5th 2024

 

First Session

 

Source: Jordan News Agency “Petra”

 

A specialized session discussed the investment opportunities available in Jordan and Iraq in different economic sectors, especially in the fields of mining and industry.

 

The session, which was held on the sidelines of the activities of the  “Economic Forum for Financial, Industrial and Commercial Partnerships between Iraq, Jordan & Region Countries”, was attended by the Minister of Investment, Mrs. Koloud Al-Saqqaf, the Iraqi Minister of Industry & Minerals, Mr. Khalid Battal, and Head of the Presidency Office of the Republic of Iraq, Dr. Kamil Al-Duleimi.   The President of the Iraqi Business Council, Dr. Majid Sadi, steered the Session.

 

Minister Al-Saqqaf said that the investment opportunities that were launched on the Invest in Jordan Platform “Invest.jo” are consistent with the economic modernization vision, where investors may learn about the opportunities available by accessing the platform and acquaint themselves with (36) investment opportunities of (1.4) Billion Dinars investment volume and (17) sector files, as well as investment opportunities in the partnership projects between the two sectors.

 

Regarding the importance of establishing investment funds, Minister Al-Saqqaf pointed out that the Investment Environment Law permitted the establishment of investment funds, and that the government, through the Ministry of Investment, provided full support for the establishment of such funds as they contribute to simulating the capitals of investment institutions and attracting them with investment opportunities in various economic sectors of attractive priorities of high competitiveness, especially in the mining, infrastructure and tourism sectors.

 

The Minister pointed out that the first investment fund was established in the Kingdom as the largest Jordanian investment fund in terms of authorized capital amounting to (275) Million Dinars fully owned by Jordanian banks.

 

Minister Al-Saqqaf reviewed the most important features of the Investment Environment and incentives granted to investment projects in and outside the development zones, in addition to the Partnership Law between the public and private sectors and its contribution as to maximizing partnership between the two sectors.

 

For his part, Minister Battal said that his country has prepared a clear vision for the industrial sector, especially the strategic vision, that the state adopts for the development and growth of this sector, indicating that work is underway to finalize the technical matters relating to the implementation of the joint economic zone between the two countries.

 

Minister Battal added that “we face challenges in providing work opportunities for Iraqis, therefore, there are procedures pertaining to regulating a labor market with regard to expatriate workers”, indicating that there are new arrangements and certain mechanism between Jordan and Iraq concerning granting visas to Jordanians desirous to visit Iraq.

 

Minister Bettal pointed out that the Ministry promoted (90) work opportunities in various industrial sectors, and that his country welcomes foreign investments, noting that the Ministry has named 2024 as “the year of mining”.

 

Minister Battal also pointed out that Iraqi has started re-operation of the Iron & Steel Factory through partnership with a Turkish company, with an investment volume of (15) Million Dollars for its second stage.

 

In turn, the Head of the Presidency Office of the Republic of Iraq, Dr. Kamil Al-Duleimi, spoke about the visit of the Iraqi President, Mr. Abdul Latif Rashid, to the Kingdom, describing it as coming at an important time considering the political developments in the region.

 

Mr. Al-Duleimi said that the visit was successful as it addressed several political and economic matters on the following step as to activating the commonalities between the two countries, noting that the Iraqi President and the Prime Minister agreed to have a clear vision concerning issues that enhance Iraqi’s relations with Jordan.

 

He further pointed out that Iraq has set a clear vision based on providing services to citizens and improving the economic system to facilitate matters to investors and enable the private sector to implement the investment projects in various sectors, which value is estimated by (450) Billion Dollars.