Communication on progress 2014 (CSR)

In order to enhance the concept of partnership between the Public and Private Sectors and the principles of integrity and transparency, the Iraqi Business Council (IBC) was a pioneer organizer and supporter to the United Nations Global Compact Initiative concerning the social responsibility of companies.

This Initiative that promotes the consolidation of ten principles adopted by the United Nations including transparency, combating child labor, integrity, environment preservation, human rights and other sublime principles that the IBC endeavored to apply to its agendas and programs since its establishment to the present date through symposiums and workshops to introduce this Initiative and its role in the development of the business society and the Iraqi civil society.

IBC Board of Directors being keen on expanding participation in the activities of the local network of the Global Compact in Iraq, appointed Dr. Amila Naji holder of a Ph.D. Degree in Companies’ Social Responsibility and an IBC member, as IBC Counselor for companies’ social responsibility and IBC representative in the Steering Committee of the Local Network of Global Compact in Iraq.

With this in mind, IBC was keen since its foundation to establish and support health care and humanitarian aid programs for the Iraqi community in Jordan by forming humanitarian committees to support the humanitarian programs and improve the conditions of vulnerable Iraqis whether inside Iraq or those living in Jordan.

The activities of this committee cover health, living and educational programs, and efforts to provide resources that assist in alleviating the sufferings of this vulnerable sector including “I HAVE A DREAM” Program to support Iraqi children inflicted with incurable diseases, “FARAH” Program which was designated to children with burns who were mutilated as a result of the obnoxious acts of terrorism underway in Iraq, and “AL-BALSAM” Program designated to aid the vulnerable Iraqi elderly patients who are in the Intensive Care Units in the Jordanian hospitals.

In addition to the aforementioned, IBC also sponsors Iraqi competencies of intellectuals, university professors, artists, scholars and other qualified dignitaries living in Jordan by means of shedding light on their creativity and supporting them to hold art exhibitions and finding opportunities to propagate their ingenuousness regionally and globally.

IBC sponsorship of scientific competencies was not only limited to Jordan, but it extended to participation in the Diamond Sponsorship of “Tamayuz Award” for architectural excellence of graduation projects for students of architectural engineering colleges in Iraqi universities for 2012 to stimulate scientific ingenuousness and encourage Iraqi competencies and talents.

IBC further works on promoting social ties between members of the Iraqi community residing in Jordan and outside Iraq through cultural activities and various social meetings.
Based on IBC various activities in the humanitarian field and keenness of its members to take part in the social and economic rehabilitation initiatives, with great pride IBC participated in organizing fine arts and humanitarian gallery under the title “MEMORY OF A PLACE” which represented the Iraqi man holding on to his genuine cultural roots.. crying out loud “this is Iraq, it is my land.. it is my history.. it is the dream of my children and ancestors.. it is the place that has imperishable living memory.”

This art exhibition was held in collaboration with the International Migration Organization – Iraq Mission and the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Jordan where elite Iraqi, Jordanian and European artists participated with the objective of supporting the affected communities in Iraq through the activities of the International Migration Organization that plays an outstanding sublime humanitarian role to alleviate the suffering of displaced Iraqis inside and outside Iraq through the support of the Iraqi Embassy in Jordan which has achieved remarkable successes turning it from an Embassy to a warm home embracing all Iraqis.

This participation comes as an achievement of IBC objectives, humanitarian goals and its ethical responsibility to aid the vulnerable Iraqis inside and outside Iraq.

SAAD MUHSIN NAJI
Secretary General
Iraqi Business Council

Renewal of Multiple Schengen Visa Granting Agreement Concluded Between IBC & French Embassy in Amman

IBC members met with the French Ambassador to Jordan Mrs. Caroline Dumas at IBC Headquarters in Swefiya.

At the beginning of the meeting, IBC Chairman Dr. Majid Sadi welcomed the French Ambassador and the present guests giving a brief presentation on IBC activities and achievements since its foundation.

On her part, the French Ambassador expressed her interest in promoting trade relationships with Iraqi investors; especially the small and medium businesses in a number of sectors.

She further called on IBC members to attend a meeting scheduled to be held with a number of representatives of the French Companies in Jordan to be followed by a visit of the Iraqi trade delegation to France to meet with the French companies interested in accessing the Iraqi market.

