On Monday, June 2, the Canada Kurdistan Iraq Business Council (CKIBC) was launched, with the goal to establish business links between Canadian and Kurdish companies, in the presence of Canada’s Ambassador Christopher Boehm.
“ This new council represents a powerful idea that long-term prosperity is built not only through policy and diplomacy, but through partnership enterprise and private sector engagement,” Ambassador Boehm said at the event. “For decades, Canada has been a committed partner to Iraq, from humanitarian support and stabilization assistance to development programs and diplomatic collaboration.
“Canada has stood with the Iraqi people in times of challenge and transition, but today we move into a new phase, one defined by opportunity grounded in economic cooperation, trade, and investment. The CKIBC is being established to strengthen commercial ties between Canada and all of Iraq, from Baghdad to Basra, from Erbil to Mosul.
“While we recognize the vibrancy and strategic role of the Kurdistan Region, our focus is broader. This council will work across Iraq to build connections, support businesses, and foster partnerships that contribute to national growth and inclusive development. Canada brings real advantages to the table.
“At CKIBC, our main objective is to create a platform that encourages collaboration, stimulates innovation, and showcases Canadian businesses in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq,” Shaun Ismail, President of the CKIBC, told Kurdistan Chronicle. “We are committed to delivering concrete, measurable outcomes that bring value to all parties involved in Canada, the Kurdistan Region, and Iraq.
“We want to bring trade, industry, and Canadian investors to Kurdistan and promote their engagement here. Likewise, we aim to do the same in Canada by introducing Kurdish and Iraqi companies there. Our role is to serve as a bridge between the two sides.”
Ambassador Boehm added that Iraq has a market of 40 million people, a gateway to regional trade and a country committed to reform and revitalization. “Through this council, we will facilitate trade-in investment between Canadian and Iraqi companies,” he said.
Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Department of Foreign Relations Head Safeen Dizayee underlined that the formation of the council is a step in the right direction.
“I sincerely hope that this would enable us to build or strengthen the bridges between Iraq, Kurdistan, and Canada.
“On behalf of KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, I would like to reassure you that Kurdistan is open for business and the potential is quite substantial, not only in Kurdistan, but all of Iraq.”
Canada closed its embassy office in Erbil in March, but continues to operate in Iraq.
“Many businesses have established themselves in Kurdistan as a hub before developing further into the rest of Iraq. Perhaps for some people they may not see Canada being visible, but I can assure you Canada has been very much engaged, somewhat discreetly, but very much engaged, particularly as an active member of the International Coalition in our fight against ISIS,” Dizayee added.
“We are all here to support you and hopefully you will be able to strike the first deal with some of these business leaders when you can do some networking. Maybe a similar event can be arranged in Canada by inviting our capable and reputable business leaders to interact with their counterparts and discuss how to cooperate in various fields for the benefit of our two nations.”
