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Speech by Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani at Opening of the 5th International Erbil Trade Fair

TUE, 13 OCT 2009 20:48 | KRG.org

Erbil, Kurdistan Region in Iraq, October 12, 2009

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning and welcome to you all. I warmly welcome you, particularly the officials from the federal government, ambassadors, representatives of the diplomatic community, and foreign and local companies participating in the Erbil International Fair. I am pleased today to see the Kurdistan Regional Government’s plans and efforts for economic growth and commercial activity coming to fruition.

Day after day, the active participation of international companies in the Kurdistan Region is increasing. And the confidence of foreign and local business people and investors is growing in the Region.

At the beginning of the formation of the 5th Cabinet, our government’s agenda and plan of action were to put forth plans and projects. But with the continued efforts of the KRG and the support of dedicated citizens, today we are have a stable economy, a safe environment, and an advanced community.

We have worked to develop our economy, create job opportunities, to offer services, and to improve the living conditions of our citizens.

Opening the 5th Erbil International Fair is an important event. The participation of hundreds of companies from twenty-nine countries from the Middle East, Asia, and Europe is a marked increase in comparison with previous exhibitions, and a great achievement. It is a turning point to introduce the Kurdistan Region of Iraq as a developed Region in terms of its economy, as a strong trade center, and as a gateway for all of Iraq.

The organization and execution of this Fair is not an easy task. But it is a strong source of support for the process of commercial development in the Kurdistan Region. Therefore, I deem it necessary to thank all of the institutions and companies participating in this event, especially the supervisors of the Erbil International Fair and IFP Iraq.

We in Iraq, including all Iraqi communities, have faced tragedy, suffering, and hardship in the past. We are now trying to build a new Iraq in order to prevent a return of those difficult days. And we stand ready to help ensure a bright future for all the peoples of Iraq.

We want to be a constructive part of this country. Our views and decisions should be respected, and we believe that the Iraqi Constitution is a strong foundation for peaceful coexistence and the resolution of all the outstanding issues.

The Kurdistan Region as part of Iraq proves with this step that its open-door policy has not only benefited itself but also the interests of all Iraq. We hope the participating companies see the Kurdistan Region as a point of entry from which to engage in the reconstruction process for all of Iraq.

In today’s world, trade and economic ties are cornerstones for stability and developing relationships politically, diplomatically, socially and culturally. In other words, this is another channel for building relations. Our efforts aim to rehabilitate the Kurdistan Region and all of Iraq in all sectors, based on interaction with the international community.

I believe foreign and Iraqi companies are eager to participate in our process of growth and development. The progress of the Kurdistan Region is progress for Iraq. I am confident that you will find many opportunities in the Region for business.

Such events will lead to direct relationships among private sector companies and also between companies and the government. And the International Fair is an opportunity to benefit from international experience and expertise in various sectors.

We in the Kurdistan Regional Government have clearly stated that we believe in the importance of the private sector. We see the private sector as the driving force and the dynamo behind economic development. Therefore we will continue in our efforts to facilitate business based on a free and open market system.

To offer assistance to national and international private sector firms, we have passed the Investment Law and established the Board of Investment.

We have also established the Judicial Council as an independent, professional, and impartial authority to apply the rule of law fairly and independently, and to provide legal guarantees to reassure the business and investment community in the Region.

We in the Kurdistan Region have greatly improved our infrastructure, and we have worked cautiously to secure a stable and safe environment. This is a source of pride for our Region and for all of our law enforcement authorities, who have been able to accomplish this objective. The development of the economic sector and commercial activity hinges on our stability and security.

The growth of the Kurdistan Region over the past few years has been remarkable. In some places, our success has gone unnoticed. But events like this illustrate clearly that the reality of our development and the news of our market and our potential are reaching many centers of business around the world.

Your participation in this Fair supports the rehabilitation of the economic infrastructure of federal Iraq. And this Fair is another channel to convey this reality to the world. This Trade Fair facilitates relationships in the business community of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq with international companies.

The Kurdistan Regional Government will do its utmost to provide assistance for investment and private sector development in the Region. It will also assist firms to establish trade offices and bases in the Kurdistan Region.

The expansion and development of the investment and growth in the Kurdistan Region has depended on cooperation with the private sector. The spirit of partnership and mutual benefit has been and will remain the cornerstone of our economic policy.

I know that everyone here is anxious to see the variety of products on display today in this Fair.

I hope the opening of the Fair will prompt many important agreements and valuable contracts, for the sake of further developing strong economic ties and commercial relations between the Kurdistan Region and Iraq; and with international investors.

Again, thank you for your contribution and participation. I thank and commend the organisers of this Fair. I wish you all success and look forward to further progress.

Thank you very much.

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