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ISX ends week with 0.3% down, closes at 91.9 points June 17, 2010 - 02:00:04 BAGHDAD / Aswat al-Iraq: The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) index registered a retreat of 0.3% to close at 91.9 points at the end of the week as rates of shares of 13 out of a total 27 traded firms went down on Thursday. The ISX index had registered a decrease by 0.130% to close at 92.2 points. “More than 1.848 billion shares exchanged hands at 3.243 billion Iraqi dinars (roughly $2.7 billion) through 178 deals with non-Iraqi investors grabbing 32 worth more than 113 million dinars over the banking and industrial sectors,” according to the ISX news bulletin received by Aswat al-Iraq news agency. Shares of 13 companies plunged, four saw better time while 10 retained their previous rates. The banking sector came in the lead with 97% through 72 deals worth 3 billion dinars over 10 firms, followed by the industrial sector with 1.3% through 36 deals worth 45.7 million dinars over seven firms and the hotel sector with 11 deals worth 16.7 million dinars over three firms. The ISX witnessed its first E-trading session on April 19, 2009 over five registered companies, three banks and two hotels. The banks were: Ashur International Bank (AIB), Al-Mansour Bank and the Iraqi Credit Bank while the hotels were: Ashtar Hotel and Al-Mansour Hotel. On June 7, 2009, the Iraqi Middle East Investment Bank and the Warka Bank joined the electronic trading sessions. The ISX now holds five sessions from Sunday to Thursday. AmR (S) http://en.aswataliraq.info/?p=133355

Has anyone found info on why CBI has not started back on there auctions yet?

News Summary June 17, 2010 - 01:03:37 BAGHDAD / Aswat al-Iraq: Following is a summary of news reports posted until 04:00 p.m. Baghdad local time Thursday – June 17: *Politics: BAGHDAD - A Democratic senator is demanding that the State Department tell Congress what role contractors will play in a combat-ready force planned to protect diplomats in Iraq after American military forces leave, according to the Associated Press. BAGHDAD - Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister, Rafia al-Issawi, received on Thursday at his office in Baghdad Jeffrey Feltman, the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, and his accompanying delegation. ARBIL - Official Spokesman of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) said on Thursday that Iranian forces had plunged into the region weeks ago, denying any green light from the region regarding this penetration. *Security: BAGHDAD - The self-styled Islamic State of Iraq on Thursday claimed responsibility for the attack on the Central Bank of Iraq, during which 19 people were killed or wounded. ANBAR - Five persons, from the same family, were killed and a child was wounded in an armed attack in southern Falluja, a security source said on Thursday. WASSIT - Quick Response Department forces found on Thursday two rockets in southern Kut, a commander of the QRD said. *Economy: KARBALA - The second bridge was opened in Karbala on Thursday at a cost of 10 billion dinars, according to the governor’s media spokesman. WASSIT - Wassit’s share from al-Ahdab oilfield’s revenues reached $212.000 for only two months, deputy governor said on Thursday. BAGHDAD - The oil ministry signed on Thursday an initial agreement with Turkey to extend the crude oil transfer through the Iraqi-Turkish pipeline for another 12 years. BASRA - A total of 32 commercial ships have arrived in Iraqi ports in Basra province this week, the public relations and media director at the State Company for Iraqi Ports said on Thursday. SH (S)/SR http://en.aswataliraq.info/?p=133353

International Iraq fair in Turkey set between June 24-27 Aslan said that the Fair would take place between June 24 and 27. Thursday, 17 June 2010 13:38 President of the Executive Board of the Chamber of Commerce of south-eastern province of Gaziantep (GTO), Mehmet Aslan, said Thursday the fifth annual International Iraq and Neighboring Countries Trade and Industry Fair will not only help companies reach new markets but also contribute to regional development and peace. Speaking to reporters, Aslan said that the Fair would take place between June 24 and 27. The fair will help develop social and cultural relations among regional countries, Aslan said. The fair is co-organized by the GTO, Chamber of Industry of Gaziantep (GSO) and Forum Fairs Company, Aslan said. All of the stands at the fair have been booked. The fair will take place on a land of 25,000 square meters. Around 400 companies from 11 countries will be present at the fair. A forum on the Middle East, Trade and Business Development will take place simultaneously on June 23 and this forum will be attended by the ministers of relevant countries, Aslan added. http://www.worldbulletin.net/news_detail.php?id=60093

