IRAQ:

EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

PAST EVENTS

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Please also refer to the Commerce Department’s Commercial Service in Iraq website with regard to upcoming events in Iraq, in the U.S., and in third countries.

 

Baghdad International Fair 2008

The Ministry of Trade/State Company for Iraqi Fairs and Business Group for International Fairs have announced the Baghdad International Fair 2008 from November 10-15, 2008. Targeted towards companies in the electricity, construction, education, health care, agriculture, telecommunications, finance, oil/gas, tourism and transportation sectors, the fair will take place at the Baghdad International Fair Grounds.

For additional information or to register to participate in the show, view the flyer.

Erbil International Fair 2008

15-19 October, 2008, Erbil International Fairgrounds, Erbil-Kurdistan, Iraq

National and Global business leaders will meet to discuss investment and partnership opportunities, as well as Iraqi public sector development initiatives, during the Erbil International Fair 2008. Exhibitors from various industries including electricity, banking, insurance, transportation, telecommunications, consumer goods, oil and gas, clothing and apparel, furniture, and water technologies will also be present to display their latest technologies, products and services. The fair will provide interested companies the opportunity to network with current operators in the region, gain insight into potential new investment opportunities, form company alliances, and acquire additional business climate information.

Iraqi Kurdistan has long been regarded as one of the most stable investment areas in the Middle East region. Its investment laws provide for extensive tax abatements, customs relief, full profit and capital repatriation for foreign businesses, and liberal foreign land ownership provisions. Iraqi Kurdistan is an emerging market. The region provides numerous investment opportunities for a range of companies, in particular U.S. companies.

For additional information on exhibiting or attending the pre-eminent trade show in Iraq, please visit: http://www.ifpiraq.com/ifp_agent/show_overview.aspx?id=83

 

Iraq Health Summit 2009

24-25 January, 2009, Dubai, UAE

The Iraqi Ministry of Health and the Government of Iraq have announced the official Iraq Health Summit. The summit, which will take place from 24-25 January in Dubai, will feature a delegation of over 35 senior Iraqi Government officials. The Minister of Health will preside over the conference . The show will also feature other international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

The Iraqi government is seeking to bolster its health care sector. As such, the fair will highlight key areas of required investment the need to address critical shortages of medications, upgrade emergency services, improve communications and records systems, and invest in training opportunities for health care providers and professionals, and more.

Companies with expertise in the health care sector are encouraged to attend, including those with products in medical equipment, communications technologies, pharmaceuticals, and patient services.

To obtain further information or to register for the show, please review the show flyer.

Erbil Agro Food 2008

4-7 November, 2008, Erbil-Kurdistan, Iraq

Join national and international agribusiness leaders at the Erbil Agro Food Exhibit. Agriculture is Iraq’s second largest industry after oil and employs nearly 20% of the Iraqi workforce. In total, agribusiness constitutes over 29% of Iraqi annual GDP and supports over 27% of Iraq’s 28 million residents.

However, significant investment opportunities remain within Iraq’s agricultural industry. The Erbil Agro Food Exhibition,co-hosted by USAID’s Inma Agribusiness Program, seeks to link farmers, agribusinesses, financial service firms, and domestic and international markets to help develop the Iraqi agricultural industry. Participants in the Exhibition will meet with industry leaders, potential investors, and exchange industry information and best practices with active companies.

The Inma Agribusiness Program is a three year, $343 million program seeks to provide technical support to farmers, provide financial resources, enhance cultivation techniques, and further development of the Iraqi agricultural commercial and legal environment. The Inma Agribusiness Program is proud to host this year’s Erbil Agro Food show to further develop the Iraqi agricultural sector.

For additional information, please visit: http://www.ifpiraq.com/ifp_agent/show_overview.aspx?id=81

 

Project Iraq 2008 the International Trade Exhibition for Construction Technology, Building Materials and Equipment

4-7 November, 2008, Erbil International Fair Ground, Erbil-Kurdistan, Iraq

Leading Construction Technology, Building Materials and Equipment Companies meet in Erbil to Fill the $36 billion Demand For Iraqi Infrastructure Development. A recent joint United Nations/World Bank study highlighted fourteen Iraqi sectors in need of critical investment, including electricity, water and sanitation, transportation, telecommunications and agriculture.

Project Iraq 2008, , invites interested companies and investors to explore the ample investment opportunities present in Erbil and throughout Iraq. Buyers, suppliers and contractors from the greater Middle East will also be present. Companies and investors with interests or operations in the above industries are highly encouraged to attend.

