Forum Objectives

An on-site B2B helpdesk will also support additional meetings, scheduling, facilitation and follow-up. Meetings will normally last approximately 30 minutes, with time to record the main outcomes and agreed next steps.

Whether your business is seeking market access, sourcing opportunities, distribution channels, investment, financing, technology or strategic partnerships, the programme can help create connections that may progress towards sales and export transactions, supply arrangements, investment opportunities, access to expertise, joint ventures and other forms of cooperation.

Particular attention will be given to promising women-led, youth-led and smaller enterprises. The success of the programme will be measured not only by the number of meetings held, but also by the quality of the connections and their progress towards tangible business outcomes.

To participate, complete the official registration form and provide information about your business, commercial objectives and preferred partners.

The B2B Matchmaking Programme at the Iraq National Trade and Investment Forum 2026 is designed to help businesses build relevant commercial connections and develop practical business opportunities.

The programme brings together Iraqi enterprises and local, regional and international buyers, suppliers, distributors, investors, financial institutions, technology providers and strategic partners. It combines advance company profiling and matchmaking with on-demand meetings during the Forum.

When registering, companies provide information about their activities, products and services, production or supply capacity, current and target markets, commercial opportunities, procurement needs and preferred type of partner. The B2B team uses this information to identify complementary business interests and arrange meetings with a clear commercial rationale.

EVENING PROGRAMME |📍 Maarouf

17:00 – 19:00 Evening Reception (by invitation only) Live Cooking Show, Cultural Performance & Exhibition

DAY 1: INTF High-level Opening and Strategic Insights

🟦 MORNING PLENARY |📍 Gilgamesh Hall

08:00 to 09:00: Registration of participants and VIP visit of the INTF SME Exhibition Space

09:00 – 11:00: Official Opening Ceremony

• National Anthem

• Welcome Address

• H.E. Ali Falih Kadhim al-Zaidi, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq (tbc)

• H. E. Dr Mustafa Nizar Al-Ani, Minister of Trade, Republic of Iraq

• European Commissioner (tbc)

• Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre

• Mr. Amer Khalaf Alawi, President of The Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce FICC

Cultural Presentation and Official Opening: Celebrating Iraq’s trade heritage and Ribbon cutting ceremony and official photos

11:00 – 12:30: Positioning Iraq in Global Trade and Investment: Reform Commitments and Strategic Partnerships

• H.E. Dr Mustafa Nizar Al-Ani, Minister of Trade, Republic of Iraq

• Ahmed Salim Al-Kinani, Head of the Parliamentary Economic, Industry, and Trade Committee in the Iraqi Council of Representatives Chairman of the Iraq National Investment Commission

• H.E. Adel Dakhel Mohammed Al-Yasiri, Chairman, National Investment Commission of Iraq

• European Union HQ representative or European Investment Bank TBC

Launches and Signature ceremonies

• Signing of the Framework Agreement between the Government of Iraq and the European Investment Bank (subject to confirmation)

• Signing of EU–Iraq Financing Agreements supporting economic diversification and private sector development (subject to confirmation)

• Official Kick off for the development of the Iraq's National Trade and Investment Strategy (NTIS)

12:30 – 13:30 Lunch

🟩 AFTERNOON – TRADE DIALOGUE SESSIONS & B2B

DAY 2: INTF Deep Dive on Partnerships and Private Sector Development

12:00 – 13:00 Lunch

13:30 – 15:30 🟦 CLOSING CEREMONY |📍 Gilgamesh Hall

• H. E. Dr. Mustafa Nizar Al-Ani, Minister of Trade, Republic of Iraq

• H.E Mr. Klemens Semtner, Ambassador of the European Union to Iraq

• Mr. Peter Hawkins, United Nations Resident Coordinator ad interim in Iraq

• Mr. Amer Al-Fahdawi, President of The Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce FICC

• Representative of the International Trade Centre

• Ministerial Statements

• Summary of Outcomes & Key Announcements

• INTF Awards Ceremony

• Closing Statement:
  “Creating Shared Prosperity for All Iraqis through Trade and Investment”

Benefits of Participation

The INTF Iraq Trade and Investment Awards 2026 will recognize outstanding individuals, enterprises, startups and initiatives contributing to Iraq’s economic development, private-sector growth, trade competitiveness, innovation and entrepreneurship.

