BAGHDAD, Feb. 19 (UPI) -- More than 200 companies and 8,000 visitors attended a business expo in Baghdad aimed at promoting local businesses.
The California-based non-profit Iraq-American Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted the event that brought Iraqi and international companies together to help provide Iraq with a sustainable future, Voices of Iraq said.
IACCI Executive Manager Raad Omar said 190 out of the 250 vendors at the expo were Iraqi companies, but noted that many of the visitors came from outside Iraq.
"Foreign companies came here to Baghdad for one reason, to sign contracts with Iraqi companies and end-users," Omar said.
The IACCI said the aim of the expo was to establish links between various companies and local merchants doing business in Iraq while promoting the overall rehabilitation of the infrastructure.
"Since the Iraqi government and Parliament have devoted year 2008 to the rebuilding process in Iraq, the presence of Iraqi and international companies in Baghdad is an impulse to initiate this mission. Having this conference itself in Baghdad reinforces the stability of security in this city," one attendee said.
U.S. officials who attended the event said seminars provided local merchants with information on how to apply for various loans and grants.
The vendors at the event ranged from those offering fuel pumps, to clothing, food and even shoes. One booth featured a display from the Iraqi Business Women's Union.
The overall perception of the expo was positive, with some observers noting the venue was "packed" and offered it as a "great example" that "Baghdad is open for business."
U.S. officials said it was "very heartening" to see the amount of people willing to do business in Iraq.