For additional information, please visit: http://www.ifpiraq.com/ifp_agent/show_overview.aspx?id=84

 

Erbil Motorshow 2008

1-5 December, 2008, Erbil International Fair Ground, Erbil-Kurdistan, Iraq

Automotive dealers, garage equipment suppliers, car accessory suppliers and other key automotive industry leaders to meet in Erbil for the first-ever automotive industry trade show in Iraq.

With newly-developed transportation infrastructure and increasing disposable incomes, Iraqi demand for automobiles continues to grow at an exciting pace. In response to this demand, the Erbil Motorshow, held in conjunction with the Erbil Auto Shop, will be held to provide a centralized trade and investment forum for key automotive players to uncover new investment and expansion opportunities.

The Erbil Motorshow will showcase a variety of vehicles, including light vehicles, trucks, 4x4s, pickups, specialized vehicles, minivans, police cars, ambulances, freezer trucks and armored cars. Exhibitors will include car importers, local and regional dealers, showroom owners, and more.

The Erbil Auto Shop will also run concurrently with the Erbil Motorshow, providing vehicle parts, accessory dealers and service companies the opportunity to showcase their products to interested investors and consumers.

For additional information on the Erbil Motorshow, please visit: http://www.ifpiraq.com/ifp_agent/show_overview.aspx?id=85

Iraq Energy Expo and Conference

17-19 October, 2008

Baghdad, Iraq

Recognizing the need to further develop its oil and gas sector, the Iraqi Government and Ministry of Oil are pleased to sponsor the first Iraq Energy Expo and Conference. Senior Government officials, economic policy experts and a wide variety of regional, local and international business representatives will provide conference participants actionable information on the current market, identify investment opportunities, highlight areas in which additional resources are needed, and provide a substantive overview of the Hydrocarbons law currently awaiting passage. The event will also feature a simultaneous three-day trade show involving numerous national, regional and international businesses and government organizations. Participants will also be able to establish meetings and discover potential partnership opportunities through the Iraqi-American International Chamber of Commerce and Industry, one of the conference’s lead sponsors.

To register for the conference or to learn more about the Expo, please visit: http://www.iraqenergyexpo.com/

 

PAST EVENTS

2nd Annual Iraq International Building & Construction Fair

July 9-12, 2008 - Erbil, Iraq
The Iraq International Building and Construction Fair is the only specialized fair for building & construction in rebuilding Iraq debuting in 2007 with much success, hosting 120 exhibitors and nearly 20,000 visitors. For more information, please visit: www.iraqfairs.com/sub2.html.

 

The 3rd U.S.-Arab Economic Forum “One World. Two Cultures. Endless Possibilities”

May 7-9, 2008 – Washington, D.C.
The 3rd U.S.-Arab Economic Forum (USAEF) will take place on May 7-9, 2008 in Washington, D.C. The forum will provide an opportunity for leaders from the U.S. and the Arab world to reinforce existing partnerships and forge new collaborations between the two regions. This premier forum will include discussions on business and policy decisions impacting the U.S and Middle East. Participants from more than 35 countries will attend including global leaders in a variety of fields including Iraq’s Minister Hariri, Iraq’s Minister of Industry and Minerals and possibly Minister Sudani, Iraq’s Minister of Trade, who’s invited to the forum as well. Both Ministries in Iraq are overseeing an initiative in commercializing Iraq’s State Owned Enterprises. This is also an opportunity to network with global colleagues and learn about today’s business economy.
Go to the event webpage to learn more about the event and to register.

 

Cairo Iraq Business & Investment Conference (IBIC)

May 14-16, 2008 – Cairo, Egypt
Unique to other conferences on Iraq, IBIC will be a venue for public and private Iraqi companies with clearly defined projects and investment opportunities to meet with qualified investors and strategic partners. Investors will include both Iraqi and foreign entities, with an emphasis on regional companies with a track record of investing in the Middle East. The conference will also include discussions held by Iraqi government officials on the investment environment and related laws in Iraq. While high-level policy discussions occur in the main ballroom, smaller conference rooms will host break-out sessions where Iraqi companies will present overviews of their prospective businesses and discuss opportunities for outside investors to participate. A number of Small and Medium Enterprises will be invited to make presentations on specific investment projects to initiate or expand operations. These companies have organized a detailed investment proposal. For more information, or to register, please email Mr. Lyle LaCroix.

