By Zinar Alla
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Spain has been eyeing business interests in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan Region, but unlike several other European countries it has failed to open a consulate in Erbil to help capture a larger share of markets in Kurdistan and the rest of Iraq.
According to Spain’s state-owned EFE news agency, Spanish companies are keen to enter the Iraqi market through Kurdistan, due to its good stability relative to the rest of Iraq.
In a three-page document, the Spanish Ministry of Economy advises Spanish businessmen to take advantage of the reconstruction, heath, agriculture and tourism sectors in the Kurdish enclave.
It reports on Kurdistan’s economic boom and mentions oil and gas as the main investment sectors. The report also encourages Spanish firms to take advantage of other investment opportunities, including reconstruction, health, agriculture and tourism.
It also reports that Kurdistan, which has its own government and a free market, is in need of 15,000 residential units per annum.
At Erbil’s Sixth International Exhibition for Construction and Environmental Technology, Materials & Equipment in late October, 18 Spanish companies were among the 652 firms from 27 countries that took part.
“Last year, Spanish interests demanded the opening of a consulate (in Erbil), but I don't think they would open it since the Spanish government is not ready for big investment in Kurdistan.” said Manuel Martorell, a Spanish journalist and expert on Kurdish issues.
“There is an Honorary Consulate but it has no power,” he added. “It’s true that Spain pays more attention to Kurdistan, but I think we Spanish were late in reaching Kurdistan,” Martorell opined.
Maria Sancho, Spain’s former honorary consul in Erbil, said she did not know why Madrid has not upgraded to a general consulate in Erbil.
“Opening a business consulate will help develop mutual relations,” she said, adding that the economic crisis in Europe is probably a major hindrance to a full Spanish consulate in Erbil.
Comments
Rudaw moderates all comments submitted on our website. We welcome comments which are relevant to the article and encourage further discussion about the issues that matter to you. We also welcome constructive criticism about Rudaw.
To be approved for publication, however, your comments must meet our community guidelines.
We will not tolerate the following: profanity, threats, personal attacks, vulgarity, abuse (such as sexism, racism, homophobia or xenophobia), or commercial or personal promotion.
Comments that do not meet our guidelines will be rejected. Comments are not edited – they are either approved or rejected.
Post a comment