‘KRG’s investment law is amongst the most investor friendly laws in the wider region’ – Minister Falah Mustafa Bakir

Minister Falah Mustafa Bakir, Head of Foreign Relations for the KRG (Kurdistan Regional Government), was interviewed by The Kurdistan Tribune.

KT: There is wide criticism that KRG offices abroad have failed to attract Kurdish intellectuals in the diaspora.  What is your response to this?

FMB: I do not think that this is a valid accusation.  The reality is that a large number of foreign trained professionals and intellectuals have returned to the Kurdistan Region for the express purpose of helping to rebuild their homeland.

If the question were more reasonably why more of these professionals and intellectuals have not returned, I think that this is easily answered by the fact that it is a personal decision to do so.  Many of these individuals left everything that they owned in order to flee from the oppression of the former regime, and they have now for the second time built a life for themselves.  It is understandably very difficult for them to once again leave everything that they’ve worked for to start over again.

This being said, we warmly welcome our fellow countrymen living abroad to return and join our efforts to rebuild this Region, and we make every effort that we can to assist them in doing so.

KT: What are the biggest challenges facing the KRG’s Department of Foreign Relations at present?

FMB: One of the greatest challenges that faces any organization is that of resource management.  The KRG Department of Foreign Relations is no exception to this rule, and I can tell you that building an efficient and effective department is a real challenge with the limited resources available to us. From the needs of the growing diplomatic presence in our region to those of the growing number of KRG Representations abroad, we are constantly having to decide what our highest priorities are because there is rarely the time or personnel to address everything as it comes in.

However, in spite of this difficulty, we do believe that our success in establishing lasting links with the international community is ample evidence of our achievements.  These relationships have allowed our people to benefit from the expertise of businessmen and educators abroad and have opened the door for foreign investment and business to take advantage of the innumerable opportunities that exist here within this Region; thousands of local and international businessmen and women, students, doctors, researchers and politicians now freely travel to and from the Kurdistan Region.

KT: How would the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq affect the KRG’s foreign policy?

FMB: First of all, it is important to note that, as members of a federal Iraq, the KRG is committed to Iraq’s foreign policy.  The Kurdistan Region takes part in the formation and implementation of this policy both through its participation in the federal government and through the work of its citizens in the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in Iraq’s embassies around the world.

In addition to these efforts, the KRG maintains a number of representative offices abroad in order to promote its economic, cultural and educational interests.  These interests will not change as a result of the US troop withdrawal, and therefore the international efforts of the KRG will remain essentially the same.

The KRG promotes cultural, educational, business, investment and trade relations with all of its friends abroad.

KT: How does the KRG plan to strengthen its relations with developed countries and attract businesses to invest in the region?

FMB: For many years now, the KRG has worked hard to maintain positive relations with its friends around the world.  In the wake of the Ba’athist’s authoritarian regime, the KRG has made great strides in promoting human rights and individual freedom, and this has had a significant impact on the development of strong relations with the more progressive members of the international community.

As for attracting investment in the Region, at a time when much of the developed world is struggling with stagnant growth and uncertainty, the Kurdistan Region is in the middle of unprecedented infrastructural and economic growth.  The KRG’s investment law is amongst the most investor friendly laws in the wider region, and we have worked hard to do everything we can to support and promote this growth.  Our international representatives routinely meet with business leaders around the world, and we believe that the word will continue to spread.

KT: How important is the issue of the continued bombing of the KRG’s territory by its neighbours, and what should the Iraqi government be doing about this?

FMB: Obviously, this issue is of great importance because the safety and security of the Kurdistan Region’s people are of the utmost importance to us.  We are strongly against the use of the Kurdistan Region as a launching pad for attacks against our neighbours, and the KRG maintains a strict policy of non-intervention in its neighbours’ internal affairs.

As I have mentioned before, the Kurdistan Region is a part of the Federal Republic of Iraq, and therefore Kurdish leaders are working closely with the federal Iraqi government regarding this issue.

Both federal and Kurdish leaders continue to hold high-level talks with the Turkish and Iranian governments in order to find a suitable solution to the issue.  We firmly hold to the principle that violence will not solve these problems and it is important that every side involved works in close cooperation in order that we can work out a lasting and peaceful resolution.

