Thanks to the efforts of UNIDO ITPO Italy, on 6th March 2024 the Industrial Cities Coorporation (ICC) of Baghdad officially entered the World Free & Special Economic Zones Federations (FEMOZA).

ICC, a vital entity entrusted with driving industrial development and economic prosperity across Iraq, recognizes the significance of strategic partnerships in realizing its objectives. By teaming up with FEMOZA, a globally renowned federation committed to promoting sustainable economic zones, and leveraging its expertise and global network, ICC aims to unlock new avenues to attract foreign investment to Iraq and enhance its capacity in establishing and managing industrial zones that are conducive to boost international business engagement for industrial growth within the region.

Goal of the collaboration agreement will be indeed to promote innovation and digitalisation in Iraq by offering training programs, technology transfer and management models mainly for special and economic zones within the country’s national program, also by fostering public-private partnerships with local and foreign universities. Focus areas will be social affairs and R&D, in line with the mandate of UNIDO of accelerating Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development, as well as with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

This affiliation, which is expected to generate significant impact for job creation, skills upgrade and socio-economic growth within the region, was reached within the framework of the project “Investment Promotion for Iraq — Phase II”, financed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and implemented by UNIDO ITPO Italy.