Policy priorities for the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan

Widening our horizons The Industry Forum discussed UK ‘Policy Priorities for the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan’. Our expert guide to this vast subject was Hamish Falconer MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan who was elected MP for Lincoln last July. Prior to this he worked in Britain’s Diplomatic Service, the Foreign Office’s Terrorism Response Team, the Department of International Development and the National Crime Agency on a whole range of problems relevant to his current brief. The meeting was hosted by the Iraq Britain Business Council and chaired by Rod Dowler. Ashley Goodall represented IBBC at the meeting and he outlined their work and the buoyant state of the Iraq economy which continues to offer big opportunities for UK firms. Discussion ranged broadly over the many serious conflicts in the region and also its great economic depth and potential. Perhaps, when the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts are finally settled, a new more stable regional architecture will emerge, but meanwhile, it is good to know that FCDO Services is closely in touch with developments and also working to actively promote UK commercial interests and companies in the region.