Trade Delegation to the Kurdistan region in Northern Iraq

The delegation pursued an ambitious itinerary, including a morning meeting with Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani. President Barzani warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed his optimism for deeper and broader Swedish commercial activity in the Region, noting the Region's attractive investment law. He also praised the Swedish people for their assistance and aid to Kurds in the past, including the acceptance of Kurdish refugees.

Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Sinan Chalabi, chaired a discussion on challenges and opportunities for trade and investment at the Erbil Convention Centre, and was joined by seven other ministers and the Governor of Erbil.

The delegation toured the pharmaceutical plant Awamedica, and Minister Björling, later during the day, cut the inaugural ribbon to officially open Scania’s service centre and workshop in Erbil, which was followed by a brief press conference.

The delegation also visited Naz City, one of the first major housing projects to have been successfully completed in the Kurdistan Region.

Sweden’s Ambassador to Iraq Mr Niclas Trouvé hosted a reception in honour of the visiting Trade Minister. Upon the Minister’s departure, the visiting firms in Kurdistan will have the opportunity to take part in a net working  session with companies from the Kurdistan Region, arranged with the chambers of commerce and industry and other trade institutions.  The delegation also visited the new Erbil International Airport which is planning to expand it cargo facilities. An official opening of the airport is planned later this year or in the beginning of next year.