Jordan Times
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Record turnout expected
for 4th Rebuild Iraq Exhibition
By Mohammad Ghazal
AMMAN — More than 1,000 exhibitors representing
over 45 countries are expected to take part in the 4th Rebuild Iraq Exhibition
and Conference here from May 7-10, organisers confirmed on Monday.
The conference, which will be attended by more than 40 senior Iraqi and
international officials and representatives, will focus on contracting and
procurement opportunities in the war-torn country.
On Monday, the International Fairs and Promotion Group (IFPG), the organisers of
the event, held a meeting for European commercial and economic counselors here
to discuss the participation of European countries.
The meeting was attended by representatives from Germany, which currently holds
the EU Presidency, Austria, Belgium, France, Finland, Greece, Italy, the
Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.
“This is the fourth year in a row that the IFP Group has received European
countries support for the Rebuild Iraq Exhibition and Conference. We are
delighted that the member states recognise the dynamic role Jordan plays as a
gateway to Iraq’s reconstruction,” said Fadi Kaddoura, project director of the
conference following a presentation.
The European pavilions in May’s fair will cover over 30 per cent of the total
exhibition space, said Kaddoura, adding that he expects bookings for space in
the 35,000-square-metre- covered exhibition centre at Al Abdali Project to reach
record levels again in 2007.
In addition to the participation of European countries, the US Department of
Commerce and 20 other international government agencies are officially backing
the conference, which is also supported by the ministries of industry and trade
and planning and international cooperation.
This year, the IFPG is trying to boost Iraqi participation by coordinating with
the Iraqi Businessmen Association, the Iraqi Business Council, the Iraqi
International Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Anbar Business Association
and the Iraqi Businessmen Union-Kurdistan Region, a statement received by The
Jordan Times said.