The Italy-Iraq Business Council is established to strengthen cooperation and trade.

Diplomatic and commercial relations between Italy and Iraq continue to strengthen, as demonstrated by the launch of the Italy-Iraq Business Council, which took place yesterday in Baghdad during a ceremony attended by the ambassador Nicholas Fontana, Representatives from the Farnesina, ICE, SACE, SIMEST, and Confindustria-Assafrica, as well as numerous Italian companies operating in Iraq, were also present. Also present were Iraqi government officials, presidents of the Parliament’s economic committees, representatives of the country’s financial institutions, and approximately 60 Iraqi companies interested in developing or already in contact with Italy.

During his speech, Ambassador Fontana emphasized how the occasion represents “our strong commitment to strengthening economic and trade cooperation between Italy and Iraq.” The diplomat then added: “As a tool for connecting our economic systems, the Iraq–Italy Business Council offers a single, practical point of contact, where ideas find partners and problems find solutions. With offices in Baghdad and Erbil and a Council composed of representatives from all of Iraq’s provinces and sectors, opportunities can finally meet capabilities on both sides.”

Italy “will continue to strengthen cooperation with Iraq by collaborating with the relevant institutions to transfer knowledge and experience at all levels: from classrooms and training centers to laboratories, factories, and construction sites, so that good ideas become skills and skills translate into lasting opportunities,” Fontana remarked, addressing members of the Iraqi and Italian business communities: “This Council belongs to you. Use it. Bring your ideas and needs. The Council will help you bridge gaps and meet needs, step by step.”

Looking to the future, the ambassador outlined “three measurable objectives: more qualified and reliable suppliers; predictability in negotiations and contracts; and improvements in knowledge transfer and capacity building.” If these objectives are achieved, Fontana concluded, “then the inauguration will not simply have been a ribbon-cutting ceremony, but will have changed a trajectory. May this Business Council become a safe and active bridge toward greater shared prosperity for Iraq and Italy.”