 

The KRG International Electricity Conference 2008

May 19 – 21, 2008 – Erbil, Iraq
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Ministry of Electricity (MoE) will present and discuss a completed KRG Electricity Master Plan at the KRG International Electricity Conference 2008 in Erbil, Iraq, May 19-21. This plan was prepared by MoE in January, 2008 and will play a key role in the development of the Kurdish electricity sector, and the economy and society for the next twenty years. Participants of this international conference will include Iraqi and KRG authorities, international institutions, bilateral donors and private investors. KRG will also promote the region of Kurdistan as peaceful, stable and attractive for investment. Minister of Elecricity Siwaily will moderate the primary sessions of the conference, which will be held at the Erbil Conference and Congressional Centre. International guests can find accommodation at the Erbil International Hotel. The registration fee for private participants is $1,000 USD. This conference is being sponsored by the KRG, USAID, World Bank, UNDP, and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation. To register, contact Mr. Mujahid Iqbal (00 964 (0)750 738 8494) with USAID in Erbil.

 

III Iraq International Fair

May 22-25, 2008 – Gaziantep, Turkey
Iraq International Fairs is hosting the III Iraq International Fair which will be held in the Middle East Exhibition Center, Gaziantep, Turkey on May 22-25, 2008. Iraq International Fair III builds upon the successes of the Iraq International Fairs I and II held in 2006 and 2007 in Gaziantep, Turkey, the main logistics gateway to Northern Iraq. Nearly 1,500 companies from more than 30 countries are expected to participate in the exhibition this year. This is the only fair jointly organized with the Iraqi Government outside the borders of Iraq. The fair will highlight a variety of sectors including Construction Equipment, Building Materials, Energy Equipment, Textiles, Machinery, Agriculture, Food & Food Processing Equipment, Consumer Goods, Medical Supplies, Cosmetics, Cleaning Products, Automotive Goods, Transportation, Logistics, Electronics, Computer IT, Automation, Telecommunication, and Security Services.

For more details on the Iraq International Fair III, please visit their website or contact them directly via email.

 

Project Rebuild Iraq 2008: The 5th International Rebuild Iraq Exhibition

May 5-8, 2008 - Amman, Jordan
Project Rebuild Iraq 2008 is going to be a high-profile event showcasing one of the most ambitious, investment-opportunity-laden reconstruction undertakings of your era. It's going to be the biggest, most comprehensive Iraq reconstruction event ever held. If you are a construction sector player eyeing the Iraq reconstruction market, looking for a well-timed point of entry, seeking to gain maximum exposure and brand consolidation for your projects, or simply looking for potentially-rewarding business contacts, then Project Rebuild Iraq 2008 is the show for you. And if you're already active in Iraq's thriving reconstruction market, then Project Rebuild Iraq 2008 is going to immeasurably polish your profile. For more information visit: http://www.rebuild-iraq-expo.com/.

 

OPIC Investment Conference: Access to Opportunity in The Middle East

May 5–7, 2008 - Dead Sea, Jordan
As a supportive tool for private sectors looking for investment opportunities in emerging markets, including Iraq and Afghanistan, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) will hold an international investment conference on May 5 – 7, 2008 at the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar, Dead Sea, Jordan. This is an excellent opportunity to explore investment prospects in the region presented by leading investment experts, U.S. businesses currently investing in the Middle East, financial institutions operating in the region and U.S. government officials. This conference also serves as an opportunity to learn more about the formation of joint ventures and partnerships between U.S. and local businesses and gain support for new investments. Speakers will focus on access to credit housing, infrastructure, and investment opportunities in tourism, information technology, franchising and energy. For more information, please visit the event website.

 

Commercial Investment Summit: Investing in Iraq’s Industrial Sectors

April 19-20, 2008 – Dubai, UAE
Over 70 senior Government officials from Iraq’s Ministry of Industry and Minerals will meet with international investors to discuss joint ventures and production sharing agreements with many of Iraq’s State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) at the Commercial Investment Summit in Dubai, UAE. This summit will play a key role in the transformation of Iraq’s economy from centrally planned to globally integrated and is the first step towards the privatization of Iraq's largest non-oil industries. Over 40 SOEs under the authority of the Ministry of Industry & Minerals will participate and present themselves at the summit as potential partners. A few of those SOEs include:

Petrochemicals:
        State Company for Petrochemical Industries
        Al-Forat State Company for Chemical Industries
        

Food and Tobacco:
        Food Industries Company
        State Company for Tobacco and Cigarettes

Construction and Technology:
        State Company for Glass and Ceramic Industries
        State Company for Construction Industries
        Electronic Industries Company (Telecommunication Systems)

**Investment Profiles and Web Resources for SOEs attending the summit!!! **

The Ministry of Industry and Minerals has already begun the process of commercializing Iraq’s cement sector when it signed agreements last year with such major foreign firms as French cement giant Lafarge, Europe-based Merchant Bridge, and Egyptian conglomerate Orascom.