13 Responses to ‘KRG’s investment law is amongst the most investor friendly laws in the wider region’ – Minister Falah Mustafa Bakir
  1. دڵشاد خۆشناو
    November 21, 2011 | 13:42

    What I have noticed is that he mentions “resource management” as the biggest challenge.
    I wonder what he means. Do they have too many resources so that they have difficulties to manage it all? Or is he complaining about the lack of it?
    Besides what kind of resources, human or funding?

    1- If we talk about KRG representations it is not hard to see that they have neglected the many Kurds in the diaspora. There is a huge potential with the large numbers of Kurds in Germany, Scandinavia, UK etc.
    Unfortunatly the KRG is not able or not willing to capitalize on that.

    Besides it would be far more effective if they were not appointing their representatives according to party lines (PUK & PDK). They should see who is able to do the job and has “a history in delivering”.
    In many cases you have people there who are nothing but previous and current business and tradesmen & women !

    2- and in regards of kurdish returnees I don’t see any strategic plans, or any structure in any existing plans to capitalize on the know how and expertise of those.
    It seems that it is a private issue who returns and in what jobs and roles they land, depending on their connections (Wasta) and personal benefit and not what is strategically best for Kurdistan.

    3- besides the mentioned relationship with the outside world is less than perfect. Buying consultancy from companies like PricewaterhouseCoopers or organisations belonging to the US & UK government is not the right signal to believe that the right decisions are made and right strategies are in place.

    I would encourage Minister Bakir and his staff to continue in listening other voices, including KT and the audience they seem to attract.

    Slaw u rez
    Dilshad Xoshnaw

  2. Baqi Barzani
    November 22, 2011 | 01:32

    FM Falah is a very learnt and one of the most painstaking KRG officials. His sincere efforts and contributions are noticeable and justifiably deserve peculiar gratitude. He has been able to transfigure the Department of Foreign Relations (DFR) into one of the most systematized department within KRG. He is aware of KRG’s deficiencies and is able to overhaul them, as well, provided that he is not encumbered and conferred upon the power and implements necessary to do so.

    I see eye to eye with Kak Dilshad Xoshnaw observations. Incongruously, appointment in KRG’s establishments has never been based on one’s merits and qualifications. In Duhok and Hawler, you must be affiliated with KDP. In Sulimania, vice versa, one must be a member of PUK to survive. Many educated and graduated Kurds have returned to Kurdistan, willing to offer their genuine support and partake in the ongoing rebuilding and devolvement process of their homeland, but seeing the culture of “ WASETA” and corruption still dominant, they could not put up with system and situation and left. There were no approaching or encouraging strategies on behalf of KRG to make them stay. Kurdistan is in critical need of their expertise and it is always a better idea to employ and capitalize on a fellow-Kurd than hiring workforce from neighboring countries.

    Given KRG’s abundant t resources, I believe a better job can be done and is expected in respect to the absorption and involvement of Kurds in Diasporas. Most of DFR ‘s focus is centered inside Kurdistan. KRG’s foreign representation is very pathetic and not all-inclusive at all, especially in UK and USA. It is mainly because of FDR’s lack of skillful staff members. Most employees working in Kak Falah office in Kurdistan cannot even converse fluent English language. There is not much he can do about it.

    There are not enough lobbying, media efforts and cultural familiarization /exchange programs in the languages of the host countries. Since FDR’s primary mission and target should be foreign countries, therefore, it is not exaggerated to assert that 70% of its funds should be allocated to activities in foreign countries.

    Another key point that is also alluded to by Kak Dilshad, why acquiring consultancy from foreign companies and organizations. Why not seeking assistance from organizations such as : Kurdish National Congress? Why not providing direct funds to Kurdish NGO’s abroad so that they can increase and enhance the quality of their operations? Why not strengthening the foundation of some of our English media outlets such as Kurdishaspect, E-kurd, Kurdishmedia and Kurdistantribune and enable them to look close to Kurdish version of CNN and Washingtonpost reaching to hundreds of millions of audience and readers. They need not necessarily be siding with “ Party or Yekati”.

    Another earnest debate is KRG’s offering of free real estate to foreign incorporations as a concession to invest and function. This measure will prove counter-productive in the long-term.