Also, issues relating to the renewal of the Shengen Visa Agreement that IBC had concluded two years ago with the French Embassy in Jordan were discussed.

The two parties agreed on the procedures pertaining to reviewing the terms of the Agreement to be signed by both parties.

At the end of the meeting, Dr. Majid Sadi and the French Ambassador exchanged appreciation on holding the meeting and IBC Chairman presented the French Ambassador with a gift.

On behalf of the Embassy the meeting was attended by the French Embassy Commercial Advisor Mr. Vincent Tousan, and on behalf of IBC it was attended by the Vice Chairman and Secretary-General Mr. Saad Naji, Vice Chairman Mr. Turkey Al-Qaisi, IBC Board members; Mr. Mekki Faiz, Mr. Usame Al-Quraishi, Dr. Fakhri Rishan, IBC members; Mr. Ali Al-Khawam, Mr. Hayman Al-Dabbagh, Mr. Muhammad Baghdadi, Mr. Ahmed Al-Amili, Mr. Aqeel Al-Hadi, Mr. Raed Allawi, Mrs. Layla Piyyo, Mrs. Widad Saffar, Mrs. Farah Al-Douri, representatives of Mr. Khalil Al-Bunniya’s companies, Mr. Abdul Karim Al-Hamiri and IBC CEO.

Meeting between the Iraqi Prime Minister Dr. Haider Al-Abadi and IBC Chairman and Members

On the sidelines of his visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Iraqi Prime Minister Dr. Haider Al-Abadi met on Sunday 26/10/2014 with IBC Chairman Dr. Majid Sadi and a delegation comprising IBC Board members; Mr. Turkey Al-Quisi, Mr. Makki Al-Faiz, Mr. Khalil Al-Bunniya, Mrs. Wassan Al-Khafaji, Dr. Fakhri Reshan and IBC CEO Mrs. Abeer Al-Naib.

 Dr. Al-Abadi listened to ample explanation presented by Dr. Sadi on the status of Iraqi investors in the Kingdom, the volume of their investments, their keenness and interest in expanding their investments to their homeland and means of encouraging and developing the Iraqi capital abroad that exceeds, as explained by Dr. Sadi, 2000 billion Dollars worldwide.

IBC Chairman further delivered a summary on IBC activities, its role in supporting the Iraqi economy and its objectives as to facilitate investment and encourage Iraqi investors and businessmen outside Iraq, bearing in mind that IBC presented its annual report and a worksheet covering summary of Dr. Sadi’s presentation including the initiative to establish an Iraqi economic advisory council.

On his part, the Iraqi Prime Minister Dr. Al-Abadi promised to study the presented proposals and instruct the competent bodies in the Iraqi Government to work on overcoming all obstacles and facilitating business and activities of the Iraqi businessmen in their country (Iraq).

The Prime Minister also affirmed during this meeting the keenness and seriousness of the Iraqi Government in supporting the Iraqi Private Sector and benefiting from the expertise and abilities of the Iraqi investors, indicating the importance of the economic factor in supporting and developing the security factor.

The Iraqi Prime Minister also welcomed and lauded the initiative of IBC Chairman for establishing an expanded Iraqi advisory economic council that conjoins all Iraqi economic associations and federations and acts as the sole Iraqi platform representing the Iraqi Private Sector.

Iraqi Business Council in Jordan signed a memorandum of understanding with the Governorate of Basra and Jordan Investment Board

Iraqi Business Council in Jordan signed a memorandum of understanding with the Governorate of Basra and Jordan Investment Board

Iraqi Business Council in Jordan signed a memorandum of understanding with the Governorate of Basra and Jordan Investment Board

To Download MOU.

 

The idea of establishing the Iraqi Business Council is based on the common desire generated by a number of elites. Those who are Iraqi investors and businessmen on the territory of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan unanimous in the importance of creating economic reference for them, as well as for those who wish to join them in order to maximize Iraq’s investment in Jordan, as well as to contribute actively to Iraq’s construction and reconstruction.

The idea of establishing the Iraqi Business Council was well-founded and blessed by the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Accordingly, the approval of the competent Jordanian authorities was commended for launching the Iraqi Business Council in Jordan.

