After a period of tremendous upheaval, The Government of Iraq indentified a need to support economic development throughout the country with a particular focus upon fostering private sector activity and inward investment.

It was clear that there was a strong need for the establishment of the Basra Investment Promotion Agency (BIPA) to promote economic activity in line with the National Investment Law.

The key objective of this project is to foster a stable Basra that promotes legitimate enterprise, attracts direct investment from without, eases exports, supports a diversified agricultural sector and progressively raises the living standards of its inhabitants.

NI-CO expert Trevor Killen has formed an instrumental part in the establishment of the Basra Investment Promotion Agency.

This is a high-profile project which has received international coverage and really does highlight the strength of the NI inward investment model.

Trevor Killen was appointed as the Implementation Team Leader for the development of the Basra Investment Promotion Agency. In this challenging role, Trevor has been active in the following areas;

• Defining and implementing the core rationale and objectives for the development of BIPA; 
• Preparation and adoption of the initial BIPA organisational structure, defining the principle functions of each organisational unit and its staff compliment.
• Preparation of a three year rolling operational plan for BIPA setting out its mission, objectives and strategies to achieve its goals.
• Development and delivery of formal training in all aspects of BIPA operations to relevant staff and provide structured on-the-job assistance
• Identification and advertising of potential investment opportunities
• Marketing BIPA as a one stop shop for investors
• Providing strategic advice and information to potential and existing investors.
• Proposing and implementing programmes to promote investment
• Identifying and procuring ICT and administration equipment