Erbil, Kurdistan-Iraq, September
8 ,-- British Expertise, the leading trade association that this
week became the first British trade mission to visit the Kurdistan
Region, said more UK companies were likely to follow in its
footsteps.
Eight members of British Expertise, representing leading British
companies in various business sectors, met President Massoud
Barzani, Kurdistan Regional Government ministers and officials as
well as leading members of the business community during their visit
to assess the Region's economic and investment potential.
Phil Dowrick, who led the mission and is British Expertise's
director for the Middle East and Africa, said: "All the delegates on
the first British trade mission to have visited the Kurdistan Region
were genuinely amazed at the scope and opportunity for business and
investment in Kurdistan.
The welcome provided throughout the stay was exceptionally warm and
our safety and security appeared to have been assured with the
minimum of effort. "
The companies represented in the delegation were Black and Veatch
engineering and construction; Control Risks security consultants;
Crown Agents public sector modernization; HLSP healthcare
consultants; Perenco petroleum exploration and production; Scott
Wilson infrastructure consultants; and Mott MacDonald management and
development consultants. Ms Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman, the KRG's High
Representative to the UK and chairman of Kurdistan Development
Corporation, helped arrange the visit.
They met members of the Erbil Chamber of Commerce and visited
various sites, such as a water supply project, Erbil International
Airport's new terminal which is currently under construction, and
healthcare centres .
As well as getting an overview of the political, financial and
economic situation in Kurdistan from the government, the delegation
also had meetings focusing on three main areas: water, power and
infrastructure; natural resources; and capacity building, health and
poverty reduction.
Mr Dowrick said: "The Kurdistan Region clearly needs immediate
assistance and investment in the electricity, water and oil sectors
- all industries where British firms have significant experience. I
am quite sure that this visit will be the catalyst for an increased
number of visits by UK firms looking to renew, or establish,
long-term partnerships with local firms and official organisations."
President Barzani said he hoped the delegation would convey to
others in the UK the security, stability and growing prosperity they
saw in Kurdistan. The President also spoke of Britain's role in
liberating Iraq.
He said that British companies had every right to contribute to the
reconstruction of Kurdistan.
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