    As far as abiding by Iraqi Foreign policy and being part of Iraq, why has Baghdad failed to extend protection to its citizens versus external threats? KRG is well-informed of central government’s actions, decisions, and treaties. Baghdad has signed numerous trade and security agreements and MoU with its neighboring countries. KRG must have been a signatory or at least, notified. Therefore, I strongly reject Kak Falahs claim, laying the blame of CGOV for inaction.

    In nutshell, an outstanding FDR must establish rapports with fellow-Kurds all over the world. FDR should act as ears and eyes of KRG and for this to transpire; it is reliant on all-sides cooperation.

    • Halmet
      November 24, 2011 | 16:11

      Kak Baqi,
      You seem very intellectual and I don’t understand where do you find those qualities in Kak Falah.

      Kak falah is the most “painstaking” puppet of Barzani clan. He’s very insecure person. Im still not sure whether he’s a foreign minster or Barzani’s interpreter. I have seen him in many occasions that he interprets for Kak Masoud and Nechirvan Barzani. Can’t the Barzanis find another person or has to be a foreign minster?

      Another disgraceful incident I have witnessed when he received a Lebanese female singer “Alisa” at the Erbil airport. is it his job?

      Those are just a few “over the surface” events that I have seen with my eyes, let along behind the scene.

      I do agree with the rest of your comment, especially “There is not much he can do about it” because again he has no power over this minster except probably over those local employees (mozef) who come to work every day.

  3. Haval
    November 22, 2011 | 08:49

    must be other reasons why the kurds from outsdide UK are not very eager to go back to their native country .The KRG has controlled the power and institution for their own thugs an groups nothing else .Falah Mustafa must be a loyal advocate to Barzani Tribe ,otherwise he will not have any post at all.This is true principle for PUK as well when they come to distribute posts etc

  4. دڵشاد خۆشناو
    November 22, 2011 | 10:33

    Kak Baqi,

    thank you for your remarks. I really agree with you and I am glad that you are mentioning those issues.
    I was reluctant to get into more details because of the fear that it would be too long and KT wouldn’t be happy to have comments that are significantly longer than the original article it was referring to.

    This issue is very much related to what Michael Rubin has written about a few days ago here at KT (http://kurdistantribune.com/2011/nechirvan-barzani-must-professionalize-office/).

    There seems to be a great lack of the right advisors who have both the expertise and the personal qualities to do a good job.

    Judging from the outcome of their work it seems that we have a bunch of amateurish personnel at work who are not really up to the “historic task” they have.
    Let’s not forget, the KRG is the first real kurdish self rule in the last 100-150 years and by far the most powerful entity Kurds had the chance to rule by themselves.
    Besides it has the potential to become far more powerful and may be the seed that leads eventually to the independence of the Greater Kurdistan.

    Slaw u rez

  5. Baqi Barzani
    November 23, 2011 | 02:07

    Kak دڵشاد خۆشناو

    Always delighted to see your meaningful posts.

    … We all would love to contribute to our much-loved Kurdistan in different means and methods. Kurds residing in Diasporas reserve equal legal and moral responsibilities toward their country and they must get involved in certain cases and shed light upon the truths regardless of the consequences.

    Criticism of KRG officials should not be interpreted as venting opposition toward our people and our government. Whether we concede it or not, there are imperfections in the systems. It is the era of science and technology. I must be willing to listen to you and follow you if I know for fact you are a more knowledgeable leader than I.

    I had the opportunity to pay a visit to all major cities in SoK, including Kirkuk, Suliymania, Hawler, Duhok, Masif, Shaqlawa, Sare-E-Rash and as forth during my last time visit in 2010. I witnessed for myself that for instance: A resident of Suliymania is not able to move down to Masif to permanently reside there along with his family for whatever reasons: be it better employment opportunities, family reunification, or investment purposes. He or She must seek prior authorization from “ Mokhtar ( local tribal leader) which in majority of cases would be turned down because of lack of trust”.

    Factional rivalry does exist even in the US, but it should not be to that extent severe and detrimental. Every Kurdistani citizen must reserve the right to move or live freely in any part of Kurdistan. On the contrary, more profoundly looking at it, such relocations can encourage stronger unity and association among fellow-Kurds and pave way for more inter-marriage and inter-tribal synthesis.

