Erbil International Fair 2014, the 10th edition of the International Multi-sector Trade Fair was officially opened at Erbil International Fair Ground on Tuesday 9 December, under the auspices of Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government. The exhibition runs until December 11.
Organized by IFP Iraq, this year, Erbil International Fair 2014 is held concurrently with the 7th edition Project Iraq, the 4th edition Energy Iraq and the 7th edition of Iraq Agrofood.
The event begun with its customary ribbon cutting ceremony attended by high ranking officials and dignitaries headed by the KRG Minister of Trade and Industry, Samal Sardar, the Minister of Construction and Housing, Darbaz Kosrat Rasul, the Minister of Electricity Salahaddin Babakir, and the Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources, Abdul Majid Satar, Minister of Municipalities and Tourism Newroz Mawlood Amin, and the Governor of Erbil Nawzad Hadi, General Supervisor of Erbil International Fair, Mr. Abdallah Abdul Rahim, in addition to many ambassadors, diplomats and international business delegations from Germany, Italy, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, and the United States, Greece, and others.
This year, the Fair has attracted more than 250 local, regional, and international companies, representing 16 countries. The Erbil International Fair, which has been held yearly for the past 10 years, is considered one of the most prominent specialized business events that take place annually in the region in order to stimulate and develop trade between Kurdistan and the rest of Iraq on one hand, and among neighboring states and the Asian, European, and American countries on the other.
The Fair features a diversity of sectors and variety of exhibits includes ranging from electronic products and services, home furnishings, upholstery, stationery, toys and fashion jewelry, to telecommunications and IT, electronic systems, as well as tourism and real estate services and other economic sectors.
For international exhibitors the Erbil International Fair is considered an ideal opportunity to enter the markets of the Kurdistan region of Iraq due to the availability and diversity of investment opportunities in the region which is considered one of the most promising emerging markets attracting all kinds of services, goods and consumer products. Yet, the Kurdistan Regional Government has taken steps to ensure an investor-friendly legislative environment. According to government figures, the value of investment in the region has crossed the $17 billion mark since the adoption of the new investment law and the creation of Investment Authority in 2006 while the number of officially registered companies in the region has reached around 12 thousand. Moreover, many of the EU commissioned trade missions have permanent representatives in the region like France, Germany, the United Kingdom and others. Almost on a daily basis, contracts and bilateral agreements are signed between the region and its European counterparts.
Ifpinfo
9 December
