Sector
Government & Public Sector in Iraq
Etihad Law Firm advises government ministries, public authorities, state-owned enterprises and private sector clients engaging with the public sector across the full spectrum of government and public sector legal matters in Iraq.
Overview
Navigating Iraq's public sector
We understand the distinct legal framework that governs public sector activity in Iraq, including procurement law, administrative law, public finance regulations and the institutional landscape of government decision-making, and we bring that understanding to bear in every mandate we undertake.
In a market where government is a central driver of economic activity, the ability to navigate the public sector environment with precision and confidence is not peripheral to doing business in Iraq. It is essential.
Federal government
Ministries, the Council of Ministers and federal public authorities.
Kurdistan Regional Government
Regional competences that may overlap with federal jurisdiction in oil and gas, telecoms and infrastructure.
Provincial authorities
Provincial governments and Provincial Investment Commissions.
Oversight bodies
The Board of Supreme Audit and the Integrity Commission.
Both sides of the public-private divide
Who we act for
Government entities
- Legal structuring of commercial activities
- Designing compliant procurement processes
- Regulatory functions and decision-making
- PPP frameworks as government sponsor
- Governance of state-owned enterprises
Private sector & investors
- Tendering for public contracts
- Licences and government approvals
- Compliance with public law obligations
- Anti-corruption and integrity programmes
- Disputes with public authorities
Core services
How we help
Public procurement & government contracting
For government clients, we design compliant procurement processes, prepare tender documentation, evaluate bids and structure contracts that protect the public interest. For private clients, we advise on tender participation, bid preparation, contract negotiation and typical government contract terms, including payment structures, performance security, termination and dispute resolution.
Administrative law & regulatory advice
We advise on the legal basis for government decisions, the rights of affected parties to challenge them and the procedures public authorities must follow. Where a decision harms our clients, such as a refused licence, a penalty or a cancelled contract, we advise on remedies and represent clients in administrative challenge proceedings.
Public-private partnerships
We structure and document PPP arrangements across infrastructure, energy, housing, healthcare and education, for government sponsors and private partners alike: concession agreements, project company structures, risk allocation, government support and the interface with Iraq's investment law framework.
Investment licences & approvals
We identify every approval a project needs, prepare and submit applications, manage the process and engage with the National Investment Commission, sectoral ministries and provincial bodies on clients' behalf. Where approvals are delayed or refused, we advise on the legal options and represent clients in proceedings.
State-owned enterprise advisory
We advise state-owned enterprises and public companies on corporate governance, contracting with private partners, joint ventures, asset management and public law compliance, including the oversight roles of the Board of Supreme Audit and the Integrity Commission.
Government contract disputes
We represent private clients in claims for unpaid amounts, variation and scope disputes, termination disputes and claims for government-caused delay, through negotiation, mediation, arbitration and litigation before the Iraqi courts, while managing the relationship with the government counterparty.
Anti-corruption & integrity compliance
Iraq's anti-corruption framework places significant obligations on public officials and private parties dealing with government. We advise on that framework, design and implement internal compliance programmes, and represent clients before the Integrity Commission and related bodies.
Compliance with public law obligations
Companies operating under government licences, concessions or contracts face reporting, audit and inspection obligations and licence conditions. We advise on managing them and provide representation and strategy in regulatory investigations and enforcement actions.
Federal-regional matters
Iraq's federal structure adds complexity where federal and regional jurisdictions overlap, particularly in oil and gas, telecommunications and infrastructure. We advise on the respective competences of the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government and structure arrangements to manage jurisdictional risk.
Across a government contract
From approval to resolution
- Licences & approvals
- Tender & bid
- Contract negotiation
- Performance & compliance
- Variations & claims
- Dispute resolution
Why Etihad Law Firm
Trusted at federal, regional and provincial level
We have advised on a wide range of government and public sector matters in Iraq, working with ministries, public authorities, state-owned enterprises and private sector clients at the federal, regional and provincial levels. Our lawyers have a thorough understanding of Iraq's administrative and public law framework, and we maintain strong working relationships with the key institutions and regulatory bodies that shape the public sector environment.
We are trusted by domestic and international clients alike because we understand the complexity of the Iraqi public sector, we know how to engage with government institutions effectively, and we deliver advice that enables our clients to achieve their objectives within the bounds of what Iraqi law requires and permits.
Who we advise
Ready to discuss your project in Iraq?
Speak with our government and public sector team.