The Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) and the Middle East Association (MEA) held a complimentary reception in the House of Lords, hosted by Baroness Nicholson, IBBC reported on May 8.

Britain is one of the major investors in Iraq, having signed a recent agreement between their respective governments earlier in 2024 in London. Several British companies are working with Iraq for reconstruction efforts, as well as London's efforts to send failed asylum seekers back. 

Jon Wilks CMG spoke of the opportunities in Iraq and benefits of trade councils like IBBC, while Nicholas Hopton CMG, CEO of the MEA, highlighted the complementary nature of the two organisations for doing business in the region.

Christophe Michels, Managing Director of the IBBC, reminded the audience that MEA played an important part in helping launch IBBC in 2009, and expressed pleasure at seeing MEA growing again.

Sadik Al-Hasaan MP, head of the UK's All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Iraq, complimented IBBC and Baroness Nicholson for her work in Iraq and pledged his ongoing support to both organisations.

Over 90 members of both organisations attended the networking event, comprising businesses operating in Iraq and the Middle East, ambassadors from Algeria and Sudan, former ambassadors, and academics from Oxford University.

The participants agreed to hold regular networking events to develop opportunities for British and international trade.