Turkey playing host to reconstruction trade show for Iraq

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 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 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.

Nigh many foreign companies stayed away from Iraq because they lacked contacts in that country.

"We want to encourage private companies to come on their own. They are afraid to come because they do not know anybody," Nigh said, adding that the fair will give them an opportunity to meet Iraqi businessmen.

The fair was originally supposed to take place in Baghdad last month but the IACCI announced it had postponed the event after reviewing the security situation with coalition officials.

The postponement followed a travel warning by the US that it could not guarantee the security of US citizens at the trade fair, which was supposed to be the first of its kind to be held in Baghdad since the end of the war last year. According to Nigh, several representatives from Iraqi ministries will attend the show, but not US overseer Paul Bremer or any Iraqi ministers.