The Dubai Chamber holds a press conference on the future of Iraq

Mr. Ahmed Abdul Rahman Al Banna, the Deputy Director General of DCCI, and Mr. Edmund O'Sullivan, Meed Editorial Director, chaired the press conference along with Mr. Fahad Al Girgawi, the Director of the Department of Trade & Industrial Development in DCCI, and Andy Critchlow, Meed's correspondent in the Gulf Region.

In his opening statement, Mr. Al Banna highlighted the significance of this event for the reconstruction of Iraq specifically, and the international business community in general, as it explores the business opportunities in Iraq in all of the important sectors. The Deputy Director General also praised the efforts made by Meed in organizing this event, pointing out that they are responsible for many more significant events taking place in the Middle East, the latest example being the "Middle East Family Business conference held in December 2003.

Mr. Al Banna affirmed that the Dubai Chamber heavily supports and welcomes this event, pointing out that following instructions by H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, and UAE Minister of Defense, the Dubai Chamber has played an important role improving the economic and commercial situation in Iraq to help the Iraqi people overcome these difficult times, by aiding in the rebuilding of Iraq through promoting investment opportunities amongst the local and international businesses based in the Gulf Region. One of the biggest initiatives being the establishment of the Iraqi Business Council as a way to help develop commercial and economic interests of regional and international companies in Iraq, as well as to help eliminate any worries and concerns businesses may have about setting up in Iraq. DCCI fully sponsored and facilitated the establishment of the Iraqi Business Council in Dubai as a way to help achieve that goal.

Mr. Edmund O'Sullivan explained that Meed has played an important role since the economic reconstruction programme in Iraq went under way; Meed published at least two pages of news and analysis each week about the topic, orginised a conference in London and published a guide to Iraqi reconstruction.

"We have assembled the most powerful panel of expert speakers on this topic that any conference has so far done. Over two days, more than 20 officials and business people will provide delegates with a wide range of analysis and information vital for them to achieve their goals in Iraq in 2004 and beyond" added Mr. O'Sullivan. One of the key speakers at the conference will be Judge Wael Abdulatif al-Fadel, elected governor of Basra, and currently the Chairman of the Iraqi Governing Council.

Mr. Andy Critchlow gave a brief about the other speakers and participants in the conference who include, Andy Bearpark, Director of Operations with the Coalition Provisional Authority, Kassim Daoud, General Secretary of the Iraqi Democratic Movement, Tom Wheelock, Director of Iraq Infrastructure Program, USAID Iraq, John Walsh, Operations Director, SSA Marine, Umm Qasr, amongst many more important figures who are experts in their fields.

The speakers will cover the practical issues facing those doing business in Iraq including insurance, the legal system, security and risk management. In addition, a session will be held to explore ways of promoting the employment of Iraqis.

The conference taking place over two days is expected to have a high attendance level of over 200 people wishing to explore business opportunities in Iraq.