IFBC Meets French Franchise Federation (FFF) in Paris to Expand Business Opportunities

IFBC Meets French Franchise Federation (FFF) in Paris to Expand Business Opportunities

On Tuesday, 30th June 2026, the Iraqi-French Business Council (IFBC), led by ( Mr. أدهم الفخار – Advisor to the Prime Minister for International Investment Affairs ), held a high-level meeting with the ( Fédération Française de la Franchise – French Franchise Federation (FFF) at the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Paris.

The meeting was graciously hosted by the Embassy under the patronage of ( Mr. Thaer Wahib Hassan – Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq ) in Paris.

The meeting brought together representatives of the ( French Franchise Federation ) and a number of its member companies operating across the retail, restaurant, café, and tourism sectors.

The meeting was attended by a distinguished delegation of Iraqi business leaders, alongside IFBC’s strategic partner, Business France, represented by ( Mr. Pascal Roger – Project Manager ) for the Middle East.

Opening remarks were delivered by ( Mr. Adham Al-Fakhar ) and ( Ms. Véronique Discours-Buhot – Chief Executive Officer of the French Franchise Federation ) (FFF).

The discussion featured contributions from:

• Mr. Ahmed Salman – Legal Advisor to the Council

• Mr. Maythem Al-Asadi – Member of the Board of Directors

• Mr. Bassam Al-Ateia – Member of the Board of Directors

• Dr. Bashar Neamah – Director General of Sawa Group

• Mr. Haider Al-Dujaili – President of the Iraqi Travel and Tourism Association

• Ms. Havin Gulabakh – Owner and Founder of Wardat Al-Rafidain Tourism Company, Sulaymaniyah


Discussions focused on establishing a framework for promoting French franchise brands across multiple sectors within the Iraqi business community. The meeting also explored opportunities for Iraqi business leaders to participate in the ( French Franchise Expo 2027 ), organized by the ( French Franchise Federation ) in March 2027.

Both sides further discussed hosting an official delegation from the ( French Franchise Federation ) in Baghdad to strengthen institutional cooperation and identify new trade and investment opportunities between Iraq and France.