The one who carried out the mission of founding is an elite of Iraqi businessmen of recognized competence and abilities. and since the Council’s inception in late 2006, members have worked towards efforts to support Iraqi investments in Jordan. as well as coordination and cooperation with official entities, to find solutions and proposals to overcome obstacles and constraints facing investors s economic, investment and trade cooperation between Jordan and Iraq.

Opening of the 9th Art Exhibition of the Iraqi Artist Tahseen Al-Zaidi

Under the auspices of the Iraqi Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Dr. Jawad Hadi Abbas, the ninth art exhibition of the Iraqi Artist Tahseen Al-Zaidi under the title “Travels” was opened on Saturday 13/9/2014 on IBC Hall in Swefiya – First floor.

During the opening ceremony, the Iraqi Ambassador toured the exhibition with IBC Board members; Mr. Usama Al-Quraishi, Mr. Makki Al-Faiz and Mr. Muhammad Jawad Al-Jubouri accompanied by the Iraqi Artist Tahseen Al-Zaidi to see the exhibited paintings in which the artist expressed man’s changing moods and situations between joy and sorrow, hope and ambition in the Iraqi society despite the time and place circumstances experienced by Iraqis, and the Iraqi person’s desire for change to the better.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Iraqi Commercial Attaché Mr. Adib Al-Kaka’ie and a number of IBC members; Mr. Raed Allawi, Mrs. Nidhal Jafar Naji, Mrs. Basma Bahaa, Artist Yada Al-Obaidi and a crowd of Iraqi artists, journalists, IBC guests, IBC CEO and staff.

 

The idea of establishing the Iraqi Business Council is based on the common desire generated by a number of elites. Those who are Iraqi investors and businessmen on the territory of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan unanimous in the importance of creating economic reference for them, as well as for those who wish to join them in order to maximize Iraq’s investment in Jordan, as well as to contribute actively to Iraq’s construction and reconstruction.

The idea of establishing the Iraqi Business Council was well-founded and blessed by the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Accordingly, the approval of the competent Jordanian authorities was commended for launching the Iraqi Business Council in Jordan.

Consultative Meeting between IBC Members & The Romanian Parliament Deputy Mr. Ovedio Raiche

A consultative meeting was held today Sunday 31/8/2014 at IBC Headquarters between a number of IBC members and the Romanian Parliament Deputy Mr. Ovedio Raiche in the presence of the Romanian Embassy Commercial Attaché Mr. Flavius Apostelisco and the Head of the Romanian Embassy Foreign Affairs Department in Jordan Mr. Leonardo Serninor.

At the beginning of the meeting IBC Vice Chairman and Board member Mr. Turkey Al-Qaisi welcomed the attendees and gave a presentation on IBC activities and achievements, the investment environment in Iraq, the latest economic developments and agreements concluded between Iraq and Romania.

Also, IBC members discussed with the visiting delegation issues relating to facilitating the procedures pertaining to visits of trade delegations to Romania to acknowledge the available investment opportunities.

On his part, the Romanian Parliament Deputy Mr. Ovedio Raiche, also the founder of STAGORA Project that aims at enhancing the trade relations between Romania, the Middle East countries and the Gulf States, spoke of the role of this Project in promoting trade relations, stressing the desire of the Romanian Government in inviting IBC delegation to attend the Economic Forum on this Project scheduled to be held in Romania beginning of 2015.

A formal invitation will be addressed by the Romanian Parliament to IBC members to participate in the Forum.

On IBC side, the meeting was attended by IBC members; Mrs. Tamara Daghistani and Mr. Hassan Al-Dahhan, in addition to IBC CEO

 

Meeting of IBC Members with Head of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce and the Visiting Delegation

IBC members met on Sunday 24th August 2014 at IBC Headquarters with the Head of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce Mrs. Charlotte Calen (Head of the Swedish Chambers of Commerce), the Specialist of Telecommunications and Capabilities Building / Founder of NINA Magazine for Empowering Iraqi Women) Mrs. Madeline White and (Head of the Private Sector Development in Iraq).

 

At the beginning of the meeting, IBC Chairman Dr. Majid Sadi welcomed the Head of the Swedish Chambers of Commerce and the visiting delegation and elaborated on IBC activities and the achievements realized by IBC in the economic, humanitarian, cultural and social fields.

