Iraq's Ministry of Interior to purchase over 60 British-made
vehicles.
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Exports minister announces that key UK export deal will help
Iraq fight fires.
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UK will provide vital support to Iraq through the provision
of fire engines, with biggest overhaul of Iraqi fleet this
century being financed by a UK Export Finance loan.
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Independent businesses in Yorkshire and Ayrshire are to
supply these vehicles for use across Iraq.
Two British businesses are delivering one of Iraq's biggest-ever
investments into its emergency services thanks to a c. $31
million loan from UK Export Finance (UKEF), the government's
export credit agency.
The loan allows Iraq's Ministry of Interior to purchase 62
British-made fire-fighting vehicles each capable of carrying up
to 6,500 litres of water and 500 litres of foam.
Promoting investment into local businesses and employers, the
partnership supports this government's Plan for Change to boost
economic growth across all regions.
Ayrshire-headquartered Emergency One and Batley-based Angloco
have been selected to supply vehicles for Iraq's Civil Defence
Directorate.
Emergency One, the UK's leading manufacturer of fire and rescue
vehicles, supplies over 90% of the UK's fire and rescue services
and continues to grow its international presence. Angloco, a
well-established SME, exports to over 70 countries worldwide.
Both companies bring significant expertise and innovation to this
contract, further strengthening their impact in the Gulf region.
Frequent outbreak of fires in Iraq, particularly during the
summer months, can cause devastating effect to businesses,
communities, and key infrastructure.
By helping buyers to purchase UK exports more easily, UKEF loans
secure large contracts with favourable payment terms for British
businesses – including small businesses likely to need payment
upfront before they can deliver a contract.
J.P. Morgan acted as both Sole Mandated Lead Arranger and agent
bank for the loan.
, UK Minister for Exports,
said:
We have a Plan for Change to help grow our economy and support
workers right across the country, and that's precisely what these
deals are about.
Shining a spotlight on cutting edge tech and highly skilled jobs,
this announcement shows the UK's exporting potential and
manufacturing strength.
His Excellency Abdul Amir Al-Shammari, Iraq Minister of
Interior, said:
The Government of Iraq is contracting with British companies
through the UKEF Loan to import specialized firefighting vehicles
for the Directorate of Civil Defence.
This will contribute significantly to the strengthening of the
Directorate's capabilities through the use of high-quality
vehicles. This demonstrates the continuous support received by
the Directorate by the UK and will improve our ability to tackle
fire incidents.
John Meakin, Global Head of Export Finance at J.P.
Morgan, said:
J.P. Morgan is delighted to support the finance of firefighting
equipment from the UK to the Republic of Iraq.
This is the latest UKEF deal giving businesses the support they
need to deliver contracts and drive change at home in the UK and
overseas in Iraq. In 2023, a UKEF guarantee helped British firms
to secure over £100 million
in export contracts to support the installation of 350km in
drainage infrastructure around Hillah city.
