On 11 June, Mr. Wadee Al Handal, participated in a strategic meeting with senior officials of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) at the bank’s headquarters in London.

The Al Handal International Group delegation included Mr. Omar Wadee Al Handal, Managing Director; Mr. Noor Al Handal, Board Member; Ms. Fahir Hussein; and Ms. Mays Al-Kayar. The meeting was also attended by Mr. Ali Tariq and Mr. Ahmed Al-Hashemi, representing the Iraqi Private Banks League (IPBL).

Representing the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) were Mr. Mike Taylor, Director of Financial Institutions for the Middle East and Africa; Ms. Katya Lehair, Associate Director and Head of Financial Institutions for the Eastern Mediterranean Region; and Mr. Amr Bahr, Senior Banker, Financial Institutions.

During the meeting, EBRD representatives presented the bank’s strategy and expansion plans in Iraq, highlighting that the institution officially commenced operations in the country in 2025 and has established a permanent office in Baghdad to support investment opportunities and development projects.

Discussions focused on the EBRD’s activities in Iraq and its support for the banking sector, infrastructure, energy, housing, hospitality, and private sector development. The bank outlined a range of financing solutions, including trade finance, green finance, risk-sharing mechanisms, and programs designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurship, and sustainable development initiatives.

The Iraqi Private Banks League provided an overview of its role in supporting Iraq’s financial sector through training and capacity-building programs, cooperation with international organizations, participation in regulatory reviews, and engagement with government and sectoral committees. Participants also discussed ongoing efforts to strengthen governance, risk management, financial inclusion, and the broader development of Iraq’s banking sector.

As part of the meeting, representatives of Al Handal International Group presented a number of the Group’s projects in Iraq, including residential and real estate developments, the Buruj Residential Project near Baghdad International Airport, hospitality projects being developed in cooperation with international brands, efforts to attract global hospitality operators to Iraq, and initiatives supporting entrepreneurship and youth empowerment through The Station.

The discussions also highlighted the growing demand for housing and development projects across Iraq and the importance of expanding access to effective financing solutions that can support sustainable economic growth and long-term investment opportunities.