Minister of Iraq’s Ministry of Industry and Minerals Fawzi Hariri and Senior Director Generals of Iraq’s SOEs will give detailed presentations on the opportunities within each sector including specific market and financial information. Half of the summit time is devoted to speeches and presentations and the other half is devoted to one-on-one meetings. This summit is an opportunity for investors to be part of this economic liberalization and to present their company as the preferred partner of an Iraqi SOE. Iraq’s Ministry of Industry and Minerals is also giving investors an opportunity to sign Letters of Intent onsite with Iraq’s SOEs for joint ventures and production sharing.

For more information and to register please visit the event website.

 

Breakfast Briefing with Ambassador Charles Ries on Investment Opportunities in Iraq

March 12th, 2008 – Washington, DC
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosted Ambassador Charles Ries, Minister for Economic Affairs and Coordinator for the Economic Transition in Iraq, at a private breakfast briefing on March 12th 2008 at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. Ambassador Charles Ries offered an in-depth, overview of the current business and investment climate in Iraq, while highlighting specific project and investment opportunities of interest to American business in several key sectors that he and his team have worked diligently to cultivate. About 50 U.S. companies and government officials attended this briefing. Click here for Ambassador Ries’ biography. For more information about the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, visit their website.

 

Iraq Defense, Security, and Communications Summit

February 16-17, 2008 - Dubai, UAE
The Iraq Development Program (IDP), in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Iraq, held the first official Iraq Defense, Security, and Communications Summit in Dubai on February 16-17, 2008. With representatives from the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Security Affairs, the Ministry of Communications, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), and many other relevant government offices, the summit provided delegates with a great way to establish interactions with influential officials and initiate promising business projects. Ministry members offered a wealth of new and pertinent information in both presentations as well as dedicated roundtable private meetings, as part of their efforts to promote favorable and lasting business relationships. For more information, a full list of represented Ministries, and copies of delivered presentations, please visit the event website.

 

The Kurdistan Region: Invest In The Future

February 11, 2008 - Washington, DC
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Middle East and Africa Affairs department, in cooperation with Newsdesk Media, Inc. and the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq, launched an important new publication: “The Kurdistan Region: Invest in the Future.” This groundbreaking publication provides potential investors and businesspersons with detailed information on the Kurdistan Region and its potential as a business and investment hub. Additional information on the event itself can be found in the Event Background.

 

DBX Kurdistan Trade Show

November 11-14, 2007, Sulaimaniyah, Iraq
The Iraqi Government is very excited to sponsor the 3 rd Annual DBX Kurdistan International Trade Show 2007. The show’s prime location in Kurdistan, the fastest growing business region in Iraq, promises to attract hundreds of local companies and thousands of visitors. Last year alone the event had 550 companies offer their products and services to almost 100,000 visitors, and those numbers are expected only to increase for the upcoming show in November.

As reconstruction efforts in Iraq are beginning to materialize, there is no better time for businesses to showcase themselves to a government, a country, and a people ready to move forward. The DBX Kurdistan trade show will provide interested businesses with a great chance to meet, talk, and consult with Iraqi officials in need of reconstruction services.

For more information about the DBX Kurdistan Trade Show, including how to participate, visit http://www.dbxkurdistan.com/.

 

Iraq Oil, Gas, Petrochemical & Electricity Summit

September 2-4, 2007 - Dubai, U.A.E.

The Iraq Development Program, in collaboration with the Iraqi government and the U.S. Embassy's Iraq Reconstruction Management Office (IRMO) will be holding the Iraq Oil, Gas Petrochemical & Electricity Summit in Dubai, U.A.E., September 2-4, 2007. This summit will welcome representation from the Iraqi Ministries of Oil, Industry & Minerals, and Electricity, as well as the Iraq Energy Council, Investment Promotion Agency, and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Ministries of Natural Resources, Industry, and Electricity. It will also host many of the state companies operating under the Iraqi Ministry of Oil and senior IRMO officials. Iraqi government representatives will be participating with the full intent to establish relationships and enter into contractual negotiations with international operators wishing to be a part of both upstream and downstream sectors. Each Iraqi ministry will be presenting details of key projects, contracts, and areas of investment. For more information, and online registration, please visit the event website.