British PM: Iraq a cornerstone of stability Thursday, June 17, 2010 11:11 GMT British Prime Minister David Cameron affirmed that the new Iraq is a cornerstone of stability in the wider Gulf region and promised his government's support. The British prime minister's letter was delivered by the Foreign Office's top diplomat for the Middle East and North Africa, Christian Turner, during a visit to Iraq. Turner said he had reaffirmed Britain's long-term commitment to Iraq and its hope that a new government would be formed quickly. “The precise shape of the new government in Baghdad is a matter for the Iraqi people," the British diplomat said. http://www.alsumaria.tv/en/Iraq-News/1-50633-British-PM%3A-Iraq-a-cornerstone-of-stability.html

Iraq to cut from its crude oil supply on July Thursday, June 17, 2010 09:39 GMT Sources in Iraq Ministry of Industry said on Wednesday that Iraq will supply crude to term buyers at an average 10 to 15 percent below contract volumes for July, largely steady with a cut of around 10 percent for June. The cut was on medium-heavy Basra Light crude, they said. http://www.alsumaria.tv/en/Economics-News-Iraq/3-50620-Iraq-to-cut-from-its-crude-oil-supply-on-July.html

Basra ports receive 32 ships this week June 17, 2010 - 12:40:29 BASRA / Aswat al-Iraq: A total of 32 commercial ships have arrived in Iraqi ports in Basra province this week, the public relations and media director at the State Company for Iraqi Ports said on Thursday. “The number of commercial ships which arrived in Basra since Saturday (June 12) until today has reached 32 carrying varied cargos,” Anmar al-Safi told Aswat al-Iraq news agency. “Eleven ships arrived in Umm Qasr port, while Abu Falous and Khour al-Zubeir ports received 7 and 12 ships respectively,” he added. “Two ships arrived in al-Maaqal port,” he said. The Shiite province of Basra, 590 km south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, has five commercial ports and two oil ports: al-Maaqal, established in 1916 by the British forces and handed over to Iraqi authorities in 1937; and Faw, a small port on the al-Faw Peninsula near the Shatt al-Arab and the Persian Gulf. In the early 1970s, Umm al-Qasr port was built, and in 1974, Khour al-Zubeir and Abu Falous ports were established on the Shatt al-Arab. Basra is the cradle of the first civilization of Sumer. It has the seven main Iraqi ports. The first built in Islam 14 A.H. (After Hegira), the city played an important role in early Islamic history. The area surrounding Basra has substantial petroleum resources and many oil wells. The city’s oil refinery has a production capacity of about 140,000 barrels per day (bpd). Basra is in a fertile agricultural region, with major products including rice, maize corn, barley, pearl millet, wheat and dates as well as livestock. A network of canals flow through the city, giving it the nickname “The Venice of the Middle East” at least at high tide. SH (S)/SR http://en.aswataliraq.info/?p=133351

2nd bridge opened in Karbala June 17, 2010 - 08:37:09 KARBALA / Aswat al-Iraq: The second bridge was opened in Karbala on Thursday at a cost of 10 billion dinars, according to the governor’s media spokesman. “Municipalities Minister Riyad Gharieb, Health Minister Saleh Mahdi al-Hasnawi, Karbala Governor Amal al-Din al-Herr and Representative of the UN in Karbala, Ali Kamouna, as well as political and religious figures in the city opened Imam al-Hussein bridge,” Zuhier Abu Haroun told Aswat al-Iraq news agency. “This is the second bridge in the city after Fatema al-Zahraa bridge, which was opened last May by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki,” he added. “The bridge was established at a cost of 10 billion dinars within one year,” he noted. Karbala is 110 km southwest of Baghdad. SH (P)/SR http://en.aswataliraq.info/?p=133343

