Wadee Al Handal Highlights Al-Asr Investment Bank's Role in Strengthening Iraq-Turkey Economic Ties at MUSIAD Launch in Erbil

On September 27, 2023, a momentous event unfolded in Erbil, Iraq, as the Independent Industrialists and Businessmen's Association (MUSIAD) launched its branch, announcing a new era of collaboration between Iraq and Turkey.

Distinguished attendees graced the occasion, including:

• Kamal Muslim, Minister of Trade and Industry in the Kurdistan Regional Government.

• Dr. Mohammed Shukri Saeed, President of the Investment Authority in Kurdistan.

• Omid Abdulrahman, Governor of Erbil.

• Wadee Al Handal, Chairman of Al Handal International Group and the Iraqi Private Banks League.

• Mouloud Yaqut, Turkish Consul-General in Erbil.

• Mahmut Asmalı, President of the MUSIAD Association.

• Anwar Abdullah, President of MUSIAD in Erbil.

The event also saw the presence of a select group of financial, economic, and commercial experts, along with prominent business figures from both Iraq and Turkey.

This significant occasion marks a momentous step toward fostering regional and international cooperation while strengthening ties with Turkey. During the event, Mr. Wadee Al Handal underscored the substantial progress achieved in economic relations between Iraq and Turkey, especially in terms of trade volume growth. He emphasized the pivotal role played by the banking sector in bolstering these ties and proudly announced the establishment of Al-Asr Investment Bank. This marks a historic milestone as the first Iraqi-owned bank in Turkey, established by Al Handal International Group. Al-Asr Investment Bank is poised to play a vital role in facilitating trade by providing modern and efficient banking services.

The launch event, coupled with the establishment of Al-Asr Investment Bank, demonstrates a strong commitment to constructing trade bridges and nurturing relationships that will serve as the foundation for a prosperous future in the region.