    If we are demanding our government to nationalize its institutions and departments, we are spontaneously enticing more national cohesion. We are getting rid of many wrong old practices and prevalent beliefs in our culture. We are disembarking a more broad-minded and merit-based system of administration.

    Yes, there is immense corruption going on in Iraqi Kurdistan. No one can repudiate it. It is from top to the bottom. There is not much that can be done about it at this point, either because it is not a select group of people. Most high level government officials from different spectrums are equally accomplices. How many of ‘em to charge? Can one dare summon or even talk about summoning the PM, President or even a member of parliament to account for their actions? Is the judiciary empowered and independent enough?

    The entire system must be renovated. Time has not come yet and before attaining that, we have more weighty priorities to focus on. We must first try to psych up KRG to strive for an independent Kurdish state. Everything else can be shelved for later.

    And everything stated here by me could be refuted or disapproved by another reader, as well!….

    KT is matchless. Thanks to every staff member for their superb service, especially Dr. Fereydun Rafiq Hilmi:

  6. Baqi Barzani
    November 24, 2011 | 20:08

    Kak Halmet,

    I can not pass judgement if I have not heard or seen something with my own eyes. I must possess ample
    solid evidence to back up any claim. Lots of opposition and competition nowadays in Kurdistan.

    Apparently, you were closely associating with FM Kak Falah that is why you aware of his personal affairs.

    What I implied by ” there is not much he can do about it” is what you have stated yourself. No doubt about
    FM Falah’s handwork. I am positive he is aware of DFR flaws after decades of experience, as well,
    but he does not have the final say. What matters to me is ones amount of efforts, not ones political affiliation.

    Thanks for your comment and look forward to seeing more of your posts.

  7. Baqi Barzani
    November 24, 2011 | 20:10

    Kak Halmet,

    I can not pass judgement if I have not heard or seen something with my own eyes. I must possess ample
    solid evidence to back up any claim. Lots of opposition and competition nowadays in Kurdistan.

    Apparently, you were closely associating with FM Kak Falah that is why you are aware of his personal affairs.

    What I implied by ” there is not much he can do about it” is what you have stated yourself. No doubt about
    FM Falah’s hardwork. I am positive he is aware of DFR flaws after decades of experience, as well,
    but he does not have the final say. What matters to me is ones amount of efforts, not ones political affiliation.

    Thanks for your comment and look forward to seeing more of your posts.

  8. Bayan
    November 25, 2011 | 09:34

    He is not a F. minister first of all and is very much an insecure sycophant.

    I don’t know Mr Falah personally but seen him giving interviews on TV, and I have to say on both occasion it has proved my points above.

    first TV appearance with Al-Jazeera English; he was cornered so much by the other guest he had to say he has a MAGESTER!(masters)degree from UK in his words proving he does not believe in his own ability. He felt, he had to mention his academic achievements! to say he is informed but could not prove it while on air.

    On second occasion, have seen him give a speech in UK Kurdish trade conference. Although the PM was Barham Salih at the time, he was praising his Ex-boss Nechirvan Barzani and undermining Salih.
    Did not see the point of his speech because it was a pure sucking-up to Barzani speech.

    If this is the man to lead our foreign policy, I am very worried.
    I have no respect for him based on his performance, he has not brought anything new to the job but cronyism and tribal politics.

  9. Mohammad
    November 27, 2011 | 18:47

    FM Falah has lately conducted another interview with KPD-funded “The Kurdish Globe” in the wake of being lambasted for his failed foreign policy. Same old claptraps. By the way is not time for him to step down and let someone else hold that position for a while. Independents such as Dr Fereydun Rafiq Hilmi, Dr. Kamal Artin of KNCNA or ex-presidential candidate Dr. Mirawdeli are good choices.

  10. Mohammad
    November 27, 2011 | 18:49

    FM Falah has lately conducted another interview with PDK-funded “The Kurdish Globe” in the wake of being lambasted for his failed foreign policy. Same old claptraps. By the way is not time for him to step down and let someone else hold that position for a while. Independents such as Dr Fereydun Rafiq Hilmi, Dr. Kamal Artin of KNCNA or ex-presidential candidate Dr. Mirawdeli are good choices.

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  12. […] Karem: In an interview with KT in 2011, Falah Mustafa said: ‘KRG’s investment law is amongst the most investor friendly laws in the […]

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