Erbil, Feb. 3 (AKnews) – Germany's Development Minister Dirk Niebel arrived in Erbil on an official visit on Thursday to boost bilateral economic relations between the two countries.
Following the December visit of Germany's Foreign Minister to Baghdad, Mr Niebel's three-day visit, accompanied by lawmakers and businessmen, underlines the German government's current focus on Iraq.
"Germany has a very serious focus in Iraq" said Mr Peter Mayr, the Managing director of MAN Automotive and a member of the German delegation.
Germany is focusing on three areas in Iraq; Erbil, Baghdad and Basra, where they have German Economy Offices (DWI). "… This is a very serious attempt on Germany's side to develop the existing potential between both countries".
The German minister's visit to Iraq "…Goes deeper into the interest of Iraq… in all aspects of development" Mr Mayr believes.
Germany currently exports about US $1bn worth of goods to Iraq. But Iraq does not have much to offer in exports to Germany. Perhaps the only products Iraq can export are oil and gas.
Mr Mayr said there are ongoing talks between Germany and the Iraqi authorities for Iraqi oil and gas to be exported to Germany in the future.
Reported by Raber Y. Aziz
Thursday, February 3rd 2011 5:29 PM |
