On 20th March 2024 the UNIDO Enterprise Development Center (EDC) in Erbil, Iraq received the visit from the Italian Agency Development Cooperation (AICS) office in Amman, also responsible for the Iraq and as donor of the project "Investment Promotion for Iraq - Phase II" implemented by UNIDO ITPO Italy.

The productive discussions - held between the AICS Amman delegation, led by Director Ms. Roxane Weber and Team Leader Iraq Coordinator Ms. Monica Pisu, and the UNIDO team, with National Technical Coordinator for Iraq Dr. Abdulhadi Al Hatem and Local Coordinator of EDC Erbil Mr. Saman Dizaye, alongside key figures from the Iraqi Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI) such as Eng. Suar Aziz Ali Al-Bajalan and Eng. Mustafa Sizachi, respectively Director General and Deputy Director General of Planning and Follow-up at MOTI - during the visit not only facilitated a valuable exchange of insights, but also highlighted the success of the project for local entrepreneurs and small businesses.

A highlight of the visit was hearing from the beneficiaries of the EDC's training programs, whose stories vividly illustrated the transformative effect of these initiatives on their business ventures, demonstrating successful starts or expansions. Moreover, the visit of the AICS delegation to businesses that have expanded into the Italian market following their participation in expos in Italy brought to light the significant benefits of international exposure and collaboration, underscoring the tangible outcomes of such endeavours.