ARMENIA: POST GIVES DOING BUSINESS IN IRAQ

UNCLAS YEREVAN 000632 SIPDIS STATE FOR EB/CBA, EUR/CACEN COMMERCE FOR 4201/ITA/IEP/OEERIS/BISNIS/MWALTERS ANKARA FOR AMER KAYANI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: BEXP ECON AM SUBJECT: ARMENIA: POST GIVES DOING BUSINESS IN IRAQ PRESENTATION ¶1. In response to numerous inquiries about Iraqi contracts and business opportunities Post invited construction companies and the Union of Manufacturers and Entrepreneurs to a presentation of opportunities in Iraq on March 16. Drawing on Department of Commerce and Coalition Provision Authority websites, we explained the different types of opportunities that exist for Armenian firms in Iraq. In particular we emphasized the difference between U.S. Government contracts and subcontracting or other private opportunities that are available to Armenian firms. We demonstrated where to find contact information for primary contractors and where to find possible Iraqi partners. We also presented the Department of Commerce's Business Guide for Iraq and gave out information on the upcoming trade show in Baghdad. ¶2. Armenia's largest construction firms, the largest automobile retailer, and the Armenian representative from Yukos Investments made up the audience. They were well prepared for the presentation, and expressed strong interest in going to Iraq for the trade show. They did not express any negative concerns about the fact that Armenians cannot bid on primary U.S. Government contracts. We believe the outreach was successful both in responding to general interest and in getting those with specific and genuine interest to the information they need to move forward. ORDWAY