 

Iraqi Kurdistan Representative the U.S. to Addresses Companies in Phoenix

July 31, 2007, Phoenix, Arizona

Qubad Talabani, the Honorable Representative of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of Iraq to the United States, addressed the U.S. business community at a breakfast briefing at the Phoenix Airport Marriot on July 31 st.

Representative Talabani provided an overview of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and discussed doing business in the region. The Iraqi Kurdistan Region has experienced little of the violence that has afflicted other regions of Iraq. Many companies speak of positive attitudes toward U.S. businesses in the region and the KRG has adopted a favorable regime for foreign investment. Representative Talabani discussed the attractive business climate in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region and highlighted opportunities for trade and investment.

For more information on doing business in Iraqi Kurdistan, please contact the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Iraq Investment and Reconstruction Task Force or visit www.kurdistaninvestment.org.

The $1 billion NASDAK mall (800 shops) and office (400 units) complex in Erbil, Iraq shown here, exemplifies the the Iraqi Kurdistan Region’s rapid development.  Photo taken in Fall 2006.

The $1 billion NASDAK mall (800 shops) and office (400 units) complex in Erbil, Iraq shown here, exemplifies the the Iraqi Kurdistan Region’s rapid development. Photo taken in Fall 2006.

 

Rebuild Iraq 2007

May 07-10, 2007, Amman, Jordan

The U.S. Department of Commerce is pleased to certify the 4th annual "Rebuild Iraq" trade exhibition and conference, to be held May 07-10, 2007, in Amman, Jordan. Last year's event attracted over 1,000 exhibitors from 48 countries and more than 13,000 professional visitors, including 4,000 Iraqis. The leading industry sectors highlighted were Building/Construction, Electricity, Water Resources, Oil/Gas, Health, and ICT. For more information, please review the invitation letter visit the event Web site.

 

Banking in Iraq Conference

April 04-05, 2007, Amman, Jordan

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)-IZDIHAR project, in association with the USAID/Economic Governance II Program, organized the first Iraqi banking and finance conference entitled, "Banking in Iraq: The 21st Century Challenge." Participants took stock of developments in the Iraqi banking industry post-April 2003, addressing issues facing the development of banking in Iraq, and explored the prospects and modalities of building a vibrant banking industry in Iraq. For more information, please review the invitation letter (PDF only) and conference agenda (PDF only).

 

"Opportunities and Challenges for Economic Growth in Iraq"

March 1, 2007, Washington, DC

On March 01, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Franklin Lavin visited The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) to deliver a speech entitled "Opportunities and Challenges for Economic Growth in Iraq." In the address, Under Secretary Lavin shared observations from his recent trip to Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan and described the Commerce Department's economic policy priorities for Iraq. The videotaped speech is available online.

 

Catalog Caravan-Iraq Promotion

September 2006 - January 2007

The U.S. Department of Commerce is pleased to announce its Catalog Caravan-Iraq, a packaged promotion of U.S. and third-country companies, highlighted at four separate venues, from the bustling Kurdish North of Iraq to the oil-rich traditional commercial hub of the South. Let us promote your firm at:

Erbil International Fair 2006, September 14-17, 2006

Kurdistan DBX Trade Show, November 11-14, 2006

Solo Catalog Exhibition, Nasariyah, Iraq, December 2006

Solo Catalog Exhibition, Basra, Iraq, January 2007

Our staff will display your company's product literature through the U.S. Commercial Service booth, solicit statements of interest from exhibition visitors, and provide you with an annotated list of interested contacts for your evaluation and follow-up with our assistance within 7 days of the closing of each event. Don't miss this low-cost means to probe unexplored markets in Iraq! For more information, please visit event website.

 

Secretary Gutierrez Meets with Iraqi Minister of Trade

September 25, 2006, Washington, DC

Secretary Gutierrez and Minister al-Sudani sign the Terms of Reference for the U.S.-Iraq Business Dialogue.  (September 2006, Washington, DC)

Secretary Gutierrez and Minister al-Sudani sign the Terms of Reference for the U.S.-Iraq Business Dialogue. (September 2006, Washington, DC)

On September 25, Secretary Gutierrez met with Iraqi Minister of Trade Dr. Abd-al-Falah al-Sudani to discuss the Secretary's Five Priority Areas for Economic Development in Iraq: 1) privatization of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), 2) reforming the public distribution system (PDS), 3) developing the housing and construction sectors, 4) enhancing the banking system, and 5) fighting corruption. In addition, Secretary Gutierrez and Minister al-Sudani signed a Terms of Reference document to create the U.S.-Iraq Business Dialogue, pursuant to the Joint Statement on Commercial Cooperation the two dignitaries signed in Baghdad on July 17. Members of the U.S.-Iraq Business Dialogue will advise the U.S. Department of Commerce and Iraqi Ministry of Trade on private sector views of Iraq's business environment and make recommendations for commercial related policy and programs. The Commerce Department will soon be soliciting private sector members to join the U.S.-Iraq Business Dialogue. Please visit the Federal Register for more information.

