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The Qatar Chamber hosted an Iraqi business delegation on October 7, 2026 led by Amer Khalaf Alawi, president of the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce, for a joint meeting presided over by Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al Thani, according to an announcement on the Qatar Chamber website. Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al Thani and Alawi signed the memorandum of understanding to create the Qatar-Iraq Joint Business Council during the session, which also included Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Twar Al Kuwari, first vice chairman of the Qatar Chamber, board members, Qatari business leaders and Iraqi Ambassador Mohammed Jaafar Al Sadr. The gathering examined ways to deepen cooperation between the two business communities and the private sector’s role in driving mutual investments and trade volumes.
Discussions reviewed around 60 investment opportunities connected to Iraq’s Development Road project valued at $250 billion across sectors such as transport and logistics, manufacturing and economic zones, energy and utilities, mining, oil and gas, agriculture, information and communications technology, real estate and tourism, the Qatar Chamber said. A Carnegie Endowment for International Peace assessment placed the core Development Road infrastructure cost at about $17 billion for a 1,190-kilometre road and rail network linking the Grand Faw Port to the Turkish border. United Nations COMTRADE data places Qatar’s exports to Iraq at $47.1 million in 2024, a figure that underscores the potential for growth through structured business collaboration.
The memorandum aims to expand communication among institutions, organisations, companies and entrepreneurs in both countries while strengthening bilateral economic relations and developing cooperation in small and medium-sized enterprises, according to the Qatar Chamber announcement. Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al Thani affirmed that the Qatar Chamber remains committed to fostering direct communication between the two business communities, promoting trade and investment opportunities, and encouraging value-added joint projects. The agreement builds on a 2019 memorandum between the same bodies that focused on information exchange and joint events but did not establish a dedicated council.
Alawi, in remarks carried by the Qatar Chamber, encouraged Iraqi companies to explore opportunities in the Qatari market as part of efforts to activate private sector contributions to bilateral ties. Presentations during the meeting covered bilateral trade statistics, investment strategies and major infrastructure initiatives including the Development Road, which Iraqi authorities project will generate annual revenues exceeding $4 billion once operational. The council is intended to serve as a platform for ongoing dialogue and partnership formation between Qatari and Iraqi firms.
Analyses from sources including AGBI indicate the Development Road could double Turkey’s trade with Gulf states while positioning Iraq as a key transit corridor between Asia and Europe. The Qatar Chamber noted that the new body will help identify and advance concrete projects that add value to both economies. Follow-up business forums and delegation visits are expected to translate the memorandum into measurable increases in trade and joint ventures.