US senator presses for details on Iraq security June 17, 2010 - 09:55:19 BAGHDAD / Aswat al-Iraq: A Democratic senator is demanding that the State Department tell Congress what role contractors will play in a combat-ready force planned to protect diplomats in Iraq after American military forces leave, according to the Associated Press. The Associated Press reported Monday that the department has asked the Pentagon for Black Hawk helicopters, bomb-resistant vehicles and other heavy gear to outfit its own protection force in Iraq. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., wants to know whether the private sector will be doing more than upkeep. In a letter sent Wednesday to Patrick Kennedy, the State Department’s undersecretary for management, McCaskill asks whether contractors will be at the controls of the aircraft and vehicles. She also asks what measures the department will put in place to ensure that the gear, worth hundreds of millions of dollars, is not misused by hired hands. McCaskill chairs the Senate’s contracting oversight subcommittee. She has been a harsh critic of the federal government’s reliance on companies such as Blackwater Worldwide and KBR Inc. for support work in war zones. In the letter, she also asks Kennedy if any individuals or companies outside the department contacted State officials about the need for combat equipment. McCaskill says the answers should be delivered to her subcommittee by July 1. SH (S)/SR http://en.aswataliraq.info/?p=133345

Wassit share from al-Ahdab oilfield’s revenues reaches $212.000 June 17, 2010 - 09:56:30 WASSIT / Aswat al-Iraq: Wassit’s share from al-Ahdab oilfield’s revenues reached $212.000 for only two months, deputy governor said on Thursday. “Wassit province received on Thursday (June 17) a letter from the finance ministry, in which it asserts that the province’s share from the revenues of al-Ahdab oilfield in western Kut reached $212.000,” Muhsen Teaama told Aswat al-Iraq news agency. “The amount is the province’s share from the production and marketing of oil and gas for January and February 2010,” he added. Kut, the capital of Wassit, is 180 km southeast of Baghdad. SH (P)/SR http://en.aswataliraq.info/?p=133346

Issawi discusses with Jeffrey Feltman forming gov. June 17, 2010 - 10:18:27 BAGHDAD / Aswat al-Iraq: Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister, Rafia al-Issawi, received on Thursday at his office in Baghdad Jeffrey Feltman, the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, and his accompanying delegation. “The meeting tackled obstacles facing the formation of the new government and the latest developments in Iraq and the whole region,” said an official statement from his office received by Aswat al-Iraq news agency. “Issawi stressed during the meeting on the importance of speeding up the formation of the new government and respecting Iraqis’ will,” the statement added. For his part, the U.S. diplomat underlined his trust on Iraqis’ ability to for a government of national unity, praising al-Issawi’s efforts and his talks to overcome the current stage. SH (P)/SR http://en.aswataliraq.info/?p=133347

Iraq signs initial agreement with Turkey to extend crude oil transfer June 17, 2010 - 11:51:36 BAGHDAD / Aswat al-Iraq: The oil ministry signed on Thursday an initial agreement with Turkey to extend the crude oil transfer through the Iraqi-Turkish pipeline for another 12 years. “The agreement was signed by deputy oil minister, Abdulkarim Laiebi, from the Iraqi side and deputy energy minister, Youssef Yezar, from the Turkey,” Essam Jihad, the ministry’s official spokesman said in a statement received by Aswat al-Iraq news agency. He expected to sign the final agreement between Iraqi oil minister and Turkish energy minister in the coming days in Baghdad. Iraq exports part of its crude oil (400-700 thousands barrels) through the Iraqi-Turkish pipeline from Kirkuk oilfields to Ceyhan port in Turkey. SH (P)/SR http://en.aswataliraq.info/?p=133348

Islamic State of Iraq claims responsibility for CBI attack June 17, 2010 - 07:14:12 BAGHDAD / Aswat al-Iraq: The self-styled Islamic State of Iraq on Thursday claimed responsibility for the attack on the Central Bank of Iraq, during which 19 people were killed or wounded. Official spokesman of the Baghdad Operations Command, Maj. General Qassem Atta, had said last Sunday (June 13) that security forces foiled an attempt to storm the CBI in al-Rashied street in central Baghdad. “Four gunmen were killed and 15 citizens were killed or wounded in the operation,” the spokesman added. SH (P)/SR http://en.aswataliraq.info/?p=133339

