Turkey playing host to reconstruction trade show for Iraq

AFP , DIYARBAKIR, TURKEY
Tuesday, May 25, 2004,Page 12

A trade show bringing together Iraqi and foreign companies seeking a role in the reconstruction of Iraq is set to open today in the Turkish city of Diyarbakir because of security concerns.

Some 150 companies from 20 countries were due to take part in the three-day Destination Expo Baghdad, organized by the Iraqi-American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IACCI), chamber spokesman Eric Nigh told reporters.

"The goal of the fair is to allow Iraqi companies to come together with foreign companies. We are hoping that the fair will allow them to set up partnerships to compete for reconstruction projects in Iraq," Nigh said.

Primary contracts in a massive program of reconstruction in the war-torn country have been handed largely to US companies and their allies, but from July, firms from non-coalition countries will be allowed to bid for contracts.

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