Al Mutaiwee receives the Japanese Ambassador in charge of Iraq

Upon receiving H.E. Masamitsu Oki, Ambassador in charge of Iraq, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tokyo, Japan, Al Mutaiwee said: "Iraq is a very important country for the Arab region and the world. It has a good relationship with the UAE and the contract values that were implemented by Dubai businessmen in Iraq within the frame of "Oil for Food" program were approx. $9 billion. Other operations are ongoing, but it is hard to evaluate their values due to the circumstances prevailing there, not to mention that these operations are being performed through representatives, agents or on sub-contracting basis."

The meeting was also attended by H.E. Mr. Mikihiro Arakawa, Consul, Deputy Chief of Mission, and Consulate-General of Japan. The Japanese Ambassador who performs his job moving between Tokyo, Baghdad and Amman, is presently touring the area to collect information and investigate views in order to emphasize his new mission. The Japanese Government assigned him that responsibility within the frame of Japan's keenness to participate economically and politically in helping Iraq during the next phase.

Al Mutaiwee pointed out that the people of Iraq have to find a way to bring the country back as an active member of the international community. The Japanese Ambassador praised Dubai's efforts to maintain its continuous activity and energetic movement whilst it is located in an area full of problems and obstacles. He said,
"Certainly, Dubai will play an important role in developing the Iraqi infrastructure, while trying to eliminate war consequences."

Al Mutaiwee reiterated his statement by stating that, "Dubai would be one of the first beneficiaries from a stable Iraq. Dubai is the most capable country in the region to fulfill the needs of the Iraqi market, but the security situation at present is not encouraging."

He added: "Businessmen succeeded within the frame of (Oil for Food)prior to the war to achieve successful businesses with the Iraqi ex-government that focused on foodstuffs, trucks, machinery and equipment. That was a considerable achievement in an era where Iraq was economically locked except for the program of "Oil for Food." Now, available contracts have small values, and are non-profitable. We hope that a stable situation would prevail in Iraq, thus allowing foreign investment in Iraq. Accordingly, we would move to deal with major projects relevant to sub-structure in the fields of construction such as roads, buildings, accommodation and hospitals in addition to telecommunications.

The meeting also discussed the issue of the Iraqi Business Council that was established by DCCI in cooperation with Iraqi businessmen residing in Dubai who are representing 400 companies, and Al Mutaiwee stated that the council is a bridge connecting Dubai and Iraq.