On November 10-13, 2018, CLDP, in coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Iraq, the Department of Commerce Global Franchise Team, and the International Franchise Association (IFA), sponsored a delegation of Iraqi investors and franchisees to the Global Restaurant Leaders Conference (GRLC) in Dubai. The GRLC is an annual event for franchise market executives of food operators and suppliers, providing an exclusive opportunity to network and connect with key industry leaders. CLDP and ITA jointly provided consultations to Iraqi participants and made presentations during the event, highlighting Iraq’s potential markets. The delegation met with IFA leadership as well as executives of major U.S. brand operators. The meetings and consultations have yielded a heightened interest to expand in Iraq, identification of potential partnerships, and initiated preliminary negotiations for key brands. Meetings included Steak ‘n Shake, Domino’s Pizza, PJ’s Coffee, Wingstop, Arby’s, Hardee’s, Krispy Kreme, other Yum Brands, and the Al Shaya Group (master franchisees of several U.S. brands for the Middle East). In an effort to sustain further development of the franchise market, the Iraq delegation plans to establish a local franchise association, in coordination and with support from IFA.