IFP Iraq (International Fairs & Promotions) held a press conference at Erbil Rotana Hotel and announced the launching of Erbil International Fair 2013, the 9th edition of the International Multi-sector Trade Fair that is held between the 23rd and the 26th of September, 2013 at the Erbil International Fair Ground under the patronage of the Kurdistan Regional Government.
The representative of the Ministry of Trade in Kurdistan Regional Government was in the lead of the press conference participants along with the representative of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in the region, and the General Supervisor of Erbil International Fair, Mr. Abdallah Abdul Rahman. The organizing company (IFP) was represented by Mr. Fady Darwiche, General Manager of IFP Iraq. The conference was attended by a crowd of officials, diplomats, and businessmen, amid a significant follow-up by different media.
Mr. Darwishe gave a speech in which he undertook the task of familiarizing the audience with the merits and the importance of the exhibition, praising the government’s efforts, which are being exerted in Iraq in general and in Kurdistan Region in particular, in order to move forward with the development plans and boost economic growth.
In his speech, Darwishe thanked the officials in Kurdistan Regional Government for their support to the company’s activities and managing of Erbil International Fair Ground, taking pride in this collaboration that links the company with the venue. He also thanked all local and international supporting bodies as well as the sponsors and partners.
The Erbil International Multi-Sector Trade Fair, which has been held yearly for the past nine 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 exhibition is marked by the diversity of its scope and the wide variety of exhibits that it covers. It embraces a large group of companies, who showcase their products and services from electronics, home equipment and furniture passing through stationary, toys, fashion, and jewelry all the way to telecom solutions, information technology (IT), and electronic systems in addition to touristic and real estate services and other economic sectors.
In terms of participants’ level, the exhibition resembles an international business demonstration hosted by the city of Erbil. This year, more than 550 local, regional, and international companies, representing around 21 countries from all over the world, take part in this exhibition, including Austria, Brazil, China, Egypt, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Korea, Lebanon, Pakistan, Portugal, Syria, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.
This international presence takes a more significant dimension as a number of worldwide commerce chambers and business development agencies and bodies support this exhibition. As a clear indicator of the extreme importance that various countries attach to the trade and investment movements in Kurdistan region and the rest of Iraq, a number of international associations and bodies are supporting the exhibition such as Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JDECO), the German Federal Ministry of Economy and Technology, the Iranian Ministry of Industry and Minerals, the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (CCAB), the Turkish Ministry of Economy, Egypt Expo & Convention Authority (EECA), the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, and many others.
Mr. Abdallah Abdul Rahman pointed out in his speech that the exhibition represents a significant business opportunity due to the extensive presence of international companies that are keen on entering the Iraqi market through local agencies, distributors, and corporations, describing the event as “ A direct channel between the international and local companies and decision-makers in the domestic sector,” and believing that this contributes to strengthening the dynamic position of Erbil as a major gateway for commercial exchange in northern Iraq.
In light of promising business indicators, represented in the announcement of a number of countries, declaring that the volume of trade exchange between them and Iraq has increased, Erbil International Fair 2013 offers a valuable opportunity for all businessmen, traders, and investors in the various sectors to keep pace with this rapid movement closely and communicate directly with hundreds of international companies that are seeking to enter the Iraqi market and fortify their presence.
ifpinfo
20 September
