Industry sectors

Following the establishment of Iraq's new regime, the challenge for the country is to revitalise the country's economy, following years of neglect and international isolation.

Iraq's 24 million population is both well-educated and well-trained, while the country's natural resources are highly diverse. Iraq is a highly fertile land, with two major rivers providing a key source of water reserves. Most notably, Iraq has the second largest supply of oil in the world, accounting for 11 per cent of the earth's reserves. It is expected that the reconstruction of the Iraqi oil sector alone will cost $15 billion.

The prime areas for rebuilding Iraq, in order to provide a firm foundation for trade and investment within the country, include housing and construction, oil and gas, energy and power, automotive and transport, railways and roads, telecommunications, information technology, water and wastewater, agriculture, finance, insurance, healthcare, education and culture, tourism and security.

Other industrial sectors include petrochemicals, minerals, cement, paper, consumer goods, light manufacturing, electronics, machinery and transport equipment, food processing and packaging, and textiles and leather.