Alexander Brexendorff
Managing Partner of law firm and management consultancy Middle East Legal Advisors
Sector: Consulting in the area of energy, construction, plant building and engineering.
“I came on this mission because I wanted to see if there was any market for our services here.
We advise both German and international businesses and we have already had some experience in Arab nations. Now we want to see what we can accomplish in northern Iraq.
Over the past few days I have been able to make some invaluable contacts. The most important thing though, was that I was able to learn so much about Iraqi Kurdistan and in fact, correct some of my preconceptions about the place. I had not realised that the region was so safe and so progressive. I can only advise other German businesses to come and see for themselves what potential this country has to offer.
I am also interested in Iraqi Kurdistan on a personal level – I actually extended my stay here by two days. I wanted to take a trip into the mountains and to see the environment there for myself.”
Herbert Probst
Managing partner, Probst Architects
Sector: Architecture and city planning.
“Due to concerns about security and safety, we had not previously put much focus on the Iraqi market. But I’ve been surprised at how normal everything here has become. Above all, I am very interested in the historic, old city in Erbil. It urgently requires ongoing and sustainable financing, in order to complete its restoration. The old city is an important part of Erbil’s identity and it could also be an important tourist attraction.
While I’ve been here, I’ve also been able to make some excellent contacts – among them, Kurdistan’s union of professional engineers, who also work as advisers to the local government.”
Randolf Rodenstock
Head of the delegation, managing partner of the optics company Rodenstock.
Sector: optics industry
“All of us are leaving with overwhelmingly positive impressions. One of the reasons for this is the fantastic hospitality we have experienced. Another reason is the fact that we were introduced to the most important ministries and administrators and as a result, were able to establish a great basis for contact in the future. There is almost no area of business in which there is not some need or opportunity. Additionally there is financial backing available here, that will cover budgetary needs for years to come. At the moment projects around infrastructure and health are being strongly developed.
Because Germany’s strength lies in exactly this area, in capital goods investment, there is enormous potential here for German industry. Many of the delegates on this trip were surprised at the state of security here, which doesn’t require armoured limousines or bodyguards. That is a great sign.”
Comments are closed.