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