• Most Innovative Startup of the Year

• Iraqi Product of the Year

• Retailer of the Year

• Women Entrepreneur of the Year

• Digital Champion of the Year

• Trade Champion of the Year

• Investment Champion of the Year

• Exporter of the Year

• Green Business Champion of the Year

Applications are open for the following award categories:

The application deadline is 11 October 2026. Winners will be announced during the INTF Awards Ceremony on 29 October 2026.

Applications will be assessed based on demonstrated results and impact, innovation and competitiveness, contribution to Iraq’s economy, growth and scalability potential, and sustainability and inclusion.

For further information, contact Ms. Zahraa Witwit, National Project Manager, at zwitwit@intracen.org

A Special Award for Exceptional Contribution to Iraq’s Trade and Investment may also be conferred.

INTF Awards 2026

Participation in the INTF Iraq Trade and Investment Awards 2026 offers applicants, finalists and winners an opportunity to increase their visibility and showcase their achievements to key stakeholders in Iraq’s trade, investment and private-sector ecosystem. Key benefits may include:

• Visibility: Applicants will have the opportunity to present their products, businesses, startups or initiatives to relevant stakeholders. Selected products and initiatives may also be showcased during INTF, attracting the attention of government representatives, investors, retailers, business leaders, development partners and other key actors in the Iraqi economy.

• Networking: Participants may engage with industry professionals, investors, retailers, entrepreneurs and potential partners during INTF, creating opportunities for business connections, collaboration and market linkages.

• Recognition: Finalists and winners will receive national recognition for their achievements and contributions to Iraq’s economic development, helping to strengthen their reputation, credibility and market positioning.

• Media Coverage: Finalists, winners and selected participants may benefit from media and communications exposure, highlighting their achievements, innovation and contribution to Iraq’s private-sector development.

• Market and Investment Opportunities: Participation may create opportunities to explore new markets, retail partnerships, export prospects, investment opportunities and other forms of business collaboration.

The Awards do not guarantee media coverage, investment, export opportunities, commercial agreements or participation in product displays. Such opportunities will depend on the relevance of the application, the selection process and the arrangements approved by the INTF Steering Committee.

Participating in the Awards provides an opportunity to gain national recognition, increase visibility among government officials, investors, business leaders and development partners, and showcase achievements to domestic and international stakeholders. Finalists and winners may also benefit from media exposure, business connections and potential market, export and investment opportunities.

Applicants and nominees must be based in Iraq, operate in Iraq, or demonstrate a direct and verifiable contribution to Iraq’s trade, investment, entrepreneurship or private-sector development. They must also meet the requirements of the selected award category and provide accurate, complete and verifiable information.

Applicants may apply directly or may be nominated by a third party, including an individual or organization, with the nominee’s consent. Each applicant or nominee may be submitted for only one award category. Applications must be submitted through the official application form, with relevant supporting evidence where appropriate. The form may be completed in Arabic or English.

How to Participate

Register your interest. Participation is free of charge and by invitation only. Selected companies will be notified based on established eligibility criteria.

Showcase Your Business at the INTF 2026 MSME Exhibition

The INTF 2026 MSME Exhibition and Iraqi Bazaar will provide companies from across Iraq with a platform to present their products and services, connect with visitors and potential buyers, and highlight the diversity, innovation and competitiveness of Iraqi businesses.

• Agri-food and agribusiness

• Construction and housing materials

• Renewable energy and green technologies

• Logistics, transport and trade facilitation

• ICT and digital solutions

The exhibition will focus on five priority sectors:

Subject to available funding, limited support for product transportation and participation costs may be available for selected exhibitors. Companies requiring such support should indicate this in their application.

To participate, complete the official application form and provide information about your company, products or services, and participation needs.

Participating in the exhibition can help enterprises increase the visibility of their products in domestic and export markets, promote investment opportunities, establish business-to-business and business-to-government connections, and strengthen links between producers, buyers, retailers and exporters.

Eligible participants are Iraqi MSMEs operating in Iraq, working in one of the priority sectors, offering commercially available products or services, and able to participate throughout the two-day exhibition. Preference may be given to enterprises with export-ready products, quality certifications, environmentally sustainable practices, digital solutions, employment opportunities, or strong links with local suppliers and value chains.