----- Original Message ----- From: Janet [uSACurrencyExchange.com] To: Janet [uSACurrencyExchange.com] Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 1:55 PM Subject: Iraqi Dinar Dear Madam, Thank you for placing your order with USA Currency Exchange, Inc. The 10K notes that we had requested did not come in our shipment this week, they are on back order. We are being advised that within approximately 2 to 3 weeks we will receive them. Orders will ship out on a first come first serve basis. Once they are received your order would be shipping out that day via FED X standard overnight. Thank you for your time in this matter. Sincerely, Janet A friendd of mine just got this e-mail today on her dinar she was going to buy.. I wonder if this is like is everywhere good sign I hope

I am sorry I ment. The good signs would be.... When they don't sell anymore then small bills then RV.. Did not mean they stopped selling but when then do we know somthing is going to happen.

CBI suspends session due to armed attack June 14, 2010 - 12:22:36 BAGHDAD / Aswat al-Iraq: The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) decided to suspend its dollar sales on Monday and will resume its sessions on Tuesday after the recent armed attack, a media source said. on Sunday (Juen 13), the spokesman for the Baghdad Operations Command (BOC) Maj. General Qassem Atta said fifteen civilians and three terrorists were killed in the armed attack on the CBI in Baghdad. “The assault left 15 local residents and three terrorists killed,” Atta was quoted by al-Iraqiya TV. Atta had told Aswat al-Iraq news agency that security forces were closing in on the group of gunmen that detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) off the CBI entrance in central Baghdad. SH (P) http://en.aswataliraq.info/?p=133216 You know I was wondering that myself cause in this statment they said they would resume on tuesday and they have not yet hmmmmmmmmmmm....GOOOOOOOOOOOOORVVVVVVVVVVVV

I know we are all waiting on the RV I know I am... Good signs are banks not selling anymore, then small bills then we will have our RV. JMO. I hope it is really soon.

15 June 2010 Security Council SC/9955 IK/624 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York Security Council Press Statement on Iraq/Kuwait The following Security Council press statement on Iraq/Kuwait was read out today by Council President Claude Heller ( Mexico): The members of the Security Council received a briefing from Ambassador Gennady Tarasov, the Secretary-General’s High-Level Coordinator, on the twenty-ninth report of the Secretary-General, in accordance with paragraph 14 of Security Council resolution 1284 (1999). The members of the Security Council appreciated the efforts of Ambassador Tarasov and the important work of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Tripartite Commission and its Technical Subcommittee during the reporting period. The members of the Security Council noted that the confidence and cooperation-building period between Iraq and Kuwait, launched in April 2009, had proven to be useful, and welcomed the increased cooperation by the Governments of Iraq and Kuwait that has led to positive developments on the ground, including: the discovery of Iraqi missing persons in Kuwait; and that implementation has begun of an agreed plan to investigate the possibility that Kuwaiti missing persons may be found at new burial sites in Iraq. Nevertheless, the members of the Security Council recognized that no confirmed remains of Kuwaiti or third country nationals have been found during the reporting period, and again expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of those involved. The members of the Security Council welcomed the positive steps taken by the Government of Iraq, including: publishing the pictures and names of missing persons on the website of the Ministry of Human Rights and requesting anyone with information to come forward; and forming an Iraqi Inter-Ministerial Committee to take work forward on the issue of missing persons. The members of the Security Council took note that limited progress has been made on clarifying the fate of the Kuwaiti national archives. The members of the Security Council welcomed the public announcement made by the Government of Iraq in its official newspaper, calling on anyone in possession of Kuwaiti documents or other property to contact the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The members of the Security Council welcomed the decision of the Kuwaiti Government to fund a $974,000 project, sponsored by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), to help build the capacity of the Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights in mass-grave excavation and identification of missing persons. The members of the Security Council took note of the action plan that was prepared by the Kuwaiti Government and provided to the Technical Subcommittee. The members of the Security Council supported the Secretary-General’s call for Iraq and Kuwait to continue to act in the spirit of the confidence- and cooperation-building process, and apply this to the resolution of a larger set of outstanding issues between the two countries, which should contribute to the further strengthening of their good-neighbourly relations and enhancing regional stability. The members of the Security Council supported the Secretary-General’s recommendation to extend the financing of the activities of the High-Level Coordinator for a further period of six months in order to build on the present momentum towards implementation of paragraph 14 of Security Council resolution 1284 (1999). The members of the Security Council expressed their willingness to consider this matter in the context of their review of the report by the Secretary-General, pursuant to paragraph 5 of resolution 1859 (2008). * *** * -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For information media • not an official record http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2010/sc9955.doc.htm

