Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has encouraged Northern Ireland businesses to take advantage of export opportunities emerging in middle Eastern markets.

The Minister was speaking as she welcomed Masoud Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, to Northern Ireland.

President Barzani is currently on a two-day trade and investment visit organised by Invest NI.

Arlene Foster said: "This visit by the Kurdish delegation provides a major opportunity for us to showcase the wealth of skills, products and services that Northern Ireland businesses can offer global markets.

"Over the past two years, I have been working with Invest Northern Ireland to strengthen our relationships with key influencers in the region. Having led Invest NI’s first trade mission to Kurdistan in 2011, and after visiting there again last year, I welcome the opportunity to let His Excellency Masoud Barzani and his colleagues see for themselves what Northern Ireland has to offer."

Minister Foster continued: "A number of local companies have already secured business in the wider Middle East region and Kurdistan is a growing part of this market, which offers significant opportunities, particularly in oil and gas, construction, professional services, education and agriculture.

"Last year, I opened Invest NI’s office in Erbil and we will continue to work closely with contacts there, as well as our local business base, to help firms access the market and bid for contracts."

(IT)