Kurdistan Region has "excellent economic potential, attractive investment opportunities", says French Company manager

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The inaugural France-Kurdistan Economic Forum commenced today in Paris, signifying a pivotal step in strengthening economic ties between the Kurdistan Region and France.

This landmark event is a collaborative effort between the Kurdistan Regional Government's Investment Board and the French Economic Movement (Le Mouvement des Entreprises de France Réunion - MEDEF REUNION).

Speaking to Kurdistan24's correspondent Barzani Hassan, Ahmed Elbanhaji, Area Sales Manager and Shareholder of the French company CLEIA, which has invested in the Kurdistan Region, expressed his enthusiasm about welcoming the Kurdistan delegation to France.

"We operate in the bricks and building materials sector, and we've established several large factories in Sulaimani and Chamchamal," Elbanhaji explained.

"Kurdistan boasts excellent economic potential and presents attractive investment opportunities for building factories. We also plan to expand our operations to Erbil and Duhok, eventually aiming to work throughout the Kurdistan Region."

Elbanhaji praised the Kurdistan Region's resources, stating, "Kurdistan has skilled labor and good materials that we can utilize. We can even export our products to other Iraqi cities because we know that Iraqi products aren't of high quality. We anticipate exporting our products within the Kurdistan Region for the next 10 or 15 years, as we've conducted extensive research on the Kurdistan soil and environment."

He further emphasized the importance of the forum for fostering collaboration. "We're here to support Kurdish businessmen and build cooperation between French factories and the Kurdistan Region. The Iraqi market has a growing need for bricks and building materials."

Elbanhaji concluded by highlighting the mutual benefits of such an event. "Several French companies are interested in entering the Kurdistan Region, and the Kurdistan Region needs technology and construction materials. So this kind of conference is highly beneficial."

The forum serves as a platform to showcase the Kurdistan Region's investment potential and facilitate partnerships between French and Kurdish businesses, ultimately driving economic growth and development in the region.

Investment Board: "We Want to Increase French Investment in the Kurdistan Region"

Bargasht Akrayi, the spokesperson for the Kurdistan Regional Government's Investment Board, revealed that approximately 60 investors from various sectors in the Kurdistan Region, alongside numerous French investors, will participate in the Paris Conference.

"The conference aims to strengthen and expand economic relations between the Kurdistan Region and France," Akrayi explained. "Politically and diplomatically, Paris and Erbil enjoy excellent relations, and we want this outstanding rapport to be reflected in the economic domain."

Akrayi further stated, "Through this forum, we intend to encourage French investors to come to the Kurdistan Region and invest in diverse sectors. To facilitate this, the Kurdistan Regional Government's Investment Board will provide them with all necessary support."

He concluded by emphasizing the conference's potential to promote the Kurdistan Region's local products in France, stating, "We want to leverage this conference as an opportunity to market the Kurdistan Region's local products in France."

Further reporting was done by Kurdistan24 correspondent Barzan Hassan.