June 10, 2026
IKBC & Iraq's MoT at Trade Agencies and Franchise Expo Amman
IKBC took part in Trade Agencies and Franchise Expo 2026 as a proud sponsor
Iraqi Ministry of Trade was represented by Director General Private Sector Development Department Dr. Malik Khalaf Al-Duraie
The Iraqi Ministry of Trade, represented by the Private Sector Development Department, participated alongside the Iraq-Koren Business Council in the Trade Agencies and Franchise Expo 2026, held in Amman, Jordan, from 9 to 10 June 2026. The event brought together a broad range of governmental entities, economic institutions, and local and regional companies as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen economic cooperation and attract high-quality investments to the Iraqi market.
The opening ceremony was attended by Jordan’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply, Eng. Yarub Qudah, and Iraq’s Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Mr. Omar Al-Barzanji, in addition to a number of senior officials and representatives of economic organizations, Arab business councils, and international institutions.
The exhibition witnessed the active participation of the Iraqi-Korean Business Council, headed by Mr. Ahmed Shaban, who held a series of meetings with representatives of participating companies, investors, and economic institutions to promote investment opportunities in Iraq and explore mechanisms for establishing commercial and investment partnerships that support private sector development and expand international economic cooperation.
During the opening ceremony, Dr. Malik Khalaf Al-Duraie, Director General of the Private Sector Development Department, delivered a speech on behalf of H.E. Dr. Mustafa Nizar Al-Ani, Minister of Trade, emphasizing that the exhibition serves as a strategic platform for strengthening economic cooperation and transforming shared opportunities between Iraq and Jordan into practical projects and partnerships that contribute to sustainable economic development.
Dr. Al-Duraie further stressed that the Ministry of Trade continues to enhance the business environment and facilitate investment procedures, while supporting the entry of international companies and global brands into the Iraqi market through commercial agency and franchise systems, in line with the government’s efforts to empower the private sector and stimulate investment.
On the second day of the exhibition, Mr. Ahmed Shaban participated in the second panel discussion on investment opportunities and mechanisms for entering the Iraqi market through commercial agencies and franchising. As one of the session’s keynote speakers, the Chairman of the Iraqi-Korean Business Council highlighted the Council’s role in strengthening international economic relations and fostering communication between the Iraqi business community and foreign companies, particularly Korean and Asian enterprises, thereby contributing to attracting investment and facilitating the transfer of expertise and advanced technologies to Iraq.
Mr. Shaban mentioned that Iraq possesses significant economic potential and promising investment opportunities across a range of sectors, including industry, energy, technology, infrastructure, and services. He reaffirmed the Iraqi-Korean Business Council’s commitment to building strategic partnerships between the Iraqi private sector and its regional and international counterparts, supporting economic development and creating new avenues for cooperation and investment.
Participants in the panel discussion also emphasized the importance of expanding economic partnerships between Iraq and Jordan and leveraging the role of business councils and economic institutions in promoting trade and investment while creating new opportunities for companies and entrepreneurs in both countries.
The exhibition attracted a distinguished gathering of government officials, business leaders, and representatives of companies and economic institutions from various countries. The participation of the Iraqi-Korean Business Council added significant value to the event through its contributions to economic discussions and bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening Iraq’s position on the regional and international investment landscape.The exhibition also featured the participation of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) – Amman Office, represented by Ms. Hanna Kim, Director of the Amman Office and Head of the Korean Commercial Section in Jordan. During the event, she held a number of meetings with representatives of both the public and private sectors to discuss opportunities for economic and investment cooperation between Iraq and South Korea.
Ms. Kim highlighted the important role played by the Iraqi-Korean Business Council in building bridges between the business communities of both countries and encouraging Korean companies to explore investment opportunities in Iraq, particularly in the sectors of industry, technology, infrastructure, and energy.
On the sidelines of the exhibition, Mr. Ahmed Shaban, Chairman of the Iraqi-Korean Business Council, was honored in recognition of his efforts to strengthen economic and trade relations between Iraq and international partners, as well as his active role in supporting the Iraqi private sector and expanding opportunities for investment and commercial cooperation. The recognition reflected appreciation for the Council’s contributions to fostering connections between the Iraqi business community and its regional and international counterparts, while promoting partnerships that support economic development and attract investment to Iraq.
At the conclusion of the event, participants reaffirmed the importance of continued cooperation among government institutions, business councils, and the private sector to strengthen economic partnerships, attract quality investments, and support Iraq’s ongoing economic development efforts.