 

Iraq E-Learning Business Briefing

June 22, 2006, Washington, DC

On June 19-28, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency is organizing an orientation visit to the United States to expose Iraqi decisionmakers to the range of possibilities available in the E-Learning sector, including content, business models, applications and telecommunications infrastructure. On June 22, U.S. companies are invited to attend a business briefing where the Iraqi delegates will present projects and opportunities in the E-Learning sector and conduct one-on-one meetings with attendees. For more information, contact Debbie Palmer of Decision/Analysis Partners at e-mail: dpalmer@decisionanalysis.net; tel. (703) 691-0380 or visit the Website.

 

Iraq Energy Roundtable: Emerging Opportunities in the Iraqi Oil and Gas Sector

June 7, 2006, Washington, DC

This Executive Roundtable, part of the United States Trade and Development Agency's Iraqi Oil Training Program Human Resources Study Tour, will include presentations by key Iraqi Ministry of Oil officials on the challenges facing the Iraqi oil and gas sectors and discussions on how international businesses may play a role in supporting sector reform and reconstruction. For more information, please see the attached event flyer, contact the conference organizer at e-mail: conference@energymarketsgroup.com, tel. (202) 347-0120, and visit the event website.

 

Rebuild Iraq 2006

May 08-11, 2006, Amman, Jordan

The U.S. Department of Commerce was pleased to certify the 3rd annual "Rebuild Iraq" trade exhibition and conference, held May 08-11, 2006, in Amman, Jordan. This year's event attracted over 1,000 exhibitors from 48 countries and more than 13,000 professional visitors, including 4,000 Iraqis. Leading national pavilions included Turkey, Italy, Jordan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the USA. The leading industry sectors highlighted at the event were Building/Construction, Electricity, Water Resources, Oil/Gas, Health, and ICT. The U.S. Department of Commerce hosted several well-attended matchmaking events during REBUILD IRAQ 2006, where hosted Iraqi company representatives benefitted from the chance to meet hundreds of leading companies from the U.S. and other parts of the world. U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad visited the event and encouraged private sector companies to seek business opportunities in the New Iraq.

 U.S. Commercial Officers from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad counsel an Iraqi businessman attending the Rebuild Iraq 2006 trade event. (May 2006, Amman, Jordan).

U.S. Commercial Officers from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad counsel an Iraqi businessman attending the Rebuild Iraq 2006 trade event. (May 2006, Amman, Jordan).

 

Information & Communications Technology Project Forum

May 14-17, 2006, Muscat, Oman

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency and the Government of Oman co-hosted a major regional conference on ICT in the Middle East and North Africa, addressing key policy issues and project opportunities for U.S. companies. Iraq was one of the markets highlighted.

 

USAID Launches Iraq ICT Alliance

May 08, 2006, Amman, Jordan

USAID launched its first Iraq ICT Alliance workshop on May 08 in conjunction with the "REBUILD IRAQ 2006" trade event, held May 08-11 in Amman, Jordan. The Iraq ICT Alliance brings together multinational companies and multilateral and bilateral donors with Iraqi government, business, and educational organizations to promote greater collaboration and cooperation within the ICT sector by encouraging the formation of new and expansion of existing development partnerships with a focus on training programs for Iraqi women and youth.

 

Boots on the Ground: Iraq Reconstruction

March 10, 2006, Washington, DC

On March 10, 2006, the Heritage Foundation hosted a panel discussion entitled, "Boots on the Ground" that analyzed Iraq reconstruction and the practical imperatives of nation-building.

 

Doing Business With Iraq Seminar

February 17, 2006, Los Angeles, CA

The U.S. Department of Commerce, Southern California District Export Council, Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, and Iraqi American Chamber of Commerce & Industry hosted a seminar on the opportunities and challenges associated with doing business in Iraq. The event attracted approximately 50 U.S. companies and featured a delegation of 15 Iraqi private sector representatives visiting the United States to meet business partners.

