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Division
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Madison, WI 53707-7970
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Vol.
8 #3, January 2009
Resources for the Iraq Market
 There
has been a noticeable increase in the number of questions related to
exporting to Iraq coming to the Wisconsin Department of Commerce.
In response, we sought out some resources available to Wisconsin firms
interested in the Iraqi market.
On November 1, 2008, the Iraqi government hosted a meeting of the
U.S.-Iraq Business Dialogue, which drew U.S. government officials as
well as representatives of Iraqi government agencies and private sector
firms. The conference created a setting for officials to discuss
Iraq’s commercial environment and private-sector development.
The Business Dialogue was established in 2006 by bilateral agreement
between the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Iraqi Ministry of Trade
to facilitate private-sector business growth in Iraq and to strengthen
trade and investment ties between Iraq and the United States. The
Dialogue's recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and the
Iraqi Minister of Trade reflect private sector views, needs, and
concerns regarding private sector business development in Iraq and
enhanced bilateral commercial ties that can form the basis for expanded
bilateral trade between the two countries.
Currently, there are four open membership opportunities for American
representatives to join the U.S. section of the Business
Dialogue. Applications must be received no later than January 21,
2008; 5:00 pm EST. Requests for consideration should be sent to
Ms. Susan Hamrock Mann, Director, Iraq Investment and Reconstruction
Task Force, U.S. Department of Commerce, either by fax at (202)
482-0980 or by mail to U.S. Department of Commerce - 14th and
Constitution Avenue, NW. - Mail Stop 3868 - Washington, DC 20230.
Security continues to be the number-one concern of the international
business community in Iraq. While improved, the security
situation in Iraq remains serious. Theft and violent crime
persist in Iraq, and the potential for attacks against U.S. citizens
and facilities remains high. The U.S. Department of State
periodically updates its travel warning for Iraq.
While most United Nations and U.S. economic sanctions against Iraq were
lifted in May 2003, the Iraqi legal and regulatory system, as well as
an inadequate infrastructure and an unstable security situation, pose
numerous obstacles to doing business in Iraq. Numerous products
that can be sold without a license in other countries require a license
from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and
Security (BIS) if they are destined for Iraq. U.S. export
licensing requirements for products entering Iraq can be found through
the BIS website.
U.S. Government-funded contracts continue to be one of the leading
business opportunities in Iraq. Opportunities for U.S. firms to
participate in the reconstruction of Iraq are mostly associated with
rehabilitating the country's infrastructure. A list of recent
contracts and their known subcontractors, along with links to their
websites can be found at http://trade.gov/iraq/.
Iraqi government ministries and state-owned enterprises are also
listing tenders. Lucrative private investment opportunities and
joint ventures with Iraqi government entities may exist for some
market-savvy firms with regional experience. For companies
interested in a long-term foothold in the Iraqi market, but with a
lower risk tolerance, Iraqi Kurdistan is an increasingly popular
gateway. The U.S. Department of Commerce has published a Business
Guide for Iraq and the Doing Business in Iraq Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQs). U.S. Department of Commerce staff focusing on
the Iraqi market can be contacted at IraqInfo@mail.doc.gov, or toll-free (866) 352-IRAQ (4727).
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