Iraq: Basra Region en route Wednesday, June 16th 2010 2:26 PM Basra, June 16 (AKnews) - A number of members in Basra local government supported on Wednesday the project to declare Basra as a region in Iraq saying that Basra is the source of Iraq's richness and the citizens do not get benefit from them, while others had different opinions where one of the local officials in the government said that the province is not yet ready to be a region." "I ,as the head of Planning and follow-up committee, am one of the strongest supporters of this project because it would change the situation in Basra and gives the powers and provide more services for the province inhabited by more than 3 million people, but there must be a person between the three millions who is able to manage and develop it," Walid Keitan, the official of planning and follow up committee said on Wednesday. "The province is completely ready to be a stable region because it includes most of the Iraqi riches that the Iraqi economy relies on." The official of Religious Committee in the Council Mohammed Jaafar disagreed with this opinion saying that "Basra lacks cultural awareness and several government institutions that should be in the province and now it is full of problems and do not have the political groundwork that enable the province to establish a stable region", noting that "local government should ensure the needs of the people in the province and then think about declaring it a province. " The official of Human Rights Committee, Hussein Ali Hussein told (AKnews) "I refuse to declare the province as a region at this time because of the continued American presence, and the Americans are seeking now to divide Iraq," Houssein Ali Houssein, the official of Human Rights committee said. The official of Tourism Committee Zahraa al-Bijari said that "this issue is a public demand by the citizens in Basra where Basra will enjoy its richness and I support everything that serve the province and I believe that declaring the province as a region will serve the province." The idea of Basra Region draft was initiated by the chairman of Basra provincial council, and discussing it as a project within Basra council came after services worsened and the increase in sufferings of the citizens in Basra, especially the problems of saline water in Faw and Ceyhan areas as well as other problems. The approval of the Basra region draft needs 50+1 of the votes of the citizens of the province, after which the Commission will declare the quorum to announce Basra as a region. Rn/gs AKnews http://www.aknews.com/en/aknews/9/155711

VP Abdulmahdi meets U.S. official June 16, 2010 - 01:04:02 BAGHDAD / Aswat al-Iraq: Iraqi Vice President Adel Abdulmahdi on Wednesday discussed with Jeffrey Feltman, the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, bilateral relations, according to a statement of Abdulmahdi’s office. “Abdulmahdi received on Wednesday (June 16) at his office in Baghdad Jeffrey Feltman, with whom he discussed several issues of common interest as well as the latest developments in the region,” said the statement received by Aswat al-Iraq news agency. “The meeting was attended by U.S. Ambassador in Baghdad Christopher Hill,” the statement added. The U.S. diplomat stressed that his country does not interfere in Iraq’s internal affairs and encourages political blocs to enhance the political process to move the country into the political stability and security stage. SH (P)/SR http://en.aswataliraq.info/?p=133316

