Iraq Investment and Reconstruction Task Force
This site is maintained by the Iraq Investment and Reconstruction Task Force (IIRTF) of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The IIRTF provides information and counseling to companies pursuing business opportunities in Iraq. [MORE]
Iraqi Prime Minister Announces Upcoming U.S.-Iraq Business and Investment Conference in Washington, D.C.
During his visit to Washington, D.C., Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki, announced the U.S.-Iraq Business and Investment Conference to be held October 20-21, 2009, in Washington, D.C.
This major international event will offer U.S. companies the opportunity to learn about business and trade opportunities in Iraq’s market of 28 million people. With its considerable wealth, abundant natural resources, and decades of under-investment, many potential opportunities are available in such the energy, transportation, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors.
More information will be available soon.
Detroit World Trade Center Hosts Breakfast Briefing on Iraq
On June 26, 2009, a breakfast briefing on Iraq was hosted by the Detroit U.S. Export Assistance Center and the World Trade Center Detroit/Windsor Association, and sponsored by University of Michigan-Dearborn School of Management and Doworth Companies LLC.
The event attracted over 100 local and multinational corporations, local government officials, a representative from Congressman Levin’s office, along with local and Iraqi press.
Speakers included Ms. Susan Hamrock Mann, Director, Department of Commerce / Iraq Investment and Reconstruction Task Force; Mr. Sam Danou, President, World Trade Center Detroit/Windsor; Sara Canty, Director, U.S. Commercial Service; Mr. Naufel Alhassan, Commercial Counselor, Iraq Embassy; and Michael Rogensues, General Counsel for Weldmation, Inc. (a firm pursuing business in Iraq.)
The formal session was followed by a lunch and one-on-one meetings with the speakers. Based on the success of this event, additional trade and investment conferences are under consideration for more U.S. locations.
U.S. Health Attaché to Iraq Featured at Roundtable Discussion
On June 1, 2009, the U.S. Chamber’s Middle East & Africa Affairs Department and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Iraq Investment and Reconstruction Task Force hosted U.S. healthcare and medical sector CEOs and sales directors at the roundtable with outgoing U.S. Health Attaché to Iraq, Terry Cline, Ph.D.
LTG (Ret.) Dan Christman, Chair of the U.S.-Iraq Business Dialogue (USIBD), provided introductory remarks at the Washington, D.C., event, with additional opening comments from U.S. Department of Commerce Trade Specialist Ariana Monti.
With over 20 U.S. companies in attendance, Dr. Cline guided the group through a broad discussion of the medical sector and procurement opportunities in Iraq. Mr. Naufel Alhassan, Commercial Counselor from the Iraq Embassy provided closing remarks to the group.
Multhanna Province Announces Investment Opportunities
To support their efforts to promote investment opportunities in Iraq, the Government of Iraq (GOI) and the Iraqi private sector created the national and provincial investment commissions.
Muthanna Investment Commission (MIC) is seeking companies interested in investing in southern Iraq. Located between Diwaniyah and Dhi Qar provinces, Muthanna's location provides good access to the Middle Euphrates River area and major Basra ports.
The province is looking for investments in the following industries:
 | Housing and Construction |
| Heavy Industry, especially brick manufacturing and cement as the province has significant access to raw materials |
| Agriculture |
| Tourism, especially around the Lake Sawa area |
| Hotels |
The Muthanna Investment Commission (MIC) welcomes you to visit their website http://www.miciraq.org to learn more about the province and investment opportunities available. Also, feel free to contact them at samawa_investment@yahoo.com to discuss your investment partnership ideas.
2009 Iraq Country Commercial Guide Now Available
Every year, the U.S. Commercial Service office in Baghdad puts together an overview of the economic, legal, political, and financial systems in Iraq, with a view toward providing useful information for U.S. businesses interested in investment in or trade with this country. This report is now available in its most recent issue online, free of charge for your convenience. View report
U.S. – Iraq Business Dialogue Closes Recruitment for New Membership
As of January 21, 2009, the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, closed the application period for applications to fill four vacant positions on the U.S. - Iraq Business Dialogue, a bilateral forum to facilitate private sector business growth in Iraq and to strengthen trade and investment ties between the United States and Iraq.
The Federal Register Notice includes eligibility and requirement information. [http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-59.htm]