Italy’s Economic Development Minister to lead Erbil trade mission next week
The aim of the visit is to strengthen Italy’s commercial relations with Iraq. At a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Paolo Romani’s diplomatic adviser Mr Daniele Mancini said “Iraq is growing at a rate of 10% per year and may soon return to being the second oil producer in the world.” Italy and Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region are major commercial partners, with a trade figure of 4 billion euros.
Mr Maurizio Massari, Italy’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman, referred to the Treaty of Friendship between Rome and Baghdad since 2009. He said, “Especially since the Arab Spring, Iraq has assumed a central role in the stability of the region.”
Mr Saywan Barzani, Iraq’s Ambassador in Rome, said that the door is open for Italians who want to invest in Iraq, and gave the example of Eni's presence. He said, “Italy has contributed to the liberation and reconstruction in many areas, and so will have a front row seat in the country preparing for a great economic boom.”
Minister Paolo Romani will visit Baghdad and Erbil, capital of the Kurdistan Region, from the 3 to 5 October. He will be accompanied by some 30 companies and 60 business representatives and will have a series of political, economic and institutional meetings. During the visit the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) will host an economic forum to bring Kurdistan’s and Italy’s government officials and private sectors.
The Kurdistan Region and Italy already enjoy strong political and economic ties. On several visits to Rome, President Masoud Barzani has met Pope Benedict XVI, Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and Foreign Minister Franco Frattini. The KRG has a representation in Rome, headed by Ms Rezan Kader. Last month Italy established a Consular Office in Erbil and appointed the first Italian Consul to serve in the Kurdistan Region.