ISX index down by 0.17%, closes at 92.2 points June 16, 2010 - 12:59:07 BAGHDAD / Aswat al-Iraq: The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) index went down by 0.17% on Wednesday to close at 92.2 points as rates of shares of 19 out of a total 34 firms traded in today’s session decreased. Today’s session saw more than 963.905 million shares exchanging hands at more than 1.760 billion Iraqi dinars (roughly $1.2 million) through 175 deals, with non-Iraqi investors obtaining 11 purchase deals worth 45.4 million dinars over the industrial and banking sectors. Thirty-four out of a total 85 electronically-registered companies traded stocks today (June 16) with 8 going up, 19 down and 7 retaining their previous rates. The banking sector took the lead with 86% of the overall trading through 72 deals worth more than 1.5 billion dinars over 10 firms, followed by the industrial sector with 8% through 52 deals worth 139 million dinars over 8 firms, the hotel sector with 5% through 16 deals worth 81 million dinars over four firms and a poor trading over the service, agricultural, insurance and investment sectors. The ISX witnessed its first E-trading session on April 19, 2009 over five registered companies, three banks and two hotels. The banks were: Ashur International Bank (AIB), Al-Mansour Bank and the Iraqi Credit Bank while the hotels were: Ashtar Hotel and Al-Mansour Hotel. On June 7, 2009, the Iraqi Middle East Investment Bank and the Warka Bank joined the electronic trading sessions. The ISX now holds five sessions from Sunday to Thursday. SH (S)/SR http://en.aswataliraq.info/?p=133312

