Withdrawal ‘helps Spanish firms win work in Iraq’

25 May 2004

MADRID – The withdrawal of Spanish troops from Iraq will help companies win contracts there, a business leader claimed Tuesday.

Oswaldo Carlos, coordinator of the Spanish companies attending a business fair to win work in Iraq, said the withdrawal had improved his country’s image among Iraqis.

Fifty Spanish firms are competing to find work in Iraq at an international export fair.

The small and medium-sized companies were attending the fair in Turkey for companies looking for work in the reconstruction of  Iraq.

Food, ceramics, electrical goods, textiles and technological firms were all touting for work.

They were hoping to sign contracts with Iraqi firms or work with American companies which are already established in Iraq, said Carlos.

The Baghdad Fair was being held in the Turkish city of Diyarbakir, after being postponed three times because of the instability of the situation in Baghdad.

Carlos said: “The moment to create links with the Iraqi companies is now.”

He said that Spanish companies could contribute to the reconstruction of Iraq.

“They need every type of help,” he said.

Carlos said he was saddened by the disinterest shown by the previous government in helping Spanish firms to win contracts there.

[Copyright EFE with Expatica]

Subject: Spanish news