Iraq Procurement 2004 - Meet the Buyers

The reconstruction of Iraq is one of the biggest projects to have been undertaken in over 50 years. May 2003 saw the UN Security Council provide the US and UK with a mandate to take control of Iraq and to use the revenue generated by the export of oil to rebuild the country. This move ended all economic sanctions imposed on Iraq since the Gulf War in the early nineties. The reconstruction of Iraq - planned to take place over the next five years - is expected to cost in excess of $100 billion. At least half of this figure will account for projects to be sub-contracted to outside companies.

Windrush Communications, the official global communication partners of The Arab-British
Chamber of Commerce is proud to present an exclusive opportunity for international companies to meet the key Iraqi business leaders and decision makers. On 26-28 April 2004, a high-level delegation will hold a forum in central London with the following specific intentions:

- To meet suppliers of goods and services
- To form partnering agreements
- To sign procurement contracts

Companies and organisations from around the world will gather at 'Iraq Procurement 2004 - Meet the Buyers' to discuss the wide range of economic opportunities available

The event, to be held in central London, is open to interested businesses and organisations from any country. With representatives from over 300 international companies expected to attend, Iraq Procurement 2004 will be organised around their needs. This is not a talking shop. While a number of conferences have been held recently publicising reconstruction opportunities, few have properly addressed the genuine need for an uninterrupted supply of materials and none have brought the key players to the UK with the purpose of meeting international companies capable of servicing the needs of Iraqi contractors.

Over the three days, delegates attending will be informed of the specific product and material needs, the export guarantees and the key issues facing companies. Most importantly, the event is designed for one-to-one meetings, contract signing and forming buyer-supplier partnerships. David J. Nash, director of the Iraq Program Management Office, Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), has confirmed his attendance at the event. Iraq Procurement 2004 immediately follows the awarding of up to $18.6 billion in contracts from the Nash programme and is prior to the handover from the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) to the new Iraqi government in July.

High-level delegation

Iraq Procurement 2004 is based on a high-level visiting delegation of Iraqi ministers, their deputies, and senior ministry directors and counsellors. Also included in the delegation are a number of leading Iraqi contractors and their families. The level of participation from the Iraqi delegation speaks for itself. Across all the main industry sectors there exists an excellent opportunity to do business in Iraq without having to visit the country. Represented will be the ministries of trade, public works, transport, oil, agriculture, health, education and scientific research, housing and construction, industry, planning, communication, finance, science and technology, electricity and water.

Identifying opportunities: Networking, handshakes, signing contracts

The Iraqi people have a strong international trading history and wish to re-establish business relationships. They want to do business directly with suppliers. They need to save costs currently being incurred as a result of trading through third parties. They are keen to form long-term relationships with people they can trust.

Having evaluated any risk potential, companies have to gain an understanding of why their product or service would be of benefit in Iraq, how their share of the market can develop in the region, and what business models are being used by their contemporaries. Companies will be able to collect crucial information about their business sector.

Iraq Procurement 2004 will be held in an exhibition hall, allowing attendees access to the speakers and panellists, and the opportunity to form business and cultural alliances. Sessions will cover financial issues and risks, construction, agriculture, electricity, oil and gas, communications and cultural strategies. There will also be a forum for participating in the tendering process.

Participating in Iraq Procurement 2004

Over the three days we will arrange a timetable of one-to-one meetings (with translators) with the key contractors and ministers relevant to your companies attending. To make this possible we have to limit the total number of attending delegates to 300. The places are extremely limited and advanced booking is required to ensure we produce a precise timetable over the three days. This is the first event of its kind where delegates will meet face-to-face with Iraqi business leaders and ministers holding the contracts that need suppliers and partners.

Sponsorship opportunities

A range of sponsorship packages are available for companies wishing to enjoy a greater presence at Iraq Procurement 2004. Advantages to be gained from these packages include private ministerial meetings, exhibition space for promotional material, banner displays and additional exposure via the event's printed and electroninc marketing materials. Sponsorship opportunites also exist for the gala dinner, lunch meetings and the cocktail reception.

For more information on these, contact our marketing team on +44 (0) 20 7613 2098.

Iraq Procurement 2004 - An invaluable Iraqi news resource

The website also has a section devoted completely to news from Iraq, allowing our readers to keep completely up to date with all that is happening within the country during the reconstruction process. Our news pages are updated daily, enabling the international business community to keep abrest of developments in international aid, foreign investment into Iraq, project announcements and contracts granted so far.

To receive weekly news updates on the key events taking place in Iraq, email us at update@iraqprocurement.com.

Iraq Suppliers - Additional opportunities for suppliers

Those wishing to supply materials to aid in the reconstruction of Iraq also have the opportunity to promote themselves via Iraq Suppliers, a new web portal designed to serve as an international online information resource for contractors, specifiers, manufacturers, retailers, import/export agents, distributors and any other individuals looking to foster joint venture agreements or to promote their products and services. All delegate companies are entitled to a free-of-charge profile and enquiry service.

The key to the success of Iraq Suppliers lies in its simplicity of design and relevance of content. Subscribers are able to access and navigate the site easily and effectively, gaining a realistic return for their time spent online. Information is available throughout the site on the latest developments within all relevant industries, providing a '24/7' source of reliable business news and opportunities.