IKBC at the 10th Session of Iraqi-Korean Joint Committee
Iraq-Korea Business Council participated in the meetings of the preparatory committee for the tenth session of the Iraqi-Korean Joint Committee.
The Iraqi-Korean Business Council actively participated in the preparatory meetings for the 10th session of the Iraqi-Korean Joint Committee, held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at the headquarters of the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baghdad. The meeting brought together high-level representatives from key Iraqi government ministries, the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, the Federation of Iraqi Industries, and other institutional stakeholders, reflecting a broad and inclusive approach to bilateral coordination.
The preparatory session was chaired by Ambassador Shorsh Khalid Saeed, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Multilateral and Legal Affairs, who emphasized the strategic importance of strengthening the partnership between Iraq and the Republic of Korea through practical, long-term cooperation mechanisms. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Shorsh highlighted the value of leveraging Korea’s advanced capabilities in fields such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, industrial automation, telecommunications, and education. He stressed the need for Iraq to draw on Korea’s successful development model and technological innovation to support Iraq’s modernization efforts across multiple sectors. The participation of the Iraqi-Korean Business Council in these discussions underscored its growing role as a key actor in facilitating public-private dialogue, promoting investment opportunities, and shaping the future framework for bilateral trade, industrial cooperation, and cultural exchange. The Council’s presence also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Iraq’s integration into global markets and fostering productive partnerships with Korean businesses and institutions.
Mr. Ahmed Shaban, Chairman of the Iraq–Korea Business Council, reviewed the Council’s main roles, emphasizing the council commitment to strengthening relations between Iraq and Korea across both the public and private sectors. He highlighted the Council’s efforts in supporting companies from both countries in various fields, developing human skills and capabilities through education and vocational training, organizing specialized and trade exhibitions, and implementing agreements expected to be signed between the two sides. He also underlined the Council’s work in promoting and developing the tourism sector, creating a favorable environment for investors and businesspeople wishing to work and invest in both countries, and maintaining close communication with governmental and private entities to identify available investment opportunities in Iraq and Korea.
The Iraq–Korea Business Council, a joint entity representing both the public and private sectors, serves as a vital link between Korean and Iraqi companies and business leaders. Leveraging its expertise and a track record of successful projects in Iraq—particularly with the Ministry of Oil and the Ministry of Transport—the Council has overseen the construction of six ships and military marine vessels for the Iraqi Ministry of Defense.
With regard to the Iraq–Korea Joint Committee, the Council is actively following up on previous agreements and is preparing to sign new ones with the Korean counterparts of the Iraqi Federation of Chambers of Commerce, the Federation of Industries, and the Contractors Union. Maintaining constant communication with Korean companies on sectoral development, the Council is also set to participate this October in a specialized exhibition in Busan dedicated to shipbuilding and marine equipment. The event will focus on the future of the maritime industry, green innovation, and digital transformation, and is organized by several Korean governmental and industrial bodies, including the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea. The exhibition will include numerous meetings with Korean companies to encourage their participation and investment in the Iraqi market, with the Iraq–Korea Business Council serving as a key supporter of these efforts.