 

World Ag Expo 2006

February 14-16, 2006, Tulare, California

The U.S. Department of Commerce facilitated the visit of 15 Iraqi private sector businesses to World Ag Expo 2006. The Iraqis' activities included matchmaking with U.S. exhibitors, attending seminars highlighting U.S. dairy and irrigation technology, visiting area production farms, a special networking event with U.S. companies, and a press conference.

Media Archive:

Ag Expo Draws Diverse Crowd To See Its Wonders

Wednesday, February 15, 2006 (Fresno Bee)

Central Valley Farm Show A Global Affair

Wednesday, February 15, 2006 (ABC7/KGO-TV/DT)

 

Oil & Gas Sector Business Briefing

February 08, 2006, Houston, Texas

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency and the Greater Houston Partnership hosted a business briefing that highlighted opportunities in Iraq’s oil and gas sector. A visiting delegation of senior Iraqi government officials discussed investment opportunities, market planning, and the application of technology in Iraq.

 

Iraqi National Communications and Media Commission (NCMC) Visits United States

January 09-13 2006, Washington, DC

During the week of January 09-13, the Iraqi NCMC visited Washington, DC for telecommunications regulatory training at the U.S. Telecommunications Training Institute and bilateral consultations with the Federal Communications Commission. On January 12, the U.S. Department of Commerce and Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) organized a roundtable discussion where 15 TIA member companies had the chance to discuss the future of Iraq's telecommunications sector with Dr. Siyamend Othman, CEO of NCMC, and other NCMC officials. Highlights of the discussion included the status of the wireless and wireless local loop licenses and challenges associated with the NCMC's ability to regulate the telecommunications sector in Iraq.

 

POWER-GEN International 2005

December 06-08, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada

The U.S. Department of Commerce was pleased to include POWER-GEN 2005 in its International Buyer Program, held December 06-08, 2005, in Las Vegas. The Commerce Department led business delegations from across the globe to the event, including Iraq. Last year's event attracted more than 15,000 professional visitors.

 

Iraqi Delegation Visits WEFTEC 2005 Event

November 2005

The Iraqi-American Chamber of Commerce & Industry (I-ACCI), along with the U.S. Department of Commerce, led a private sector delegation of 30 Iraqi businesses to the Water Environment Federation's annual trade show and technical conference ("WEFTEC 2005"), held in Washington, DC. The Commerce Department arranged 35 one-on-one matchmaking meetings for the Iraqi delegates throughout the show and a networking event on the evening of November 01, co-sponsored by the I-ACCI, National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce and the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE). The networking event, during which the Iraqi delegates had the opportunity to "exhibit" from tabletops in a conference room at The Hotel Washington, attracted 150 guests from the U.S. Government, Iraqi Government, and U.S. private sector. Dr. Bashar al-Naher, Iraqi Prime Minister Dr. Ibrahim al-Jafaari's Representative to the United States, was a special guest speaker at the event.

 

Iraqi Minister of Industry & Minerals Visits United States

November 2005

At the invitation of Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez, Iraqi Minister of Industry & Minerals Osama Al-Najafi visited three cities in the United States the week of November 14-18, 2005. In Detroit, the Minister spoke to over 60 businesspeople about future investment opportunities in his Ministry, especially in the areas of cement production, mining, and chemical production. The audience consisted of members of the Arab-American community and other local business associations. Following his remarks, the Minister was able to discuss specifics with several companies on a one-on-one basis. In Washington, the Minister spoke at a luncheon event sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where 100 businesspeople attended. In New York City, the Minister spoke to 70 representatives of banks, financial institutions, and investment funds at a luncheon co-sponsored by the Arab Bankers Association of North America (ABANA) and National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce. At all three of the Minister's stops he emphasized the desire for more foreign participation in Iraq's economy and the significant investment opportunities available, especially through the Ministry of Industry & Minerals. The Minister's speech and photos of the New York event are available on the ABANA website.

 

Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Visit to the United States

October 2005

KRG President His Excellency Mr. Massoud Barzani visited the United States October 25-27. KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani and Iraq's Transitional Minister of Planning Barham Saleh accompanied President Barzani on the trip. The delegation discussed the recent constitutional referendum in Iraq, Kurdistan's attractiveness as an investment destination, and the potential for the U.S. Department of Commerce to help promote investment in Iraq and provide capacity building programs. On October 27, the U.S. Department of Commerce and Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) organized a roundtable discussion hosted by Lucent Technologies, where 20 BCIU member companies had the chance to discuss investment in Kurdistan with the delegation.

 

Iraq Mobile Telecommunications Licensing Conference

July 21-22, 2005, London, U.K.