He further presented a briefing on the investment environment prevailing in Iraq, the role of IBC in providing facilities to Iraqi investors in Jordan and the volume of Iraqi investments in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

On her part, Mrs. Charlotte Calen elaborated on the importance of developing the economic cooperation between the companies owned by IBC members and their Swedish counterparts and proposed organizing a visit to Sweden for a trade delegation comprising of IBC members.

The Head of the Private Sector Development Centre in Iraq Mr. Khalid Mehdi elaborated on the role of the Centre in supporting and developing the Private Sector and presented a briefing on NINA Magazine published by the Centre in collaboration with the Swedish Chambers of Commerce that aim at enabling the Iraqi woman economically and supporting the economic growth in Iraq.

Mrs. Madeline White gave a presentation on the goals of the Magazine, areas of distribution and future plans to develop the magazine.

At the end of the meeting, Mrs. Madeline White and IBC Chairman Dr. Majid Sadi, on behalf of IBC, signed a Cooperation Agreement with NINA Magazine.

The signed Agreement provides support and promotes the programs that contribute to the empowerment of Iraqi women. IBC provided NINA Magazine Editorial Board with IBC activities, published articles and studies that IBC members wish to be published in the magazine.

The meeting was attended by IBC Vice President and Secretary-General Mr. Saad Naji, IBC Board members; Mrs. Wasan Al-Khafaji, Mr. Usama Al-Quraishi, Dr. Fakhri Rishan, and a number of IBC members; Engineer Uns Al-Shebib Baban and Mr. Hsan Al-Dahan, in addition to IBC CEO.

Inauguration of a Signing Ceremony for A Female Pupil’s Memoirs – Between Yesterday and Today Authored by Maye Shibr

Among the activities of the cultural programme of the Iraqi Business council (IBC), Creativity, the IBC orchestrated yesterday, 14.06.2015, in the IBC’s meeting room, a signing ceremony forA Female Pupil’s Memoirs – Between Yesterday and Today, authored by Iraqi writer, Ms. Maye Shibr.

At the outset, Professor Salah Jarrar, former Minister of Culture, delivered an overview about the autobiography of authoress, Maye Shibr, reviewing her significant role in educational issues.

Professor Jarrar also touched on the role of the writer in the Jordanian cultural landscape since the nineties.

He also walked the audience through a number of the works of Ms. Shibr in the areas of education, school libraries and community issues, as well as through her continuous efforts in the publication of her articles in a number of the local newspapers.

Professor Jarrar described her the book as ‘introducing a new distinguished colour, where the authoress employed her memoirs to present creative educational notions using charming, smooth and proper rhetoric’.

He also looked into the key significantly important subjects which the publication examines and which has guiding benefits for education; meanwhile, the speaker stressed the importance of education in the early years of childhood, hoping the Ministry of Education would guide its schools to own this valuable product, as it can serve as a basic part and reference to which male and female teachers, school principals and students would refer.

On her part, authoress Shibr presented a number of the topics that her work tackles, including her memoirs during childhood; she discussed the education methodologies comparing the past with the present, and the role of technology evolution and its impact across generations.

The event also included poems presented by the Sheik of Arab artists, Rafiq al-Lahham and Poet Lawyer Raghib al-Qassim. At the end of the gathering, both of Mr. Mamoun at-Talhouni and Professor Jarrar commended the role IBC is playing in supporting male and female authors and writers, as well as the Iraqi community in Jordan.

The opening ceremony was attended by Iraq ambassador to Jordan, Professor Jawad Hadi Abbas and his wife; the cultural attaché, Dr Abbas al-Husseiny; Iraq health attaché assistant, Dr Wahhab Abbas; the military attaché at the Egyptian embassy to Jordan; and Mr. Aayed ath-Thafeery, chairman of the board of directors/Arab-Australian Institute for Strategic Affairs.

On the part of the IBC, the ceremony was attended by IBC’s Vice President and Secretary, Saad Naji; IBC’s Vice President and a number of the IBC’s members of the board of directors: Mr. Nizar Aawjy, Mr. Mohammad Jawad al-Jboury, Mrs. Wasan al-Khafajy and member of the humanitarian committee, Mrs. Widad as-Saffaar, as well as a number of the representatives of the diplomatic missions to the country, in addition to a large crowd of Iraqi and Arab writers and artists, satellite station channels, the media and the IBC’s director-general and staff.

