Representatives of thirteen Kurdish businesses from Iraq came to Wroclaw for talks with entrepreneurs based in Lower Silesia. Kurdish entrepreneurs look to gain new business partners to collaborate with in the region. They primarily seek to secure imports of shoes and clothing into Iraq.
Kurdish entrepreneurs came to Wroclaw on the invitation from the Lower Silesia Province authorities. The talks between Polish and Kurdish entrepreneurs were held in the headquarters of the Lower Silesia Agency for Economic Collaboration in Wroclaw."This is the fifth visit from our Kurdish partners we have organised," says Marcin Rybak, the coordinator of trade missions that collaborate with Kurdish businesses. "Previous visits brought contracts with construction, food and automotive industries." This time the focus is on textile and shoe industries."We don't want to buy in China or Turkey," one of the Kurdish entrepreneurs has said in the meeting. "We seek quality, not just low prices. Polish businesses turn out quality merchandise, they have top brands that are worth every penny.
"These are preliminary talks," admits Józef Lorens from the Wroclaw-based Esee. "It is difficult to say what prices our clothing can fetch at the moment. It is not only materials and labour that make up the price, but also transport and custom fees. There is a variety of factors that we are unaware as yet. But we are ready to continue the talks."
Kurdish partners appreciated Wroclaw merchandise
Preliminary talks held at the conference hall soon turned into detailed negotiations at the exhibition area that was quickly organised for Kurdish entrepreneurs to examine and select merchandise."We're not too anxious about the result," says Michał Grochal from Zender, a Wroclaw-based company that specialises in women’s clothing. "Our Kurdish partners are just like other business partners that we have cooperated with for years, either in Poland or elsewhere in Europe. There is always some risk involved, but that's what business is all about, after all. It is surprising how quickly our Kurdish partners get down to business and want to strike deals. There is no time for idle talk or coffee breaks.
Zender, who provide a variety of clothing, including not only coats, jackets and dresses, but also uniforms for Poczta Polska [Polish Mail], have been offered to provide clothing for Kurdish schoolchildren. Handbags from Fashion Connect came out a real hit together with Welle's lingerie, which attracted interest from several different entrepreneurs.
" We are really happy that Polish businesses are valued so much," says Małgorzata Chalabala, Manager at the Centre for Export and Investment Service, Lower Silesia Agency for Economic Collaboration. "I haven't heard so many compliments about our products for a long time. As I see enthusiasm in our guests, I deeply believe that we will manage to have several contracts signed in the near future. We are planning to organise another cycle of meetings for other branches of our industry in July. This time round we would like to invite businesses that deal in household appliances, air-conditioning and interior design. We are now waiting for the wish list from our Kurdish partners.
Huge market
"The Iraqi part of Kurdistan has great market potential for trade and services," says Marcin Rybak. "The local market is incredibly receptive, as there is demand for almost everything in the region. Its oil resources guarantee a good financial base for the economy. Despite concerns and various media revelations, it's a safe area, and Kurdish entrepreneurs make reliable and open business partners, even though their business culture differs a lot from ours.The Iraqi market is considered a growing one and it also has significant capital in it. According to experts, the majority of Iraq's industries suffer from little access to modern technology. "Kurdish entrepreneurs seek partners to join a variety of enterprises," says Małgorzata Chalabala. "It's a receptive market and businesses from Lower Silesia may fill in quite a few niches in it that range from staple merchandise such as clothing or shoes to more luxury or specialised products. Our Iraqi partners have recognised the quality of Polish products, their materials and workmanship, including those from the clothing industry. Out task is to find Polish business partners to sign win-win contracts with Kurdish entrepreneurs.
Katarzyna Kunka
