Economy

PM Barzani discusses building strong economic infrastructure with French business community

The premier encouraged French companies to invest more in the Kurdistan Region and expressed the readiness of his cabinet in cooperating with them.

Kurdistan 24 2023/02/17 15:20

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani (second from the right), during his meeting with French business community, Feb. 17, 2023. (Photo: KRG)

Kurdistan PM Barzani Business the Movement of the Enterprises of France (MEDEF) KRG

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Friday met with a number of entrepreneurs, investors, businessmen, and representatives of several French companies at the headquarters of the Movement of the Enterprises of France (MEDEF) in Paris, according to a statement from Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

Barzani briefed the businesspeople about the economic situation in the Kurdistan Region and the reforms of the KRG’s ninth cabinet in terms of diversifying the economy and revenue sources, as well as building a strong economic infrastructure, digitalizing public services and facilitating domestic and foreign investors, the statement added.

The premier encouraged French companies to invest more in the Kurdistan Region and expressed the readiness of his cabinet in cooperating with them, per the statement.

On the other hand, the French businessmen expressed their recommendations on the development of the country’s investment in the Region, according to the statement.

"In Paris: I briefed French business leaders in MEDEF_I today on our promise to improve the business climate in Kurdistan for national and foreign investors," PM Barzani later wrote in a tweet following his meeting French businesspeople.

In Paris: I briefed French business leaders in @MEDEF_I today on our promise to improve the business climate in Kurdistan for national and foreign investors.

I’m confident serious bilateral trade will emerge later this year. pic.twitter.com/An4vuesnin
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) February 17, 2023

Barzani arrived in the European country Wednesday on an official visit following his participation at the Dubai-based World Government Summit in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

He then met with French President Emmanuel Macron and the French Senate leader Gérard Larcher in Paris.

France and Iraq’s Kurdish region enjoy close cultural and diplomatic ties.

The foundation stone for a Franco-German cultural center has recently been laid at Erbil Citadel. The Kurdish and French capitals are also sister cities.

President Emmanuel Macron visited Kurdistan Region in August 2021.