A trade show bringing together Iraqi and foreign companies seeking a role in the reconstruction of Iraq is set to open Tuesday in the south-eastern Turkish city of Diyarbakir, rather than in Baghdad because of security concerns.
Some 150 companies from 20 countries were due to take part in the three-day Destination Expo Baghdad, organised by the Iraqi-American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IACCI), a spokesman for the IACCI, Eric Nigh, told AFP.
"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 contracts in a massive programme 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 said many foreign companies stayed away from Iraq because they lacked contacts in that country.