BAGHDAD INTERNATIONAL FAIR: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR COMMERCIAL INTEGRATION WITH THE WORLD
The curtain fell on the 48th session of the Baghdad International Fair amidst a wide welcome from participants and visitors, as the exhibition witnessed a great turnout from local and international companies that presented their latest technologies and products with the aim of finding a foothold in the Iraqi market.
Most participants indicated their satisfaction with the success of their objectives at the exhibition, as they were able to conclude bilateral agreements for cooperation with local, regional and international companies.
In the same context, many Iraqi families who visited the exhibition expressed their desire to extend the exhibition period, stressing that the extension will give them the opportunity to view all the pavilions and displayed goods, which will help them to purchase the products they need from the various participating companies.
Communicate with international companies
Speaking about the importance of the exhibition in enhancing international cooperation, Abdul Salam Karim Al Shahmani, Brand Manager of the Iraqi Ports Company at the Ministry of Transport, said: “The exhibition days were a valuable opportunity to communicate with international companies from different countries.”
He added that his company was able to reach an agreement with South Korean and Pakistani companies for joint cooperation, as bilateral meetings will be organized after the exhibition to activate these agreements.
He explained that many Arab and international companies have expressed their serious desire to cooperate with Iraq and enter its market, especially in light of the ongoing developments and major projects being implemented in Iraq.
Solar energy is taking over
With the attention of visitors
On the other hand, Mohammed Shaker, head of the Baghdad Center for Energy and Sustainability, pointed out that the current session of the exhibition was distinguished by the participation of a large number of citizens who showed great interest in solar energy.
He said: “We have witnessed a remarkable turnout from citizens to learn more about solar energy systems, their efficiency and types.” He stressed that many visitors expressed their desire to purchase these systems to avoid the problems of power outages, although some of them expressed hesitation due to the lack of sufficient culture in Iraq about how to benefit from solar energy. He stressed that the exhibition is an opportunity to raise awareness of modern technologies witnessed by various countries around the world.
Software company interaction
On the other hand, Howayda Ahmed from Iraq Programming Company said: “The exhibition was a valuable opportunity for us, as we interacted with a wide audience throughout the days of the exhibition. This interaction helped us launch 7 new and advanced programs with modern technologies to organize public and private life.”
She added: “Through the exhibition, we were able to understand the needs of the Iraqi community in the technical aspect, and we interacted with visitors to create technical solutions that suit their requirements.” She pointed out that the exhibition is an important platform for communicating with the world and introducing new technologies that serve the Iraqi market.
Talents and development
The exhibition did not neglect the children’s category, as Al-Huda Cultural Foundation, which specializes in nurturing talents, organized events to discover the talents of children and youth. Zainab Nasser Hussein, the director of the foundation’s pavilion, stressed the importance of supporting and developing talents by providing opportunities for children to hone their skills. She said: “We strive to provide all the tools and programs that help children grow and develop in their fields, and we plan to involve them in specialized festivals such as the Iraqi International Children’s Festival.”
Increasing number of visitors
Citizen Ilham Saadeddin praised the organization of the exhibition, which she described as meeting the needs of all segments of society. She confirmed that she visited the exhibition repeatedly over the course of 4 days to learn about the products displayed by the companies, especially the pavilions for direct sales. She said: “The exhibition was a real outlet for the Iraqi family, as the number of visitors increased day after day, whether specialists or families.”
Understandings with international companies
Naseer Ragheb from the Japanese company “Termo King Tao” said: “The exhibition witnessed many initial understandings with several companies to cooperate and expand our activity in the Iraqi market.” He explained that the exhibition was an ideal platform for international companies to enter the Iraqi market and cooperate in various sectors, pointing to the importance of raising the level of services provided to visitors in future exhibitions to ensure greater success.
Iraqi products are comparable to imported ones
Speaking about the importance of the exhibition in promoting Iraqi products, Mohammed Hussein from the Karbala Chamber of Industry pointed out that the participating companies from Karbala were admired by visitors, especially distinguished products such as dates and their derivatives, which are in high demand in international markets. He said: “Our Iraqi products that are exported to the Gulf countries enjoy a good reputation, and with visitors’ interest in these products, we have a greater incentive to expand production.”
Expand future participation
For his part, Aqeel Al-Hamad, an economic expert, stressed the importance of expanding participation in future exhibitions to invite the best international companies. He said: “The 48th session of the exhibition showed good results, but it is necessary to expand the invitation of major international companies to expand the benefit to the Iraqi economy.” He added: “The exhibition is an important economic forum and contributes to changing the economic landscape by informing local companies of modern technologies and working to supply them to the Iraqi market in various sectors.”
Opportunity to open new markets
Al-Hamad stressed that the Iraqi labor market is witnessing remarkable growth and is considered a promising opportunity for international companies. He said: “Many companies present at the exhibition expressed their great desire to work in the Iraqi market, which represents a promising and growing market.” He pointed out that cooperation between the government and the private sector is necessary to provide the appropriate environment for foreign investment in Iraq, especially in the sectors of production, industry, agriculture, tourism and services.
Repeat participation in the future
Finally, Khaled Sultan, representative of a Kuwaiti perfume company, welcomed the extension of the exhibition period for the pavilions that witnessed a great turnout from visitors. He added: “The Iraqi audience’s interaction with our products was wonderful, which encourages us to participate again in the upcoming sessions and to a greater extent.” He stressed that the audience’s interaction with the products is a positive indicator and enhances their desire to expand their participation in the future.
Direct selling extension
The Ministry of Commerce has extended direct sales at the Baghdad International Fair until Sunday evening, in line with citizens’ desire and to give an opportunity.
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