Dr. Sami Al- Araji – Chairman of the National Investment Commission assured the importance of accelerating the implementation of the National Housing Program, that NIC had launched all over Iraq, and the necessity of allocating the lands required to implement the said program, This was mentioned during his heading the periodic meeting of the Provincial Investment Commissions in Iraq, he also asserted the importance of drawing up the updated Investment map and paying more attention to the housing sector with giving it the first priority for the projects planned for this year.
Dr. Sami referred to the privileges provided by the investment law especially after the last amendments ratified by the Iraqi parliament and the importance of exploiting these privileges to attract the international companies to invest in all Iraqi provinces, He also insisted on giving the accurate numbers and information to Media.
Muthana Provincial Investment Commission Chairman said that his province has to build 11000 housing unit, accordingly; an agreement had been signed with the Trade Bank of Iraq to fund implementing this project. Muthana Province also had been able to allocate the lands required in coordination with the local government of the Province with specifying the lease amount by the lease amounts evaluation Committee.
Dr. Sami highly estimated the hard work Muthana provincial Investment Commission is doing, pushing towards paying more efforts to build the New Iraq.

Partnership between Public and Private Sector

Sharm Al Shaikh , Egypt, witnessed a workshop addressing the partnership between public and private Sector in the field of infrastructure especially in transportation 9-11/3/2010. Representatives participated from many Arab countries under the patronage of the Arab League and the World Bank Arabic Organization for Administrational Development, the workshop aims at explaining untraditional funding methods for infrastructure projects through private sector investment, it also helps decision makers to know these methods and chose the best of them to fund infrastructure projects expected to be listed in future plans.

The workshop is a work guide to untraditional funding methods which includes a number of case studies in many developed and developing countries to gain more experience from them and use it in avoiding any challenges in implementing these untraditional methods. A number of proposals were presented to activate this partnership through developing corporation basics between public and private sector in transportation infrastructure projects and pricing policies and its relation with funding infrastructure projects.

One Stop Shop services to investors
The National Investment Commission participated in a training workshop (One Stop Shop services to investors in the Middle East and North Africa) held in Beirut by (Mena- Oecd). The workshop program included presentations and analyzing OSS issues. In addition to the Iraqi NIC delegation, Egyptian, Lebanese and Portugal delegation also participated in this workshop. NIC submitted an investment opportunities presentation in English and an explanation to the GoI and NIC role in promoting foreign investments. The presentation was very interesting during the workshop also it explained investment law regarding the important items relevant to serving the foreign investor. In addition to this, it clarifies the mechanism of OSS implementation to their duties and contacts with state organizations.

Subjects addressed in the workshop
Experience from participants
There was a chance to know the mechanism of implementing investment duties through the OSS and the legislations and agreements which help them to fulfill their duties and the role of their representatives.
Maintaining communication with the relevant ministries and high level decision makers
Supervising implemented investments
Privileges granted to investors
Conditions to grant investment license
OSS role in non- investment works
The OSS concept
A chance to promote investment in Iraq and different projects
Clarifying investment in Iraq and utilize foreign capitals

NIC granted three investment licenses. The first one in 1/11/2009 to implement cold warehouses and Al Yousif Expiation by Samir Coyal Yosho for 4604400 USD, implementation period 18 months. It is one of the Iraqi national private sector project. At the moment, it has no cooling system facing extinction in infrastructure. Investment project includes rehabilitation, modernization, and development to become usable for imported red and white meet in addition to building a purchasing center, administration building and any other required facilities.

In 22/11/2009, NIC granted another license to build a mall by Mafkhar Ardh Co. with capital of 12 m USD for 2 years to implement. It is one of the private sector projects.

Dear Investors,
The National Investment Commission (the “NIC”) is committed to bringing opportunities to the investor community that are essential to the Iraqi citizens, provide growth and development for the country and offer significant returns on investment. In line with these goals, we at the National Investment Commission are proud to be presenting this opportunity for investment in Iraq’s housing sector.

This investment announcement to interested investors, parties, developers, financiers and construction companies is intended to begin a large-scale program addressing Iraq’s significant housing and infrastructure shortages.

This announcement provides interested parties an overview of the proposed housing initiative and the preliminary requirements for project submission. If you have any questions on the memorandum below, or would like further information on the program, please communicate with us by email at iraqhousing@investpromo.gov.iq. The NIC will be conducting this process under Iraq’s Investment Law (Law No. 13 of 2006).

In response to this announcement, we require information regarding your company and your proposed approach on how to best address the housing and infrastructure needs, maintenance programs and overall development strategy. The same information will be gathered from all companies and will be used in the process of awarding of a development project hereunder. We look forward to hearing from those parties who want to be part of this historic effort.

Sincerely,

Dr. Sami Al-Araji
Chariman
National Investment Commission
14 December 2009

**Please note: the attached .pdf document has been updated to reflect the change in the timing for questions and company information submittals. The date has been extended to 1 March, 2010 and any future changes to the timeline will be noted on this website.**

To download the full PDF version of the official announcement and complete a company information form (required for those wishing to request further details) please follow the link below:
Housing_Announcement.pdf

Dear Businessmen & Businesswomen of Iraq,

The U.S. Commercial Service is now recruiting Iraqi companies to attend Power-Gen International 2009 (PGI 2009) held at Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada on 8-10 December 2009.

PGI is the electric power generation idustry’s largest event in the world, attracting more than 18,000 attendees and 1,200 exhibitors from over 75 countries. Focused on providing the latest updates and information on key generation issues, PGI features a multi-track conference program plus curriculum of pre-conference courses. The world’s largest power exhibition is held concurrently with the conference, showcasing thousands of products, technologies and services. For more information on PGI 2009, please check out the show’s website: www.power-gen.com

As a member of our delegation to this important trade show, the U.S. Commercial Service provides the following services for a fee of $500:

Prior to departing for the U.S., Commercial Advisor (CA) Sam Kafil will brief you about doing business with U.S. companies, review your travel plans, schedule meetings for you during the show with U.S. companies interested in doing business in Iraq, prepare a one page profile of your company for distribution during the show and assist you with your visa application to the U.S.
CA Kafil will also attend the show with you and will be available to assist you with meetings and questions about doing business with U.S. companies. We will register you as a member of our Iraqi Delegation and as part of our delegation you will have free access to the International Business Center where you can hold private business meetings.
After the show CA Kafil will continue to work with you to assist you to follow-up with the U.S. companies in which you are interested.

If you wish to participate in PGI 2009, please contact one of our Commercial Advisors for additional information about the trade show or if you have any questions about our services:

Mr.Kurdo Jaff
Commercial Advisor
U.S. Commercial Services
U.S. Embassy- Baghdad
Cell:07704430172
Email:Kurdo.Jaff@mail.doc.gov Mr. Osama Kafil-Hussain
Commercial Advisor
U.S. Commercial Services
U.S. Embassy-Baghdad
Cell: 07704430467
Email:Sam.Kafil@mail.doc.gov Mr. Dara Saeed
Commercial Advisor
U.S. Commercial Service
U.S. Embassy-Baghdad Cell: 0750479-1668
Email:SaeedDN@State.gov

I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to participate in this important trade show. It is a great way to see all the latest technology in the industry and to talk to businessmen about their products and services!

Sincerely,
Cheryl Dukelow
Acting Senior Commercial Counselor
US Commercial Service- Baghdad