BCCI: In Iraq there is market for Bulgarian technologies and products
The President of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tsvetan Simeonov welcomed a group of experts from Iraq, visiting our country in order to prepare a session of a joint committee. He emphasized that Iraq used to be a traditional economic partner of Bulgaria. After democracy was established in Iraq, there have been prerequisites and conditions to restore the good trade relations between the two countries.
BCCI has been a partner of the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce since 1999. According to Mr. Simeonov, a more energetic exchange of useful business information will significantly facilitate trade cooperation and promote business relations between the two countries, which are not very active at present. The two countries should try to establish direct trade relations and to avoid the intermediation of third parties.
The leader of the delegation Ambassador Mohammed Hussein Al-Shami, Head of Legal Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iraq said that during their visit, the large group of experts from his country wishes to prepare a framework agreement regulating the Bulgarian – Iraqi bilateral relations. According to him, special emphasis must be put on the role of private business entities in these relations.
The Iraqi delegation also included representatives of various Ministries in Iraq - the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Minerals; of Public Works and Construction; of Planning; of Water Resources; of Electricity, of Tourism and Monuments; of Higher Education; of Finance, of Environment, as well as representatives of the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce.
The Secretary General of the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce Abdul Hussein Jaber Rashid Al Mubaraka outlined various possibilities for enhancing bilateral trade. He emphasized that the Federation is ready to assist Bulgarian companies, willing to open representative offices in Iraq. It was proposed to open a Bulgarian Trade Center in Baghdad.
The difficulties faced by Iraqi citizens willing to obtain Bulgarian visas after the closing of the Bulgarian Embassy in Baghdad were discussed. BCCI promised to provide assistance for the preparation of business visas to Iraqi businessmen, after receiving confirmation of their membership with the Federation.
Mr. Al Mubaraka informed that Iraqi businessmen have expressed strong interest in purchasing agricultural equipment. The activity is co-funded by the state. In Iraq equipment and technologies for cattle-breeding and fish-farming are on demand, together with machinery for the food industry, and medical and pharmaceutical products. In the course of discussion specific future joint activities were discussed by the two organizations – visiting trade fairs, organizing meetings and forums.
All interested companies that can offer any of the above-mentioned products and equipment may contact BCCI’s International Cooperation and International Organizations Directorate, tel. +359 2 81 1 74 89, e-mail: G.Dimitrova@bcci.bg