Iraqi Technology Minister to address key issues at Dubai Defence Summit

The summit, which will take place in Dubai on 16-17 February 2008, has already confirmed the participation of Minister of Defence H.E. Abdul Qadir Obeidi and Minister of National Security H.E. Shirwan Al-Waili, who will be attending with high level delegations of deputies and director generals.

The purpose of the Iraq Defence, Security & Communications Summit is to provide the opportunity for officials to meet with the private sector, focusing heavily on Iraq's various security and defence requirements, including the Iraqi police service, defence and security equipment procurement, civil defence, border enforcement, fire service and facilities protection and the role of private security companies.

A significant part of the summit will be given over to technological issues, with areas for discussion including IT infrastructure modernisation, data management systems, digitisation of government and financial systems, IT procurement, hardware and software interfacing and the establishment of uniform software standards.

The Ministry of Science & Technology is committed to working with the international business community to address these key issues, with a strong delegation accompanying the Minister that includes the General Director of Information Technology and the Head of Contracts.

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 the Ministry of Science & Technology making themselves available to meet with attending companies.

The summit also enjoys strong support from the US Embassy Baghdad, key sector organisations such as the Private Security Company Association of Iraq, British Association of Private Security Companies and International Peace Operations Associations and Joint-Arab Chambers of Commerce across the globe.

A limited number of delegate passes are available for this summit, while there are also potential sponsorship opportunities available for suitable organisations.