The Iraqi National Communication & Media Commission (NCMC) hosted a mobile licensing conference in July 2005. This event was the pre-cursor to the mobile license auctions scheduled to be held at year-end 2005.

 

Broader Middle East/North Africa Trade and Investment Finance Conference

May 17-19, 2005, Amman, Jordan

The Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency sponsored this event that brought together senior government, business, and financial leaders of the G-8 and countries and territories from the Broader Middle East and North Africa to address key trade, investment, and finance issues facing the region. The program focused on a broad range of trade-related investment and finance programs and services, as well as sectors including agriculture, telecommunications, oil & gas, and water. Participating countries and territories included Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories (West Bank and Gaza), Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

 

Rebuild Iraq 2005

April 04-07, 2005, Amman, Jordan

The U.S. Department of Commerce is pleased to certify the 2nd annual "Rebuild Iraq" trade exhibition and conference, to be held April 04-07, 2005 in Amman, Jordan. Last year's event attracted almost 1,500 exhibitors and more than 13,000 attendees.

 

Middle East Business Forum

November 29, 2004, Baltimore, MD

The Commerce Department's U.S. Export Assistance Center, the World Trade Center Institute, and the Maryland/Washington D.C. District Export Council hosted this Middle East Business Forum. The event provided a unique opportunity to understand current business climates and market opportunities across the Middle East, with a focus on Iraq. The distinguished list of speakers included representatives from the private sector, U.S. Government, and Trade Bank of Iraq, as well as Her Excellency Rend al-Rahim, former Iraqi Representative to the United States.

 

Iraqi Construction Sector Business Briefing

October 19, 2004, Arlington, Virginia

The United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is conducting an Iraqi construction sector business briefing on October 19, 2004. The briefing will provide businesses with an opportunity to hear from high-level Iraqi construction sector officials about the current and future projects in Iraq and the opportunities available for businesses.

 

Rebuilding the Iraqi Fire Service

September 13, 2004, Gaithersburg, Maryland

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) hosted a briefing on rebuilding the Iraqi Fire Service. The featured speaker was Monte Fitch, who recently returned from his tour in Iraq as a civilian fire administrator. Mr. Fitch discussed the rebuilding of Iraq's fire service infrastructure, the fire problem in Iraq and Iraqi building construction.

 

Iraq Reconstruction Event

September 01, 2004 in Houston, TX

The Greater Houston Partnership, in partnership with JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A., sponsored an Iraq reconstruction seminar in Houston, Texas. The seminar addressed the challenges, risks, and opportunities related to doing business in Iraq. The distinguished panel of speakers included representatives from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Iraq Investment and Reconstruction Task Force, the Trade Bank of Iraq, and Baker & Hostetler, discussing the following issues:

Securing contracts in a reconstruction climate

Facilitating trade and mitigating risk, working through the Trade Bank of Iraq

Legal considerations on conducting business in Iraq

 

USDOC Iraq Private Sector Development Briefing

August 04, 2004, Washington, DC

On August 04, the U.S. Department of Commerce hosted an Iraq Private Sector Development briefing. The featured speaker was Michael Fleischer, who recently returned from his tour in Baghdad as Director of Private Sector Development for the former Coalition Provisional Authority.

 

Contracting Regulations Seminars

June 2004

The Iraq Investment and Reconstruction Task Force, in collaboration with U.S. Export Assistance Centers (USEACs) and the U.S. Army, conducted a series of video conferences to help U.S. companies assess how the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) applies to their product/service in Iraq. A/S Lash made brief remarks at the start of each seminar followed by the keynote presentation by Mr. John Bellizan, Chief of the Contract Support Office with the Army's Project and Contracting Office (PCO).

 

Iraq Reconstruction Subcontracting Opportunities Conference

June 16, 2004, Arlington, VA

The Business Development Assistance Group and its partners (George Mason University, Small Business Administration, Arlington Small Business Development Center, Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Center for Business Development, and Virginia Taskforce for Business Development with Iraq) hosted a conference to highlight subcontracting opportunities through the Iraq reconstruction process. Several prime contractors attended.

 

Outreach 2004 Trade Fair (Amman, Jordan)

January 11-13, 2004

The U.S. Commerce Department supported the OUTREACH 2004 trade fair in Amman, Jordan on January 11-13, 2004 that attracted hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors.

 

CPA Industry Day

November 2003

In November 2003, the CPA held "Industry Day" events in Crystal City, Virginia and London, England to apprise industry of bid procedures and facilitate business partnering. Hundreds of company/organization representatives participated in the Crystal City event.