ITC in Iraq

This page is dedicated to the International Trade Centre (ITC)’s work in Iraq. ITC is a multilateral agency with a joint mandate with the World Trade Organization and the United Nations through the UN Trade and Development. Working with partners to strengthen MSME competitiveness, ITC helps to build entrepreneurial and employment opportunities, particularly for women, youth, marginalized and poor communities. ITC’s main clients are MSMEs, business support organizations and governments. In Iraq, MSMEs represent a large share of the private sector. In our vision, we see improved MSME competitiveness in high potential value chains, as a pathway to diversify the economy, promote women and youth empowerment and ensure sustainable peacebuilding efforts.   Currently, ITC is implementing two European Union-funded projects in Iraq: 📌 “Strengthening the Agriculture and Agri-food Value Chain and Improving Trade Policy in Iraq” (SAAVI) 📌 “Building Equitable and Inclusive Transformation” (BEIT), jointly executed with UN-Habitat, and ILO   ITC’s activities in boosting economic development through its work on the MSME sector, economic diversification, and institutional strengthening, contribute to inclusive, sustainable, and resilient growth in Iraq. #Iraq #SAAVI #BEIT

🗝 Understanding fragility from a business perspective is essential, especially in regions where conflict and instability are part of everyday life. “We are expanding, having overcome many initial challenges,” shares Ahmed Khalaf, General Manager of Beirut Erbil for Potato Products in Iraq. When a country is affected by conflict or a region is exposed to fragility, the impact on local businesses can be profound and distinct from those in more stable economies. How prepared is your business to navigate these challenges? The ITC Fragility Exposure Index offers a unique lens to assess fragility from a business-focused perspective. The SME Competitiveness Outlook 2023 report provides vital insights on how small firms can build resilience and transform fragility into avenues for growth, drawing on ITC’s extensive field expertise. That’s why ITC’s work on the ground is so essential—our projects are directly building on and leveraging this research to provide tailored support to Iraqi firms. Read the full report, which includes case studies from several countries, and learn more about the Potato Sector Strategy under the SAAVI project. This EU-funded initiative is implemented by ITC in collaboration with the Norwegian Refugee Council and the Government of Iraq. ➡ SMECO 2023: https://lnkd.in/eeDA577K ➡ Potato Sector Strategy: https://lnkd.in/eCjqQT4i #SAAVI #Fragility #EUinIraq #TAEUFIQ

Climate Change and Health: Youth as Champions of Change 🌍 Youth are central to ITC's work in Iraq, and as we continue to celebrate International Youth Day, we take this opportunity to honor the young people, like Isen, who are leading the charge at the intersection of climate action and health. In 2022, Isen planted 800 trees in his hometown of Karmlees, combating drought, boosting agricultural production, and enhancing the natural beauty of a city known for its rich heritage and potential as a tourist destination. The dedication of these young changemakers to creating a better world is truly inspiring. Let’s support and celebrate their efforts as they lead the way towards a more sustainable future! #ClimateChange #IraqiYouth #SAAVI

✨ Iraqi Youth – Today is Your Day! As International Youth Day is celebrated on August 12, it’s important to recognize the incredible potential and innovative spirit of young people in Iraq. Empowering Iraqi youth through robust entrepreneurship support is crucial for the nation’s future. They are the next generation of leaders and innovators, and their efforts in launching new businesses not only create jobs for themselves but also for others, helping to reduce unemployment and stimulate local economies. One inspiring initiative is SAAVI Tadreeb, which provides young entrepreneurs with the training and support they need to bring their ideas to life. By fostering entrepreneurial initiatives, we pave the way for sustainable growth and prosperity in Iraq. This initiative is funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Trade Centre through the SAAVI project, in close collaboration with the Norwegian Refugee Council. SAAVI Tadreeb: https://lnkd.in/egkBFQjM #SAAVi #IraqiYouth #EUinIraq #TAEUFIQ

SAAVI: Changing Lives ✨ At SAAVI, we believe every life is unique, and changing even one life can contribute to the well-being of the entire world. We are continually inspired by the growth and transformation of our participants, driven by their aspirations and motivation. SAAVI is dedicated to creating shared value in Iraqi soil. This ITC project is funded by the European Union. Find out more about SAAVI: https://lnkd.in/eHe_Yaiq Photo: Norwegian Refugee Council #SAAVI #Iraq #Agribusiness #EUinIraq #TEAUFIQ

Iraq National Education Strategy Roadmap Launched! 🎉 We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Iraq National Education Strategy (INES) Roadmap for the agriculture sector in Ninewa city, which took place on July 31st in Mosul. “Ninewa has a long and proud history as an agricultural producer, not just providing quality produce for Iraq, but for the wider region,” said Dr. Firas Al-Jubouri, Head of Plant Protection Department, College of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Mosul. “To remain competitive, farmers must adapt to both climate change and evolving market conditions.” This roadmap will guide the implementation of INES in Ninewa, offering a comprehensive plan to create employment opportunities and skills apprenticeships. The document was developed through ITC’s EU-funded SAAVI project, and spearheaded by Dr. Firas Al-Jubouri in close collaboration with the Ninewa Agriculture Skills Council. #SAAVI #Iraq #EUinIraq #TEAUFIQ

🔔 SAAVI Holds Agriculture TVET Partnership Workshop On July 30th, at the Dedeman Hotel in Erbil, an Agriculture TVET Partnership workshop was held to discuss enhancing skills and partnerships in the agriculture sector. Participants shared insights on the National Education Strategy (INES) for Agriculture, prepared under the leadership of the Prime Minister's Advisory Commission. They brainstormed how public-private partnerships can address skill challenges, introduce real impacts at the governorate level, and mapped out action plans for the next six months. We thank every participant for their valuable contributions to this important initiative, as INES plays a significant role in the Iraqi youth education system. SAAVI is an EU-funded project by ITC. 🔎 Read more about INES: https://lnkd.in/g9uCbH6f #SAAVI #Iraq #EUinIraq #TEAUFIQ #Agriculture

"By Iraqi Hands" – where tradition meets taste and local flavors come to life! 🥗 "By Iraqi Hands" is a label that guarantees locally produced, high-quality Iraqi food products. When you choose "By Iraqi Hands," you offer the best to your family while supporting local jobs and fostering economic growth in Iraq. Join the movement and support local producers today! The label is developed under the European Union funded SAAVI project. More information: https://lnkd.in/eDySh_Fi #Byiraqihands #SAAVI #Iraq #EUinIraq #TAEUFIQ

🎥 Take a look at the video highlights from the third Working Party Meeting at the #WTO! #SAAVI #Iraq #Trade #EUinIraq

Congratulations to Iraq on an important milestone in relation to WTO accession! 🎉 Today in Geneva, Iraq is participating in a Working Party Meeting for WTO accession, the first since 2008. This significant event at the international level reaffirms Iraq's commitment to global trade and the multilateral trading system. We take this opportunity to congratulate the Government of Iraq and thank the Ministry of Trade for their trust, support, and leadership. A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to make this happen. As the ITC SAAVI project celebrates this remarkable achievement, we express our gratitude to all our partners, including the World Trade Organization Secretariat, and to the European Union for their financial support. This is just one more step on a long journey, but it is undeniably an important development. #SAAVI #Iraq #EuinIraq #TAEUFIQ #Trade