KRG High Representative meets with Scottish business organisations

Alternate Text News : 2/6/2025

United Kingdom, Scotland, www.uk.gov.krd. Karwan Jamal Tahir High Representative of the Kurdistan Regional Government to the UK (KRG UK) met with the Scottish Development Alliance and the Scottish Development International (SDI) foundations in Edinburgh, Scotland.

In a meeting with Francesca Guy President of the Scottish Development Alliance Foundation, the current political, economic, and business situation in the Kurdistan Region, the nature of the foundation’s work, and ways to assist the region were discussed.

The foundation's membership includes Scotland's associations, organisations, universities, and professionals, according to Ms. Frances Guy, the former British ambassador to Lebanon in 2012 who also worked for the UN organisation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. She said that the organisation also give their members training sessions and host yearly conferences.

KRG UK High Representative conveyed his willingness for the Kurdish diaspora in Scotland to contribute positively, particularly through organisations, associations, and entrepreneurs. Building bridges between Kurdistan Region and Scottish NGOs is crucial for the execution of collaborative projects and partnerships, according to the High Representative of the Kurdistan Regional Government  in the UK, who also discussed the useful role of NGOs and civil society.
Additionally, he stated that the Kurdish diaspora in Scotland has been able to offer services in all sectors and fields, emphasising the necessity of bilateral cooperation with the Foundation to increase the effectiveness of the Kurdish community in Scotland.

KRG UK High Representative also met with the head of the inward investment at the Scottish Development International, Simon Wallace, The meeting's goal was to shed light on Scotland's investment sectors so that Kurdistan’s businesses and investors could learn more about them and invest in Scotland.

 

Simon Wallace said that the foundation is providing training and knowledge transfer in all fields to Scotland and from Scotland to the rest of the world, and they help businesses export and attract capital and investment to Scotland, particularly in the fields of  software, IT, aggrotech, renewable energy, and technological innovation. He went on to say that their foundation has solid ties with many businesses and organisations worldwide.

He stated that he was open to any form of collaboration in order to improve ties with the Kurdistan businesses and benefit from their knowledge. To improve the economic and trade situation, the Kurdistan Regional Government High Representative outlined some of the region's needs and emphasised the value of utilising Scotland's expertise. From this perspective, he discussed the organisation of an economic and trade forum between the Kurdistan Region and Scotland, which would allow the Kurdistan Chambers of Commerce, Industry, and other commercial institutions and companies to meet with their Scottish counterparts and learn about investment opportunities in both regions.


Scotland
6th February 2025