Amman – the Jordanian capital, Amman, hosted on June 9th and 10th 2026 the activities of the “Franchise & Trade Agencies Expo 2026“, organized by Bana Conferences and Exhibitions and the Iraqi Business Council in Jordan at Amman International Fair – Airport Road. The event witnessed wide formal and economic participation from Jordan and Iraq and was attended by business leaders, company owners and competent entities to enhance trade and investment cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
The Exhibition was inaugurated by the Jordanian Minister of Industry, Trade & Supply, Eng. Yarub Al-Qudah, on behalf of H.E the Prime Minister. Eng. Al-Qudah emphasized that the economic relations between Jordan and Iraq represent an advanced model of Arab economic integration, stressing that such integration is no longer an option, but a strategic necessity imposed by economic changes, regional challenges and the requirements of achieving sustainable development in the two countries.
For his part, IBC Chairman, Dr. Majid Saedi, stated that the Exhibition, with such wide participation, reflects the confidence of industrialists, investors and businessmen in the strength of the economy and solid trade relations existing between Jordan and Iraq. He pointed out that commercial agencies and franchising constitute a significant pillar to expand the private sector activities and open new opportunities for partnerships and investments.
The President of Jordan and Amman Chambers of Industry, Eng. Fathi Al-Jighbir, noted that the Exhibition constitutes an important platform bringing together businessmen, investors and representatives of trade brands from Jordan, Iraq and Arab countries with the aim of strengthening economic partnerships and opening new horizons for investment and cooperation among private sector entities in the region.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Iraqi Minister of Trade, the Director General of the Private Sector Department in the Iraqi Ministry of Trade, Dr. Malik Al-Duraiei, emphasized that the Exhibition represents an important step toward moving the Jordanian – Iraqi economic relations from a traditional trade exchange to sustainable strategic partnerships and joint added-value projects.
Also, the Iraqi Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Mr. Omar Al-Barzanji, highlighted the role played by the Iraqi Business Council in Jordan in strengthening economic and investment ties between the two countries and consolidating cooperation among private sector institutions. The Ambassador noted that such events contribute to the exchange of expertise, exploration of investment opportunities, and the establishment of economic partnerships that serve mutual interests.
During the first panel discussion, which focused on Financing Mechanisms, Banking Facilities, and the Role of International Financial Institutions in Supporting Trade and Investment between Iraq and Jordan, the Representative of the International Finance Cooperation (IFC) mission in Jordan affiliated with the World Bank Group, Mr. Marcel Rashed, emphasized the importance of enhancing economic and investment cooperation among countries in the region. He pointed that regional partnerships are among the most effective tools for supporting economic growth and stimulating the private sector investments.
For her part, Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD) office in Iraq, Ms. Katarina Hansen, stated that the Iraqi market offers significant and diverse investment opportunities for local, regional and international companies, particularly in the infrastructure, transportation, logistics, energy, electricity and telecommunications sectors. Ms. Hansen stressed the importance of coordination among international financial institutions, the government and private sector to ensure the implementation of priority projects and achieve sustainable economic impact.
Further, the Deputy CEO and Head of Corporate & Business Banking at the Housing Bank (Iskan Bank), Mr. Nassir Abu Zahra, praised the strong banking and financing relations between Jordan and Iraq, affirming that the Jordanian banking sector was among the first sectors to contribute to financing projects and enhancing trade exchange between the two countries through diverse financing tools supporting trade and investment movement.
Member of the Iraqi Business Council and Financial and Banking Advisor, Mr. Hani Idris, who moderated the session, noted that banking relations between Jordan and Iraq have reached advanced levels of integration. He pointed to the active presence of Jordanian banks in the Iraqi market and to financial and investment partnerships that contribute to providing financing and banking services for joint projects.
The second panel discussion addressed Commercial Agencies, Financing, Investment Opportunities and the Mechanisms for Entering the Iraqi Market. IBC Deputy Chaiman & Secretary-General, Dr. Saad Naji, chaired the session and reviewed the main objectives of the Agencies & Franchise Expo 2026. Dr. Naji emphasized that the Exhibition aims to provide a practical platform bringing together companies, businessmen and investors from Jordan and Iraq, and opening direct communication and networking channels to enhance commercial agencies and franchising opportunities and contribute to facilitating entry of the Jordanian companies to Iraqi markets through reliable and effective partnerships.
Dr. Naji indicated that the initiative was launched by the Iraqi Business Council four years ago in cooperation with H.E the Jordanian Prime Minister based on a vision to make Jordan a key gateway for Jordanian companies that desire to enter the Iraqi market, and establishing direct cooperation bridges between the private sector in both countries. Dr. Naji further added that, based on this initiative, IBC launched a special program to encourage Jordanian companies to introduce their products to the Iraqi market, and assist them to find commercial and investment agents and partners in Iraq.
Dr. Naji further stated that the Exhibition complements these efforts by promoting available investment opportunities and supporting the role of the private sector in enhancing economic cooperation between Jordan and Iraq, noting that the current stage requires accelerating the transition toward a private-sector-led economy and expanding economic and investment partnerships between the two countries, thereby facilitating knowledge transfer and opening new horizons for cooperation.
Dr. Naji then introduced the speakers participating in the session, highlighting key milestones in their professional and academic careers, and their expertise in investment, trade and private sector before presenting their visions on the mechanisms of entering the Iraqi market and enhancing cooperation opportunities between Jordanian and Iraqi companies.
President of the Jordanian Investors Association, Mr. Mujahid Al-Rajabi, affirmed that the Iraqi market is among the most important strategic markets for Jordanian exports, stressing the importance of strengthening industrial and investment partnerships between the private sectors in the two countries.
For his part, Chairman of the Erbil Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Mr. Kilan Aziz, stated that the Kurdistan region is one of the most attractive investment destinations in Iraq due to its motivating legislative environment and extensive facilities offered to local and foreign investors, pointing to promising opportunities in the industry, agriculture, trade and services sectors.
Dr. Malik Al-Duraiei clarified that the Iraqi private sector is currently experiencing rapid growth supported by improved levels of stability and government reforms aiming at developing the business environment and encouraging investment. He emphasized that digital transformation and simplified procedures are key factors in enhancing the attractiveness of the Iraqi market.
In turn, Head of the Iraqi – Korean Business Council, Dr. Ahmad Sadiq Shaban, said that Jordan is playing a crucial role in supporting the economic and investment activities of Iraqi companies, noting that the stable banking environment in the Kingdom constituted a major foundation for the expansion of the activities of many Iraqi and regional companies.
The Exhibition concluded its activities by emphasizing the importance of continuing to build upon the achievements realized in the Jordanian – Iraqi cooperation and moving toward joint projects and strategic partnerships that support the private sector growth, enhance economic integration and open new horizons for investment and trade between the two brotherly countries.
