Salt & Associates Law Firm is pleased to announce the participation of its Managing Partner, Mohammed Koperly, as part of the Iraqi delegation attending the U.S.-Iraq Business Summit in Washington, D.C., held during the official visit of H.E. Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi to the United States.
Organised by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Summit brought together senior officials from the Governments of Iraq and the United States, international investors, Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, and business leaders to strengthen bilateral economic relations and expand opportunities for trade, investment, infrastructure development, and private sector cooperation.
The Summit concluded with the announcement and execution of more than USD 60 billion in investment agreements, commercial contracts, and memoranda of understanding across strategic sectors, including energy, telecommunications, digital infrastructure, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and technology. The event highlighted Iraq’s growing role as an emerging investment destination and reaffirmed the importance of private sector-led economic growth in strengthening the U.S.-Iraq partnership.
Supporting International Investment into Iraq
As legal counsel to SpaceX – Starlink in iraq, Salt & Associates was pleased to support its client in reaching a significant regulatory milestone with the official presentation of Starlink’s licence to operate in Iraq by Mr. Baligh Abu Kalal, Chairman of the Communications and Media Commission (CMC).
The licensing of Starlink represents a significant development for Iraq’s telecommunications sector and digital economy, expanding access to satellite broadband services and supporting the country’s wider digital transformation agenda.
Salt & Associates has advised SpaceX throughout its entry into the Iraqi market, providing strategic legal and regulatory advice on licensing, telecommunications regulation, government engagement, and market access.
The Summit also provided an opportunity to witness several of the firm’s international clients announce and execute memoranda of understanding, investment agreements, and commercial contracts with Iraqi counterparties, reflecting increasing international confidence in Iraq’s economy and investment environment.
Strengthening U.S.-Iraq Commercial Relations
A significant institutional outcome of the Summit was the signing of a bilateral Memorandum of Understandingbetween the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the newly established U.S.-Iraq Business Council – Iraq.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Mr. Osama Al Quraishi, Chairman of the U.S.-Iraq Business Council – Iraq, and Mr. Steve Lutes, Vice President for Middle East Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The agreement establishes a formal framework for cooperation between the two organisations with the objective of promoting bilateral trade, facilitating private sector engagement, encouraging investment, and strengthening commercial relations between Iraq and the United States.
Salt & Associates is proud to be among the founding members supporting the establishment of the U.S.-Iraq Business Council – Iraq. The Council is expected to play an important role in connecting Iraqi and American businesses, facilitating dialogue with policymakers, and supporting investment initiatives across key sectors of the Iraqi economy.
Expanding International Relationships
Throughout the Summit, Mohammed Koperly met with senior government officials, multinational corporations, investors, business associations, and international partners to discuss market entry into Iraq, regulatory developments, cross-border investment, and opportunities for strategic collaboration.
These engagements further strengthen Salt & Associates’ international network and reinforce the firm’s position as a trusted legal adviser to multinational corporations, investors, and institutions seeking to establish or expand their presence in Iraq.
Commenting on the Summit, Mohammed Koperly said:
“The U.S.-Iraq Business Summit reflects the growing confidence of international investors in Iraq and the increasing importance of private sector cooperation in supporting sustainable economic growth. It was particularly rewarding to see several of our clients reach important commercial and regulatory milestones during the visit, including the formal presentation of Starlink’s operating licence in Iraq. We also welcome the establishment of the U.S.-Iraq Business Council – Iraq, which will provide an important platform for strengthening business ties between our two countries. At Salt & Associates, we remain committed to helping international businesses navigate Iraq’s legal and regulatory framework and supporting long-term investment in the country.”
