Once again the IBBC has gathered at Cumberland Lodge in Great Windsor Park, for our annual retreat. The event was fully subscribed with members and exceptional outside guests.

The opening Session was our champagne Reception and dinner. Baroness Nicholson welcomed everyone to the Lodge, outlining the history of our time there since 2011. It is very unusual for Cumberland Lodge to be used for corporate events, but given the nature of our work, the intention and brief for the retreat and prestige given to IBBC, we are welcomed annually.

Mr Mike Durham, CEO of the Cumberland Lodge, which operates to provide a welcoming, educational environment for students throughout the year, welcomed IBBC explaining why they will continue to welcome IBBC to this unique venue. He also mentioned how delighted all are that His Majesty The King has confirmed his continuous Patronage of Cumberland Lodge, taking this on from his late mother, Queen Elisabeth II.

Over dinner we were privileged to hear from Dr Barham Salih, the former President of Iraq and a foremost thinker and observer on Iraqi history, politics and potential. This was a wonderful, wide ranging speech, which outlined the background to UK – Iraqi relationships, how that relationship remain strong now as Iraq drives itself out of the challenges of the past 20 years, but also remained balanced and ensured that there is an understanding of Iraq as a sovereign state with the right and the need to diversify its relationships around the world.

Dr Salih generously took questions from around the room, offering thoughtful insight and a positive outlook, done through anecdote and the voice of experience. Dr Salih also took time to thank Baroness Nicholson for all that she has done for Iraq’s minorities over many years

H.E. Mr. Razaq Muhaibis Al-Sadawi, Minister of Transport, opened Tuesday's first session by expressing gratitude to IBBC for the invitation and reflecting on the Council's 15 years of fostering collaboration between Iraq and the UK. In his address, he conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani and emphasised the Iraqi government's commitment to investment, reconstruction, and development, particularly in key projects such as the Development Road and Grand Al-Faw Port. The Minister called for increased British investments in Iraq’s transport sector, highlighting the country’s stability and strategic role in regional economic integration.

For over an hour the minister engaged in extensive Q&A with attendees. He outlined his ambitious vision for Iraq's development across various sectors, including tourism, and emphasised the need for investment in priority projects like the Al-Faw Port and the Development Road. The Development Road, managed by Oliver Wyman, will link the Gulf states to Turkey, Europe, and the Chinese Belt and Road initiative, serving as a vital transportation route and economic driver. Along the road, business hubs and settlements will emerge, fostering economic growth.

Minister Al-Sadawi also discussed Iraq’s investments in the core port and freeport zones and emphasised the importance of expanding rail links, particularly to underserved areas like Anbar province. He acknowledged the need for improved rail and road connections between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and Baghdad, though this remains contingent on government budgets. Additionally, he announced the formation of a new maritime authority to elevate Iraq’s standing in international maritime organizations and expressed a desire to open direct flights between London and Baghdad as soon as possible.

The Ministry of Transport delegation’s participation underscored Iraq’s dedication to strengthening bilateral ties and supporting mutual prosperity. The delegation included prominent figures such as Ms. Zahrah Hamzah Ali Al-Salman, Chairwoman of the Transport and Communication Committee at the Iraqi Council of Representatives, Mr. Abbas Imran Mousa Al-Zubaidi, Director General of the Planning Directorate, Mr. Farhan Mouhaisen Ghdhaib Al-Farttoosi, Director General of the State Company of Ports of Iraq, and Mr. Abduladheem Kareem Al-Saymaree, Director General of the Iraqi Supreme Maritime Authority.

IBBC also initiated its own Maritime Sector table at the retreat, under the Chairmanship of Al Zaman Group. The IBBC met with the Minister to discuss collaboration in the aims and outputs of both the Ministry’s and the IBBC’s initiatives.

The next session saw former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Dr. Ali Allawi, giving a detailed presentation on China's business strategies in Iraq, highlighting the long-term, state-backed, geopolitical focus of Chinese companies. He explained how China dominates emerging markets by securing strategic resources like oil, and operates with easy access to finance, a flexible approach to local politics, and strong government support. He compared China's proactive approach to Western businesses, urging greater state support for UK companies in Iraq. The session sparked a lively discussion among members, who compared Iraq's situation with Dubai and examined the West’s diminishing presence in Iraq.

A further session focussed on the present state of affairs in Iraq with expert contributions from Dr Renad Mansour of Chatham House, Baroness Nicholson and Ivan Parks at the FCDO.

The education sessions were chaired by Professor Mohammed Al Uzri, with updates in the field of higher education and scientific research presented by Dr. Hazim Al Zubaidi, Director of the Government Program at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR) and Mr. Raed Mahmoud of The International School of Choueifat.

The session Iraq, Iran and the Gulf States was chaired by Dr Neil Quiliam of Chatham House. The discussion focused on the impact on Iraq of current Middle East Affairs. Expert speakers included IBBC’s Senior Advisor Jon wilks and Amir Sadaati of GEMS.

The Vice Chancellor of Dundee University Professor Ian Gillespie addressed the second dinner evening – and focused on the importance of the University sector in developing businesses, skills, and life and placemaking, including the opportunity that Iraq could deploy in the development of cities through their public universities.

Baroness Nicholson concluded the evening with thanks to Mr Abir Burhan of the Al Burhan Group, who sponsored the Cumberland Lodge event for the fourth time, and Christophe Michels and the entire IBBC team, for curating such a successful conference.

Brigadier James Ellery of Turnkey, concluded the activities by leading and narrating an active group for a morning walk around Windsor Great Park.