Promotion of chambers in Iraq

The project is a chamber and association partnership between the Bildungswerk der Bayerischen Wirtschaft (bbw) gGmbH and the Chambers of Commerce in Baghdad and Basra. Building on a successful first phase (2024–03/2026), the second phase (04/2026–12/2028) aims to enable the partner chambers to provide needs-based and gender-sensitive support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Iraq, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of the private sector. The core of the project is the consolidation and further development of SME help desks as well as specialist and nucleus groups. The chambers systematically record the needs of SMEs, develop new or improved services based on this information, and establish regular dialogue formats between chambers, companies, government agencies and other stakeholders. There is a particular focus on the targeted involvement of women and taking into account the advisory needs of women-led companies. Plans include training measures for chamber employees, strategy workshops, mobile advisory services and strengthening economic policy advocacy. By the end of the project, the number of SME members is expected to increase, at least 200 companies will be using support and advisory services, and gender-sensitive SME services will be firmly established. The project contributes to SDGs 1, 5 and 16.