The exhibition will take place on 28 and 29 October 2026 at the Babylon Rotana Hotel in Baghdad. Selected exhibitors are expected to participate throughout the event, provide at least one representative for their booth, bring relevant samples and promotional materials, and take part in B2B meetings, networking activities and other Forum events.

Registration

How can I register for the Forum?

Participants can register through the official INTF website registration form.

Is there a participation fee?

There is no participation fee.

Will I receive confirmation after registering?

Yes. Once your registration is reviewed and confirmed, you will receive an official confirmation email with further information about the event.

Venue

Where will the Forum take place?

The Iraq National Trade Forum will be held at the Babylon Rotana Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq.

Where will the B2B meetings be held?

Dedicated B2B matchmaking areas will be set up within the Forum venue to facilitate scheduled business meetings between participants.

Hotel & Accommodation

Is accommodation available at the venue?

Yes. Participants are encouraged to stay at the Babylon Rotana Hotel, which hosts the event and provides convenient access to all Forum activities.

How can I book a room at the hotel?

Participants can book accommodation directly with the hotel. Information regarding booking procedures or preferential rates will be shared with registered participants.

Are there other accommodation options nearby?

Yes. Baghdad offers several hotels within reasonable distance of the venue. Participants may choose alternative accommodation if they prefer.

Programme

Where can I find the Forum programme?

The preliminary programme will be available on the INTF website and will include plenary sessions, panel discussions, and B2B matchmaking activities.

Will there be networking opportunities?

Yes. The Forum includes networking sessions, B2B meetings, and informal exchanges designed to facilitate connections between participants.

B2B Matchmaking

How can I participate in B2B meetings?

Participants interested in B2B matchmaking will be invited to create a company profile on the matchmaking platform, where they can request meetings with other participants.

Are B2B meetings scheduled in advance?

Yes. Participants can request and confirm meetings ahead of the event to ensure productive and targeted discussions.

Who can participate in B2B meetings?

B2B sessions are open to companies, investors, buyers, suppliers and business support organizations attending the Forum.

Interpretation

Will interpretation be available during the Forum?

Yes. Interpretation services will be provided during the event to facilitate communication among participants.

Which languages will be available?

Interpretation will be available between Arabic and English during the main sessions.

Security

Is the event venue secure?

Yes. The event will take place in a secure venue with appropriate security arrangements to ensure the safety of all participants.

Will participants need to pass security checks?

Yes. Standard security procedures may be in place at the venue, and participants may be required to show identification or event badges to access the Forum areas.

Logistics & Transportation

Which airport should I fly into?

Participants traveling internationally should arrive at Baghdad International Airport.

Will transportation be provided?

Information on recommended transportation options and logistics will be shared with registered participants closer to the event date.

How far is the venue from the airport?

Travel time between Baghdad International Airport and the Babylon Rotana Hotel may vary depending on traffic conditions. Participants are advised to plan their arrival accordingly.

Visa

Do I need a visa to travel to Iraq to attend the Forum?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Participants are encouraged to check the requirements with the Iraqi embassy or consulate in their country before making travel arrangements.

Can the organizers support my visa application?

Yes. The International Trade Centre (ITC) can provide visa support letters for registered participants. These invitation letters may facilitate your visa application process.

How do I request a visa invitation letter?

Once your participation is confirmed, you may request a visa support letter from the organizers by providing your passport details, travel dates, and organizational affiliation.

When should I apply for my visa?

Participants are encouraged to start the visa application process as early as possible after receiving their invitation letter to allow sufficient processing time.

Currency & Payments

What currency is used in Iraq?

The official currency in Iraq is the Iraqi Dinar (IQD).

Can I use credit cards in Baghdad?

Major hotels, including the Babylon Rotana Hotel, typically accept international credit cards. However, credit card acceptance may be limited in some places, so participants are advised to carry some cash for smaller purchases.

Where can I exchange currency?

Currency exchange services are available at Baghdad International Airport, major hotels, and exchange offices in the city.

Dress code

What is the dress code for the Forum?

The recommended dress code for the Forum is business attire.

Contact

Who can I contact for additional information?

For further questions regarding registration, participation, or logistics, please contact the INTF organizing team through the contact form on the website.