DUBAI, UAE , Jan. 25, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- "Gateway to Iraq - Exhibition, Business and Investors Summit," a major event to support the reconstruction and economic development programme of Iraq, and to create awareness of the vast investment and trade potential in that country, will be launched in Dubai this year.
"Gateway to Iraq" was announced at a press conference in Dubai on 15 December that was addressed by His Excellency, Mr. Sultan Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), His Excellency, Mr. Faleh Hassan Al Naqib, Iraqi Minister of Interior and Mr. Mohammad Al Ghabban, Chairman of Al Ghabban Group and First Step, the promoter of the event.
"Gateway to Iraq" will be a unique four-day event from June 13-16, 2005 that will include a major trade exhibition, workshops and business and job opportunities seminars. The event is being supported by Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department.
His Excellency, Mr. Faleh Hassan Al Naqib, Iraqi Minister of Interior, said: "We wish to express our deep appreciation to The President, His Highness, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the government and people of the UAE for their wonderful hospitality, friendship and support to the people of Iraq. "Gateway to Iraq" will help consolidate the solid bilateral relationship between the world and Iraq in particular UAE relationship with Iraq, and also create greater awareness of the trade and investment opportunities in Iraq under its free and independent future. We are extremely happy to see that key government departments are playing a major role in this project."
Mr. Mohammad Al Ghabban, Chairman of Al Ghabban Group and First Step, said: "First Step is glad to promote an event that augurs well not just for Iraq but for the entire region. It will be a networking event that will allow participants to interact and discuss joint ventures to rebuild Iraq, and present the trade and investment potential in Iraq to the rest of the world. The event will also provide global companies a better understanding of the business prospects in Iraq and how they can offer their products and services to Iraqi companies and sub contractors. "Gateway to Iraq" will be the first of many projects that we have planned that would help contribute towards nation-building and economic reconstruction in Iraq".
The organisers will host an awards ceremony to honour individuals who have made outstanding contributions towards Iraq.
The "Gateway to Iraq" Exhibition will bring together under one roof regional and international companies, offering a range of products and services related to the reconstruction effort in Iraq, and also any company looking to join the list of suppliers who will be supporting the lead contractors in Iraq. Exhibitors will represent a broad spectrum of sectors and interests including Construction & Transportation, Water & Sewage, Oil & Gas, Electricity & Power Generation, Communications & Information Technology, Healthcare & Education, Agriculture & Food, and Non Governmental Organisations.
Visitors to the exhibition will include business leaders and decision makers, Iraqi business owners, entrepreneurs interested in starting direct negotiations with the Iraqi administration, representatives of companies looking to secure contracts, establish trade partnerships and explore the numerous investment opportunities in Iraq, investors and Iraqis who reside overseas.
The "Gateway to Iraq" event will comprise several workshops and seminars that will be dedicated to specific areas to give participants more time to discuss a particular topic, and also interact closely with the right experts, entrepreneurs, officials and speakers. Tenders that are available at the time will be discussed at the respective workshops.
The specialized seminars will feature an impressive line-up of top speakers who will address issues related to business and finance in Iraq, and cover topics like "How To Do Business in Iraq," "The Legalities and Procedures for Setting Up Business in Iraq," "How to deal with security issues" and also focus on success stories of Iraqi businesses and businessmen. Top financial, investment and economic experts in addition to Iraqi ministers and diplomats will be among the delegates, who will attend the workshops and seminars.
The "Gateway to Iraq" business gathering will be for investors, entrepreneurs and government officials who will sign partnership agreements with Iraqi companies and sub contractors, and conclude various deals that will be open for privatisation within Iraq.