Iraq defence & security summit endorsed by leading associations

The summit, which will take place on 16-17 February 2008 in Dubai, bringing the Iraqi and Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Ministries of Defence, National Security, Interior, Communications and Science & Technology to hold discussions with the international business community, has been further strengthened by the news of formal endorsement from the Private Security Company Association of Iraq (PSCAI) and the British Association of Private Security Companies (BAPSC), both of whom recognise the strong synergy between the objectives of the summit, the aims of the respective attending Iraqi Ministries and the interests of their member organisations.

These organisations will be participating within the summit programme, making contributions as two of the leading associations for the private security sector, ensuring that the industry is able to put its perspective across in addition to that of the Iraqi Government.

The Private Security Company Association of Iraq (PSCAI) is an organisation committed to furthering professionalism, transparency and accountability within the private security industry operating in Iraq. The association endeavours to continuously reaffirm these important goals, working closely with its members, the private security industry, Iraqi and Coalition officials in continuing its goal of furthering transparency and accountability.

Launched in February 2006, the British Association of Private Security Companies (BAPSC) represents the leading UK private security firms, many of whom instrumental in its formation as a key component in the raising of operation standards and the advocacy of self-regulation.

The Iraq Defence, Security & Communications Summit will focus heavily on Iraq's various security and defence requirements, as well as discussing solutions from the telecommunications and technology sectors. The summit will be based around the Iraq Development Program's established and highly successful format, whereby half of the summit time is devoted to speeches and presentations and the other half devoted to one-to-one meetings. Each Minister will speak during the opening ceremony on 16 February, providing the assembled audience with an overview of their respective Ministry's strategy and requirements.

Private roundtables will be set up in order for one-to-one negotiations to take place between delegates and attending officials over the two days, with both the PSCAI and BAPSC making themselves available to meet with attending companies. The summit will also welcome a strong presence from the US Embassy Baghdad.