The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) may extend its international outreach strategy to war-torn Iraq.

ANZIIF representatives have met with officials of Iraq’s Ministry of Finance to discuss ways to deliver modern insurance education and professional development programs to local academics, trainers and officials.

“Iraq’s finance sector has suffered from over 30 years of sanctions, dictatorship and war,” ANZIIF CEO Joan Fitzpatrick said. “During this time Iraq’s finance professionals have not had access to modern practice and we are keen to remedy that situation.”

The move forms part of a bid by ANZIIF to provide insurance education in more foreign markets. It has previously launched similar initiatives in Saudi Arabia, China, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia.