Prospectus for

Iraqi Kurdistan Trade Mission for the

UK Construction sector

Erbil, Kurdistan May 2012

In association with Kurdistan Regional Government

www.propertyevents.co.uk www.ctgrouptravel.co.uk

www.krg.org

Contacts Property Events 10 Margaret Street London W1W 8RL Contact Giles Fallan TEL 07824 445348 Email giles@propertyevents.co.uk CT Group Travel 33 Mount Pleasant Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 1PN Contact Lyndsay Snowden Tel 01892 673435 Email lyndsay.snowden@ctgrouptravel.co.uk British Embassy Office Erbil Erbil Iraq Contact Beverley Simpson – Deputy Consul General Email Beverley.simpson@fco.gov.uk Kurdistan Regional Government Representation in the UK London Contact Vian Rahmam TEL 0207 170 4300 Email vian.rahman@krg.org

Erbil; May 14th-17th 2012 If you work in the UK Construction sector and are looking at opportunities to win business internationally then this trade mission will be of interest. The Kurdistan Region is an emerging market offering excellent opportunities for UK companies. The city of Erbil is seen as the gateway to Iraq for international organisations and therefore is expanding rapidly. The area has a stable security situation and a thriving economy, there is a young and increasingly prosperous population of nearly 4 million, the Kurdistan Region covers about 40,000 square kilometers, around the same size as the Netherlands or Switzerland. Economy The Kurdistan economy is in a strong position and is already attracting a growing number of investors from the Middle East and beyond. Economies such as Dubai and Kuwait have fared poorly over the last 2 years and their outlook is not great. Other Middle Eastern areas are less affected and Kurdistan is one of these. Property and construction is the fastest growing area of the Kurdistan economy. The Erbil skyline is undergoing a massive face-lift. Five star hotels and luxury homes are becoming a common sight. Prior to the US-lead invasion in 2003, none of this existed. ‘Constructing the future’ is the slogan around the city. Three-quarters of the buildings in the city are new or recently renovated. This mission is a chance to promote your products and services to the leading private and state run organisations involved in Kurdistan property sector. We will introduce you to key individuals responsible for the procurement of products and services within the construction sector. We are currently working closely with a number of Iraq based companies, one who is building a 22000sqm 5* Hotel and are looking for UK organizations to help with the internal design and fit out. This trip will give you the opportunity to meet and discuss your products or service with key members of their development team.

What this trade mission can offer you.

There are extensive British Business opportunities in Iraq for the UK construction sector, this mission is a chance to promote your products and services to the leading private and state run organisations involved in Kurdistan property sector. The trip is organised in association with the Kurdistan Regional Government. Reasons to attend

• Meetings will be arranged for you with key individuals from the local government and state departments along with private sector organisations all who will have procurement roles or be key influencers in the Kurdistan construction sector.

• Property Events, together with CT Group Travel, have experience and expertise in organising Trade Missions around the globe and in particular to the Middle East.

• A Trade Mission to Iraq in October 2011 was a hugely successful event for all concerned with 50 British Companies making up the delegation many from the property sector.

• The Mission will be lead by the Kurdistan Regional Government in Erbil so you can be sure of a first class programme of events.

• There is a pre-Mission Briefing held in central London which will provide an overview of the area and opportunities that exist for UK companies.

• You will benefit from an excellent group travel package that includes flights and 4* accommodation.

• The FCO travel advice distinguishes the Kurdistan Region from other parts of Iraq, reflecting its relative stability, peace and security.

• There will be an electronic brochure that will promote your product or service to potential clients, which will be translated into Kurdistan.

Major Construction Projects

• The Iraqi government is currently investing $25 billion in housing projects, $8 billion on transportation and $5.5 billion for water and sewage facilities.

• The government is to build 3.5 million new homes over the next decade, some 350,000 units per year

• Over $30 billion is to be invested in housing and commercial projects in Baghdad over the next 10 years

• Iraq needs to invest over $100 billion in new housing • Key infrastructure projects include the $3 billion Karbala

international airport, $7 billion Baghdad airport and $3 billion Baghdad rail network

• $4 billion has been allocated for investment in hospitals and clinics in 2012, including 10 hospitals with 200-bed capacity

• $1.5 billion has been allocated for residential and infrastructure spending in 2012

• Real estate projects include a $20 billion project outside of Baghdad, a $50 billion housing project near Karbala, and $2 billion housing project in Mosul

• Since 2003, over 100 private investors from 26 countries have announced real estate projects in Iraq

• Between 2012 and 2014 Iraq's industry is forecast to grow 6.18% year-on-year

Outline programme of events Day one Travel to Erbil Evening Reception hosted by the Kurdistan Regional Government Day two Presentation of opportunities by KRG & UKTI Meetings with ministers and officials Group meetings with developers / construction companies Evening reception hosted by UKTI Day three Small group meetings relating to delegates sector of industry Lunch hosted by Erbil chamber of commerce Tour of live Hotel project in central Erbil hosted by the developer Free time for own appointments (we can help organize) Evening reception Hosted UKTI Day four Travel home Pre departure briefing There will be a briefing held at the London offices of KRG about 2 weeks before the event. The briefing will clarify all administrative and logistical arrangement and will give an initial presentation on the Kurdistan market and the opportunities that lie within. Newcomers to Kurdistan will find this particularly useful. Brochure An electronic mission brochure will be produced to help promote the trip and the companies participating. A profile of each company will be included along with a forward from the Kurdistan Regional Government explaining the reason for the mission and inviting organizations to take part in the networking events. The brochure will be distributed to state officials and private organizations involved in the property sector in Erbil.

Travel package The cost of the trip will include all travel and accommodation. The travel itinerary includes Return economy seats with Austrian Airlines Accommodation in Erbil Breakfast All transfers to and from the airport Transport whilst in Erbil Transport The KRG will provide the mission’s travel requirements including airport transfers for the groups flights. It is normal for mission delegates to travel in Toyota Land Cruisers or mini buses on all journeys in and out of town. The Kurdish security force, The Pershmergar, is efficient and maintains a generally low profile. Health Requirements Delegates are advised to consult their GP to obtain the most up to date information regarding vaccinations and health requirements. Travel Insurance It is the responsibility of each mission member to ensure that he / she is adequately insured for this mission. We recommend that you check with your insurance company that the Kurdistan region is covered in any existing policy.. Whilst we cannot recommend an insurance provider we can, if required pass on details of an insurer used by mission delegates for past Kurdistan trips. VISA Requirements British Passport Holders, providing they enter the Kurdistan region of Northern Iraq via Erbil Airport and that the reason for the visit is business do not currently require a visa. Holders of non-British passports should contact us as other requirements may apply.

Cost of the trip TBA Participants should speak to their local Business Link or UKTI representative, as grants may be available to help cover the cost of this mission. How to book To reserve your place on this trip simply email us at giles@propertyevents.co.uk we will then issue a reservation form.