Iraq business conference opens in Dubai

Businessmen from southern Iraq met with international counterparts yesterday to discuss business and investment opportunities in the war-torn country.

Vice president of Iraq Dr Adel Abdul Mehdi opened the first Iraq Business and Investment Conference in Dubai.

Panel sessions covered the legal environment for conducting business in Iraq, financing private sector business, trade, and commerce and private sector banking.

According to Mehdi ‘Iraq's new investment law will facilitate investment for both Iraqi and non-Iraqi businesses by providing a secure investment environment. Business people know the capacities and resources of Iraq. These delegates are the experts brought together at this conference to present opportunities for investments across a wide range of industries. Iraq is not only oil and gas but also agriculture, infrastructure and tourism, both historic and religious.'

Five Iraqi government ministers are also attending the conference.

Sessions include presentations concerning joint ventures with state owned enterprises, investment in agriculture, free zones, construction and contracting and opportunities in reconstruction and management associated with the port of Basra.

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READERS' COMMENTS

IRAQ BUSINESS CONFERENCE IN DUBAI, BUT ANACHRNISMS AT HOME?
Posted by RAJENDRA K. ANEJA, Dubai, UAE on Friday 31 August 2007 at 00:00 UAE time

It was wonderful to read some economic news in your journal about Iraq, that the top brass of the country is in Dubai, to attract invesment.

However, these efforts must also be buffered by political stability and sense at home in Iraq. The Iraq Government is endeavoring to extradite Mrs. Raghad, daughter of Mr. Saddam Hussein, due to suspected terrorism, via Interpol.

Quite simply, this could be interpreted as political retribution against Mr. Saddam Hussein's family. Mrs. Raghad should not be pilloried or harangued just because she is the daughter of ex President Saddam Hussein, and has spoken up for him. Which daughter in the world will not bond with her father?

Mrs. Raghad does not seem to have held any political public office during her father’s tenure. Mr. Saddam Hussein was a dictator, and he has paid a profound price for his innings.

Iraq as a country and Iraqis everywhere in the world, are yet paying a lamentable price for that phase. Mr. Hussein is no more now. The anger and revenge against those who were in power at that time, must be quelled at some time.

Mrs. Raghad should not be subjected to any inhumane treatment. She is a woman, and must be treated with respect and protocol.

Mrs. Raghad Hussein was a guest of Kind Abdullah II of Jordan for the last 4 years. He provided shelter to her, children. Last year, the country refused to extradite her to Iraq, since she was under his care.

King Abdullah II has also provided home, food and shelter to about one million Iraqi refugees for the last 4 years, at a cost of USD 1 billion per annum. About 50,000 Iraqi schoolchildren, refugees in Jordan, will commence studies this academic year, in Jordan’s schools.

King Abdullah II, is a very fine King, and a better man, who deserves to be saluted for his generosity and qualities of the head and heart.

Rajendra K. Aneja

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