The Middle East Association in association with the Kurdistan Regional Government UK Representation will be holding a Kurdistan Region Seminar on 15 September 2009 at Bury House. The seminar programme is still being finalised, but will include the heads of Kurdistan’s chambers of commerce and other business leaders who have strong international ties and have provided assistance during our previous trade missions to Kurdistan. They will discuss the economic climate and the opportunities available for UK businesses.

Kurdistan is an important region for business development and has just held elections which have seen a new 3rd party establishing itself. It has money but needs skills. British skills and expertise would be at a premium in such sectors as energy, water management, oil & gas, power and agriculture. Kurdistan is the gateway to the rest of Iraq; there are no constraints on the conduct of business or freedom of movement and it is a region very much open for business. The FCO travel advice now distinguishes between the Kurdistan region and the other parts of Iraq, reflecting its relative stability, peace and security.

The Middle East Association has led 6 very successful missions to Iraqi Kurdistan, and will be leading another mission to the region from 11-16 October 2009. This briefing will serve as a useful grounding for all business people intending to travel or planning to do business in the region.