Arabs urge to play bigger role in rebuilding Iraq

The Federation of Arab Contractors on Sunday called on Arab countries to help rebuilding Iraq by engaging in infrastructure and constructions projects worth some 22 billion US dollars.

The federation's chairman, Fahd Al Hammadi, made the remarks at a conference in Jordan with the participation of several Arab and foreign countries on available investment opportunities in Iraq and plans to rebuild the country.

"Currently, there are opportunities for investing in projects worth around 22 billion dollars in Iraq in infrastructure and many other fields. Arabs can and need to do more to engage in the process o f rebuilding Iraq," Al Hammadi said at the event which was attended by hundreds of businessmen from several Arab states.

"The event provides a great platform for building partnerships and exchanging of ideas," said Al Hammadi.

He stressed the need for financing institutions and banks in the Arab world to effectively partake in the process of rebuilding Iraq by extending necessary finance for the projects.

Stressing on the key role Jordan can play in rebuilding Iraq, Safia Al Suhail, Iraq's ambassador in Amman, called on the participants to work collaboratively and build partnerships to effectively contribute to the rebuilding of its country.

"Rebuilding Iraq is a key tool to fight terrorism," said the ambassador. "Iraq gave a lot to all, now it looks for your support to rebuild. We need Arabs and international community's support."

Issues to be discussed at the event include investment legislation in Iraq, and opportunities and challenges it faces.
 [Xinhua -globaltimes.cn]
23/5/16
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