The JordanTimes 15/4/2008:
Hundreds of specialised industries from 20 countries are participating in the 5th International Rebuild Iraq Exhibition which opened here Monday.
This year’s expo focuses on items and materials used in construction, energy and security fields, said Mohammad Ziyadat, managing director of EXPO Jordan, the organising company.
“The fair constitutes an excellent opportunity for local and international companies to penetrate the Iraqi market through partnering with an Iraqi private sector company,” Ziyadat told The Jordan Times yesterday at the exhibition in the Marj Al Hamam District.
This, he added, minimises risk factors considering the security situation in Iraq.
Minister of Industry and Trade Amer Hadidi, who opened the exhibition deputising for Prime Minister Nader Dahabi, called on the local private sector to make use of the opportunities the fair offers.
“The fair provides a distinguished opportunity for all participants and investors to take part in the rebuilding and development of Iraq,” Hadidi, told journalists as he toured the exhibition.
“Jordan has always been a strong political and economic supporter of the Iraqi people during their difficult times,” he added.
An official Iraqi delegation, bringing together officials from the Iraqi ministry of municipal affairs and public works, are attending the four-day event, which reflects the Iraqi government’s interest in the exhibition, the organisers said.
Citing the government’s successful measures in the privatisation process, Zain Iraq Telecom Chief Executive Ali Dahwi called on the Iraqi government to benefit from Jordanian experience and open the way for the private sector to benefit the Iraqi market.
“Instead of just talking about instability and insecurity in Iraq, we chose to take the risk and enter this market. Our revenues for this year are expected to exceed $3 billion,” Dahwi said.
On display at the expo, are industrial and construction equipment, foodstuff, pharmaceuticals, civilian and military vehicles and security and surveillance equipment, among other products.
A specialised two-day conference will be also organised on the sidelines of the exhibition to discuss and examine opportunities for certain projects that designed to rebuild Iraq.