The Iraq Development Program is an initiative organised to aid the development of Iraq as an economic force, improve the country socially and benefit its people as they establish themselves as part of the international community. Part of the Development Program network, it aims to promote the role of business in Iraq and enable the necessary transfer of technology from the international community into Iraq.

Enjoying enormous trade and investment potential, Iraq has the resources to become the highest revenue generating country in the Middle East region. The efforts to aid Iraq’s development have resulted in heavy international donations, including a donation of $18.4 billion by the US Congress and $13 billion by other global organisations.

The need to develop Iraq is apparent in a number of industry sectors, including electricity, water, oil, health, transportation, agriculture and telecommunications among others. Within Iraq, it is imperative that power supplies and electrical grids are restored, oil and gas supplies are maximised and that a rebuilding program is fully implemented for the country's airports, roads and schools.

Reform needed

Other areas where reform is needed include the overhauling of Iraq's water system, improving opportunities for education and reforming the healthcare sector. It is also imperative that productivity levels increase within the agricultural sector.

Iraq has a need for a full range of products, services and systems, including hospital and security equipment, medicines, road and rail machinery, oil production tools, finance and telecommunication systems. It is thought that demand for materials and technology within the key sectors of the Iraqi economy may exceed $150 billion, with $60-$70 billion already needed to fully implement the projects already underway.

Opportunities for companies and businesspeople

The Iraq Development Program provides the opportunity for Iraqi companies and businesspeople to meet and form relationships with senior figures from the international business community. These are the individuals that will prove key in aiding Iraq's development and bringing the country into the 21st Century.

Much more than just a series of summits, the Iraq Development Program is a comprehensive initiative established to ensure maximum success for Iraqi companies looking to establish themselves within the international marketplace. Combining face-to-face meetings, informative expert content and the latest communication technology, the Iraq Development Program is essential for any forward-thinking Iraqi business looking to establish trade partnerships with global corporations.