Reading in the Investment Promotion Strategy in Iraq June 16, 2010 · Posted in NEWS Economic : reading in the investment promotion strategy in Iraq from the perspective of a systematic D. Acer Yassin Of success in attracting investment to the Iraq National Investment Commission and bodies of the provinces to work systematically to develop action steps for this purpose and approved by many international institutions concerned with direct investment, such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, which can be matured through a periodic review to be converted into a general framework strategy for investment promotion, which can be summarized in three basic steps to basic stages can be included as follows: The first step: assessing needs and investment possibilities: The promotional strategy of the National Commission for Investment and the provinces as a marketing plan for the final output of investment projects on offer and by which investors determine the target and thus the quality of the promotional activities must be introduced in this context must determine the following steps to start the marketing process: 1. Determine the development goals of Iraq and therefore the objectives of The National Organization for Investment and the provinces. 2. To identify global and regional trends prevailing on foreign direct investment and partnership patterns at hand. 3. Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the situation in Iraq and to promote and highlight the first and helping to address the second. 4. Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the competing countries to know the actual site of Iraq in regional and international climate. All these steps are discussed separately and lead a whole in determining the type of industrial sectors that could be attracted to invest in Iraq. 1. Determine the development goals of Iraq and the objectives of the National Organization for Investment and the investment in the provinces, when the development of any strategic marketing of Iraq must take into account the link between promotional efforts and objectives of the Development Plan for Iraq because the aim is not only to attract foreign investments, but rather to achieve development plans such as the provision of job opportunities, bringing advanced technology and increased exports. The harmony between the promotional plan and objectives of the development plan will make the task of monitoring and evaluation later “easier access to a large extent. The most important points should be taken into consideration for the preliminary phase of the development of promotional strategy is the following: A list of targets and the development of Iraq in line with the national development plan 2010-2014. List the objectives pursued foreign direct investment and based on development goals. List the objectives and functions of the bodies of the investment based on the objectives related to FDI and national development goals. 2. To identify trends in foreign direct investment and external influences The second step aimed at assessing investment potential of Iraq as a magnet for investment based on “an understanding of trends in foreign direct investment globally,” and regionally “and external factors affecting Iraq’s ability to attract foreign direct investment. Subject to local and foreign investors a lot of pressure and the effects that even if nothing to do with the status of Iraq’s internal but it could have a major impact on the decision to invest and thus a need for the employees of the Authority and in particular Oolaik in the Promotion Department to recognize these pressures to be able to convince them that Iraq was a suitable site for investment and thus have the following: A. To identify trends of foreign investment globally, “and through the preparation of studies based on international statistics, which can be of many international organizations concerned with investment of the important sources to learn about this aspect. B. To identify trends in foreign direct investment regional “analysis of trends in foreign investment in Iraq and the region as a whole, through: Gather information about new projects and investment opportunities in the real Iraq and countries compete for a number of years to come in the short and medium term. Analysis of key sectors and types of investors (to decide which sectors represent the largest proportion of investment in Iraq) and to identify nations that controls the provision of investment in these sectors, the largest proportion to be targeted later in order to attract direct investments. 3. Quadrilateral analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges (SWOT) in Iraq and in the main sectors in which investors: Considered an assessment of the benefits of investment opportunities in Iraq as a host of investment necessary, “because it means understanding the product before marketing. The best way to do this is to scan the regular strengths (Strengths) and weaknesses (Weaknesses) and opportunities (Opportunities) and challenges (Threats) of the Iraqi economy. The main advantage of the analysis of four (SWOT) of being an assessment of “dynamic” of the opportunities available in Iraq as a host of investment and on the contrary from the analysis of trends in foreign direct investment, which is essentially a look through the past several years, the analysis of four takes into account the subsequent developments, opportunities and challenges that can affect the future competitiveness in Iraq. Analysis is based on four to three main factors: Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the Iraqi economy as a whole and for each sector separately. Identify opportunities and challenges. Summarize the key issues (identify the strengths and opportunities and identifying weaknesses and challenges that must be dealt with and addressed) 4. Competitive analysis After analysis of four of Iraq consists of a good idea of benefits currently available as a investment, followed by comparing these features with those of competitors key allegedly compared to a normative or standardization is a tool used to measure the relative competitiveness and thereby determining the features standard to Iraq to determine a competitive investment destination. There are four factors taken into consideration in the standardization or benchmarking: Identify the factors that will compare GPS competition, which will be measured and compared and compared to data collection opportunities in Iraq to other countries competing identified (recipe excellence) of the Iraqi economy by promoting him as a magnet for investment Second step: determine the industrial sectors and sources of investment target: Complete analysis of the Quartet, made up a picture of the strengths and weaknesses of Iraq and the location of his rivals and is based on this information to determine the industrial sectors that may succeed in Iraq attraction followed by a promotional strategy detailed in accordance with the specific needs of targeted companies which are active in these industrial sectors. There are four steps to determine which industrial sectors that may be likely “to gravitate to Iraq investment location: 1. Develop a long list of potential primary industrial sectors. 2. Analyze the properties of industrial sectors. 3. 3. Assess the suitability of the industrial sectors of the characteristics of the Iraqi economy in the context of national development objectives set. 4. 4. Develop a short list of targeted industrial sectors should be consistent with the characteristics of the Iraqi reality. The promotional strategy for Iraq to focus on the short list drawn from the lengthy list include those industries that fit its investment requirements significantly with the characteristics of Iraq as a possible location for investment. In order to be true targeting should be to identify the sectors characterized by two main pillars: 1. Proper targeting of the geographic sites of the investment: The importance of the geo-targeting for companies to maximize the promotional impact of promotional efforts to focus on a limited number of States to maintain the Commission’s resources, promote and otherwise, the promotional activities will be broad and proliferation are prohibited from making any significant impact. Must be pointed out that states “certain to dominate the various industrial sectors and these countries is certainly not the only sources of investment in those sectors and the focus should be on the basis that geographic targeting is keen to invest to attract a larger share of investment. Finally, “the decision is also affected by geo-targeting” the size of the budget or the budget of the tasks of the external representation of the Investment Authority as the geo-targeting has important implications on the type of promotional efforts carried out. 2. 2. To maintain a dynamic promotional strategy of the National Authority and bodies of the investment: The National Commission of investment refocusing promotional strategies to reflect the absorption of the emergence of emerging opportunities, for example, might enter Iraq in the competition as a magnet for the manufacture of pre-cantonment of consumer goods in the short term (one year to two years) and be the focus of promotional activities for workers in the promotion of investment but medium term (3 to 5 years) There may be biggest attraction of the more advanced sectors such as petrochemical industries, should be targeted to attract other types of industry’s most sophisticated. The push to shift the focus of promotional strategy to attract the collection industry’s most complex or seek to attract high-tech industries such as electronics manufacturing an increase in the output of skilled workers in Iraq, technical institutes and applied to suit the needs of these industries. In this way, the process of investment promotion is a dynamic process and coordination at the same time fully with all Iraqi constituencies relevant to improving the environment for investment and to amend or introduce appropriate policies to stimulate and attract investment flows. The third step: the development of promotional strategy The completion of steps one and two are selected industry sectors targeted in the short, medium and target site or sites of major geographical these industries any clearly identifiable “from” being focused on promotional activities and where such activities take place promotional and remains to be determined “how” will be to implement such targeting Centre No need to change or modify the work program. These changes should be systematic and inclusive of all aspects of the activities of the National Investment Commission, and should be specifically on the National Commission for Investment and Investment Commissions in the provinces: 1. Refocusing promo for the investment strategy in line with the global transformations. 2. Evaluate the functions and responsibilities of workers in the investment agencies and adjusted systematically. 3. Evaluation of partnerships in which the bodies of investment and memoranda of understanding signed by these bodies in line with the outcomes of investment strategies and not react instantaneously to the offers made by institutions or foreign companies. The final outcome document will emerge that shape the strategic plan of action for the coming years on the basis of strategic focus that shape the work plan for the coming years on the basis of strategic focus and evolve in light of future changes in the reality of the different orientation of international investment. LINK Tags: no tags

