São Paulo – Erbil International Fair (EIF), the multi-sectorial event that begins on Monday (18) and ends on the 21st, in Iraqi Kurdistan, has been attracting greater and greater numbers of exhibitors from all continents. Over the last two years, the number of companies participating has more than doubled, from 351 in 2007 to 772 in 2009. In this edition of the event, the number of exhibitors is already 20% greater than last year.
Kurdistan, an autonomous region considered a gateway into Iraq, presents safety and ease for investment by international companies. According to the operations vice president at the fair organisation, Fady Jreissati, the 20% growth shows that the market is still the most attractive in the region.
According to Jreissati, several international companies are already present in Iraq to execute infrastructure, agricultural, transport, health, education and communications works, evaluated at US$ 70 billion. "Erbil International Fair is a business platform that allows companies to meet opinion makers, investors, government representatives, businessmen and professionals who seek the most recent technology to conclude deals and establish partnerships," said the vice-president, in a press statement disclosed by EIF.
According to estimates by the organisers of the event, the fair should generate a turnover of around US$ 100 million this year. "We from the organisation have worked hard to make an impeccable 6th edition. Be it in contacts and design of stands, information technology, promotion, advertising or public relations," said Hamad Khalil, general managers at International Fairs & Promotions (IFP), the company organising the event.
In recent years, the fair has received companies from several countries, like Austria, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Czech Republic, Kuwait, Iran, Tunisia, the United States, Belgium, Poland, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon. This year it is Brazil’s turn to promote its products in the region. The Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and the embassy of Brazil in Iraq will have booths at the event to accommodate companies.
Visitors to the event include distributors, suppliers and traders as well as engineers, architects, businessmen and consultants. Last year, the fair received 73,290 visitors from the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
*Translated by Mark Ament
