GERMANY'S BUSINESS TIES WITH IRAQ -- A SLOW, BUT

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BERLIN 000786 SIPDIS E.O. 12356: N/A TAGS: ETRD PREL BEXP IR GM SUBJECT: GERMANY'S BUSINESS TIES WITH IRAQ -- A SLOW, BUT PROMISING BEGINNING REF: BERLIN 474 ¶1. SUMMARY: The Ministry of Economics and German business organizations are cooperating closely in seeking to rebuild Germany's significant business ties with Iraq. The first important step is the planned June 30-July 1 meeting in Berlin of the German-Iraq Joint Economic Commission after a more than 20-year hiatus. Despite this historic step, German companies continue to approach Iraq with considerable trepidation due to concerns over security, Iraq's lack of a legal structure for doing business, excessive bureaucracy, and difficulties moving goods across borders. Many of the formerly significant business connections with Iraq have been lost with time and major German firms hold mixed attitudes about re-entering the market. From a longer term perspective, however, the German business community (especially SMEs) recognizes that opportunities may be significant and is therefore beginning to lay the groundwork. Much will depend on Iraq's ability to develop a business climate that is favorable to renewed German trade and investment. End Summary Germany Sends a Political Signal on Business Ties -------------- -------------- with Iraq -------------- ¶2. Several high-level Iraqi delegations have visited Germany in the last several weeks including one headed by Trade Minister Hadi Al-Hamiry, where the main topic of discussion was the planning for the first German-Iraq Joint Economic Commission meeting in more than 20 years. The German Ministry of Economics will co-host the meeting with BDI (Federation of German Industries); Al-Hamiry is expected to lead the Iraqi delegation. The intent is to begin a dialogue with Iraq aimed at restoring Germany's historically robust business ties with Iraq. Total trade between Germany and Iraq in 2007 was a mere 360 million Euros and Iraq ranked 96th in the list of Germany's top trade partners, just ahead of Uruguay and Uzbekistan. This is a far cry from the trade levels seen in the 1980's, when Iraq was Germany's largest trading partner in the region. German Companies Are Interested but Remain Cautious -------------- -------------- ¶3. Though the ambition and interest is high, both government and industry recognize that it will take time for German business to reengage in Iraq. Several factors account for the continuing reluctance: -- Security: German companies were heavily criticized in the German press several years ago when they sent personnel to Iraq. The press created the perception that corporate Germany was putting German citizens unnecessarily at risk. Bucking the fear factor, Daimler announced several weeks ago that it is opening a rep office in Baghdad, but no other major German company has followed suit. The Daimler decision is viewed as an exception. -- Business Climate: Germany's major business organizations say that apart from security, the cost of doing business with Iraq is too high -- excessive bureaucracy, difficulties in negotiating contracts with Iraqi companies, and border crossing difficulties were cited as significant barriers. -- Government Procurement Policies (or lack thereof): BDI specifically mentioned that the lack of transparency in Iraqi government procurement procedures has dissuaded German companies from pursuing larger infrastructure projects. -- Competition for German Goods: German exports to the Middle East are flourishing and demand is increasing rapidly. According to BDI and DIHK (German Chamber of Commerce),German companies already have "about as much business as they can handle" in the Middle East. Iraq will need to compete more effectively with its neighbors to lure German companies back. (Comment: Of course, some of these German companies would have more capacity to trade with Iraq if they were willing to reduce their economic ties to Iran, a point we have tried to drive home with German contacts. End Comment.) BERLIN 00000786 002 OF 002 -- Traditional Ties Broken: Major German companies such as Siemens and HochTief (construction company) were big players in developing Iraqi infrastructure in the 1980's. With the passing of 20 years, the personal relationships have been broken. As DIHK explained to us, doing business in Iraq is heavily based on personal relationships; new relationships will need to be developed and this will take time. (Note: according to DIHK, Siemens has no current plans to re-enter the Iraqi market.) First Ventures Will Be In the North -------------- ¶4. German business organizations repeatedly point to the significantly better business climate in northern Iraq, where security is less of a concern and where access to the market is better. They cited factors such as the existence of commercial flights (from Vienna) into northern Iraq (Lufthansa is expected to open a route soon from Germany as well). Germany recently opened a Consulate in Erbil, another reassuring sign. Both government and business contacts noted that German companies typically consult the German foreign ministry's travel advisory for guidance on doing business in foreign countries. DIHK explained that the MFA's travel advisory for Iraq was recently modified, lifting the advisory against travel to northern Iraq, but leaving it in place for the rest of the country. This is a key factor as the MFA's travel advisory determines whether companies can get insurance and other cover for their operations. BGA (the German organization which represents over 4,000 SME export-importers) confirmed that German business activity in northern Iraq has picked up, primarily consisting of truck sales and various replacement parts for equipment. Trade Missions: What is the U.S. Doing? -------------- ¶5. German business organizations are also looking at U.S. business activity for cues on re-entering Iraq. DIHK inquired as to whether the U.S. was organizing trade missions to Iraq and what other planning was underway to reestablish business relations. DIHK said that it might consider a trade mission to Iraq based on what the U.S. experience is. BGA asked for any information the U.S. could share on business opportunities in Iraq. Currently only a handful of German companies export to Iraq with their relations built on long-term personal connections. Thus, there is very little in the way of Iraq experience left in the German business community. Comment -------------- ¶6. Despite the hesitation of German companies, both the government and business organizations recognize that the opportunities in Iraq are increasingly looking brighter and that Germany is relatively well poised to reclaim its share of the Iraqi market. Much will depend on Iraq -- its ability to maintain stability, develop a legal structure conducive to business, and efficiently move goods across borders. Northern Iraq will be the pilot testing ground for initial German forays and may set the stage for a more significant comeback for German business. Timken Jr