Erbil – The minister of Industry of Iraq, Fawzi Hariri, said today (18) at the opening of Kurdistan International Fair, in Erbil, that Iraq is the country of opportunities. The fair, which has 850 exhibitors from 30 countries, is one of the most important in the country. "This is a very representative event as several business contracts should be signed," said Hariri.
In his address, he called the businessmen present to invest in Iraq and to eye the several opportunities the country presents. The great international presence at the event attracted the attention of the prime minister of Kurdistan, Barham Saleh, who also participated in the opening ceremony. “Participation of so many countries is a sign of confidence in the economic development of Kurdistan," he said.
According to him, Kurdistan is a gateway into Iraq. The Iraqi region has developed new laws to attract foreign companies. "We hope that the fair may bring partnerships between local governments and companies in the private sector. I believe that, this way we may bring greater prosperity to Iraq," said Saleh.
The fair, which is multi-sectorial, brings companies from sectors like food, electronics, textiles, medical equipment, telecommunications, building and fashion, among others. From Brazil, the event counts on two stands, one by the country’s embassy in Iraq and another by the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, which has two companies, Fanem, of incubators and hospital equipment, and Vila Rica, of furniture for sitting rooms and bedrooms. The secretary general at the Arab Brazilian Chamber, Michel Alaby, is representing the organisation at the event.
According to the ambassador of Brazil to Iraq, Bernardo de Azevedo Brito, apart from Kurdistan being a gateway into Iraq, the region is safe and may be a base for training for Brazilian companies that need to offer technical and logistics support to their representatives in Iraq.
The fair organizers hope to receive 60,000 visitors from the Middle East, Asia and Europe. The largest pavilions at the event are the Turkish, Iranian and German, with over 40 companies each.
Partnership with Brazil
Albert G. Aoun, the president of the company organising the fair, International Fairs and Promotions (IFP), visited the Brazilian stand at the event and said that the country has good chances to enter the Iraqi market. According to him, in the 1980s, Iraq was a great Brazilian trade partner, buying vehicles, food and defence equipment. “Brazil has great chances or returning to significant trade relations with Iraq," said Aoun.
According to him, IFP group has great relations with Brazil, through the Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil), the Arab Brazilian Chamber and Conceito Feiras e Negócios, which represents the group in the country. Over the last three years, IFP has been organising roundtables in Arab countries to bring together Arab and Brazilian businessmen.
In the next mission to be headed by the Minster of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade of Brazil, Miguel Jorge, in late November, to include Syria, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait, Aoun said that IFP should also be responsible for organisation of roundtables in the capitals.
*Translated by Mark Ament
