Baghdad, Iraq- The UK Ambassador to Iraq, Stephen Charles Hitchen, expressed his optimism about Iraq’s future, emphasizing that despite the challenges, Iraq is a country rich with opportunities for investment. Speaking at the Iraqi-British Business Council’s economic conference on Monday, Hitchen shared his positive outlook on Iraq’s progress, noting the resilience and strength of its people.
As his mission in Iraq draws to a close, Hitchen reflected on the country’s development, stating, “Despite the challenges and problems, you can see that the direction towards the future is more positive in the current year 2025.” He drew attention to the ongoing improvements, comparing the current situation favorably to previous years, noting that 2025 presents a better outlook than 2020, 2015, or 2007.
For the first time in 30 years, Hitchen highlighted that British ministers have shifted their view of Iraq from a country of crises to one of opportunities and investments. He emphasized that the British Embassy’s continued presence in Iraq reflects a focus on the future, not just the past.
Hitchen also underscored the Iraqi government’s responsiveness to international economic ideas, referencing ongoing cooperation with entities such as the G7 and the World Bank. He mentioned the recent visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani to London, where projects worth 12 billion pounds sterling were announced, reinforcing the growing economic ties between Iraq and the UK.
However, Hitchen also cautioned that Iraq faces significant challenges ahead, notably demographic and economic pressures. He pointed out that with the population expected to reach 70 million by 2040, and a decrease in oil prices anticipated over the next 15 years, Iraq will need to navigate these obstacles to sustain its growth. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic about the country’s potential.