Hamoudi urges media, people to press on politicians June 16, 2010 - 10:17:48 BAGHDAD / Aswat al-Iraq: Sheikh Humam Hamoudi, a leading figure of the National Alliance, urged media outlets and people to press on political blocs to respect the constitution of Iraq. “The constitution states that Iraq’s president should be chosen no later than 30 days after Parliament’s first session,” a statement issued by Hamoudi’s office quoted him as received by Aswat al-Iraq news agency. He called on all political blocs to give concessions to conclude the issue of Iraq’s three authorities (Presidency Board, Government’s prime minister and his two deputies, and Parliament’s Speakership) to form a new government capable of providing services to people. MH (P)/SR http://en.aswataliraq.info/?p=133294

Kirkuk central marketplace reopened June 16, 2010 - 12:38:34 KIRKUK / Aswat al-Iraq: The Kirkuk central marketplace was reopened on Wednesday after being closed for more than seven years, according to the province’s media director. “Kirkuk Governor Abdulrahman Mustapha on Wednesday (June 16) opened the Kirkuk central market with the attendance of representatives from the Trade Ministry,” Dalier Samad told Aswat al-Iraq news agency. “The market is considered one of the biggest markets in the province in 70s, 80s and 90s and had been closed after the topple of the former regime,” he noted. Kirkuk is 250 km northeast of Baghdad. SH (P)/SR http://en.aswataliraq.info/?p=133311

Khour al-Zubeir port receives 7 ships with varied cargo June 16, 2010 - 12:34:18 BASRA / Aswat al-Iraq: The Iraqi port of Khour al-Zubeir on Wednesday received seven ships carrying varied cargo, according to a statement from the Transport Ministry. “The ships came from Panama and Iraq carrying varied cargo,” said the statement received by Aswat al-Iraq news agency. The Shiite province of Basra, 590 km south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, has five commercial ports and two oil ports: al-Maaqal, established in 1916 by the British forces and handed over to Iraqi authorities in 1937; and Faw, a small port on the al-Faw Peninsula near the Shatt al-Arab and the Persian Gulf. In the early 1970s, Umm al-Qasr port was built, and in 1974, Khour al-Zubeir and Abu Falous ports were established on the Shatt al-Arab. Basra is the cradle of the first civilization of Sumer. It has the seven main Iraqi ports. The first built in Islam 14 A.H. (After Hegira), the city played an important role in early Islamic history. The area surrounding Basra has substantial petroleum resources and many oil wells. The city’s oil refinery has a production capacity of about 140,000 barrels per day (bpd). Basra is in a fertile agricultural region, with major products including rice, maize corn, barley, pearl millet, wheat and dates as well as livestock. A network of canals flowed through the city, giving it the nickname “The Venice of the Middle East” at least at high tide. SH (S)/SR http://en.aswataliraq.info/?p=133309