The Visiting Delegation of Crédit Agricole Suisse Bank Holds a Seminar On Challenges Facing Investors and Investment at Difficult Times

The Delegation of (Crédit Agricole Suisse Bank) visiting Jordan held on IBC Hall – Swefiya (1st floor) a Seminar on the challenges facing investment and investors at difficult times

Speakers in the Seminar were the President of Economic Experts of Crédit Agricole Suisse Bank Dr. Mary Thompson and the Bank’s Investment Advisor Ms. Christina Nassir.

At the beginning of the Seminar the Bank’s Regional Manager in the Middle East and Africa Mr. Bertrand Margery welcomed the audience, then Dr. Mary Thompson spoke of the risks involved in markets in states with the fastest economic growth in the world and the growth deceleration of the Chinese economy, then Ms. Christina Nassir spoke of the performance of the global markets and their expectations.

On behalf of IBC, the Seminar was attended by IBC Vice Chairman and Secretary-General Mr. Saad Naji, Board member Dr. Fakhri Rishan, IBC members; Engineer Ali Naji, Mr. Halim Al-Hadithi, Mr. Raed Allawi, Mr. Ahmed Al-Iqabi, Dr. Hassan Fehmi Juma, Mrs. Farah Al-Douri, Mr. Wisam Sawalha, and representatives of IBC companies; Ms. Athba Al-Kelani (Representative of Baghdad Company), Mr. Haqi Ismaiel (Representative of Maham Company for Engineering Projects), Ms. Tiba Shubbar (Representative of Mesopotamia Company for Financial Investments), in addition to Mr. Peter Chamlian, General Manager of Crédit Agricole Suisse Bank- Lebanon and a number of representatives of Credit Agricole Suisse Bank, Representative of Talal Abu Ghazala Institute Mr. Luay Abu Usba, IBC CEO and staff.

IBC Members Meet with the Greek Ambassador Mrs. Maria Luisa Marinaki

IBC members met with the Greek Ambassador to Jordan Mrs. Maria Luisa Marinaki and the Greek Embassy Commercial Attach Mrs. Mary Areti at IBC Headquarters in Swefiya.  At the beginning of the meeting, IBC Chairman Dr. Majid Sadi welcomed the Greek Head of Mission and the present guests, delivering brief presentation on IBC activities and its accomplishments since its foundation, and proposed establishment of a mechanism of cooperation on the exchange of information and knowledge and organizing mutual visits for trade delegations of the two sides.

IBC Chairman further extended an invitation to the Greek Ambassador and the Greek Companies interested in accessing the Iraqi market to attend “The Future of Energy in Iraq” Conference which is scheduled to be held in Amman under sponsorship of IBC from 18th – 20th May 2014.

Dr. Saedi also elaborated on the “Oil Export Pipeline Project from Basra – Aqaba” Project which is considered a major investment opportunity for international companies, calling on active participation of the Greek Companies in this Project.

On her part, the Greek Ambassador praised the close ties existing between the two countries and the projects implemented in Iraq years ago by a number of Greek Companies in the field of infrastructure.

The Ambassador also emphasized her keenness in attracting Iraqi investors specialized in a number of sectors including the real estate investments and revival of tourism sector in Greece.

She further elaborated on the activities and achievements of the Greek Investment Agency who facilitates the investment procedures in Greece, and stressed on the necessity of maintaining communication with the Agency’s Officials to explore more investment opportunities.

Towards the end of the meeting, Dr. Sadi and the Greek Ambassador exchanged appreciation and gratitude for organizing the meeting, and a gift from IBC was presented to the Greek Head of Mission.

The meeting was attended by IBC Vice Chairman and Secretary-General Mr. Saad Naji, IBC Vice Chairman and Board member Mr. Ahmed Shabender, IBC Vice Chairman and Board member Mr. Turkey Qaisi, Board member Mr. Fakhri Rishan, and a number of IBC members; Mrs. Tamara Daghistani, Mr. Ahmed Shaban, Mr. Ali Shenshel, Mr. Bakir Shenshel, Mr. Abdul Karim Saedi, Mr. Hassan Safi, and Mr. Mustafa Sheikh the representative of Mr. Ahmed Albeer.