Salahaddin, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRP.org) – President Barzani yesterday met with France’s ambassador to Iraq Mr. Gauer Denys along with a French business delegation representing several major French companies and business associations.

The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral economic relations as well as business and investment opportunities in the Kurdistan Region.



After welcoming the French Ambassador and the business delegation, President Barzani said that the Kurdistan Region is eager to enhance economic relations with French companies and thanked the French government for its role in encouraging French companies to invest in Kurdistan.



The delegation included representatives of 23 French companies including Chairman of the France-Iraq Business Council, CEO of French union of employers (MEDEF), and representatives of Total, LAFARGE, EADS France SAS, BUREAU VERITAS, and Bouygues Travaux Publics.



Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mr. Courtaigne of the MDEF said that several major French companies have already established their presence in Kurdistan and more French companies are planning to come, citing good security, conducive business environment, and close cooperation by the KRG as the main reasons for their interest.