Transportation & Construction Systems - Business Overview
Interview
Mikio Hayashi
Assistant to General Manager of Middle East Office, General Manager of Baghdad Office, and Assistant to General Manager of Global Strategy & Coordination Dept. Joined Sumitomo Corporation in 1979. After studying abroad (Cairo) and working for Automotive Division, No.2, Cairo Liaison Office, Muscat Liaison Office, and Information Research Department of Sumitomo Shoji Research Institute, he has been in the current positions since 2010.
 Q: |
Tell us about the business potential in Iraq. |
 A: |
Iraq has a population of as many as 30 million people and the demand brought about by the development of economy is tremendous. The country has traditionally maintained a high educational level, which has created many capable people. It is certain that many industries will grow dramatically in the future. This potential is the greatest attraction of Iraq. The country is in a difficult situation now, as excellent human resources who were forced to leave the country by the war have not come back and the agricultural industry is in a slump for lack of water. However, it is sure to become a central player in the Middle East sooner or later. The development of the energy industry is another attraction. Iraq has not matured as an oil producing country yet, which means not only the production volume but also the volume of Proven Reserves will increase in the future. The country will become more and more important in the world's energy market. |
| Q: |
What activities will be promoted based at the Baghdad Office? |
| A: |
Just mentioning the name of Sumitomo Corporation used to be enough to gain people's trust in Iraq, as the company attached much importance to communication between people and steadily continued business. It is a pity that part of this trust has been lost because Japan was not able to offer enough support through local activity for the reconstruction of the country due to the Iraq War. In the future, however, we will create more activity bases in addition to this office to establish an even closer relationship with Iraq. To that end, it is necessary to employ local people and foster human resources to support corporate activities. |
| Q: |
Tell us how you feel about the future of Iraq. |
| A: |
Iraq is an essential partner of Japan. We cannot be satisfied with the success of Sumitomo Corporation alone. It is necessary for many Japanese companies to cooperate with one another to support the reconstruction of Iraq, covering both upstream to downstream functions. Iraq, which is fertile, has occupied an important position since ancient times, also from a geopolitical viewpoint. I believe Sumitomo Corporation has to play a role in taking action before any other company so that activities by other Japanese companies will be promoted. This way we can prepare the way for contributing to the reconstruction of Iraq. |
July 2010
