For Immediate Release

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA (January 20, 2004) – On February 2, 2004, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) will hold a briefing for U.S. firms on business opportunities associated with the reconstruction of Iraq’s railways.  The briefing will enable U.S. firms to meet with senior officials who are directly responsible for the development of Iraq’s railway reconstruction projects and the allocation of resources.  The event will take place in the USTDA Business Center located on the 15^th floor of 1000 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington, Virginia.

“USTDA is pleased to play an important role in facilitating the reconstruction of Iraq’s railways,” said USTDA Director Thelma J. Askey.  “Many U.S. firms possess products and expertise that may benefit Iraqi planners as they move forward with reconstruction of the rail sector.  I look forward to learning the results of the contacts made at this important event.”

Currently, the Iraqi railroad system lacks the tools, machinery and spare parts necessary to maintain equipment.  Much of the rolling stock is out of service due to lack of spare parts or the need to repair damage caused by looting.  The track system is currently in a state of disrepair.  Moreover, the lack of a signals and communications network is a safety risk and limits the system’s capacity.  Additional needs exist in the area of repairing and acquiring locomotives, rail cars, intermodal facilities and equipment.

The Iraqi delegation will comprise the following representatives of Iraqi Railways: 

Salam Jabur Salom, Director General; Matti Yacoub Matti, Director of Operations;  Fahmi A. Shabaan, Director of Data Systems; Hakim Jassim Hussan, Director of Maintenance of Way; Nagah M. Karim, Director of Mechanical; and Mohammad Ali Hashim, Baghdad Area Manager.  In addition, Gordon Mott, Senior Rail Advisor to the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), will accompany the delegation and participate in the U.S. business briefing.  The briefing will open with presentations by the delegates on their projects and procurement needs, followed by one-on-one meetings with U.S. firms. 

Under the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act (P.L. 108-106), $210 million has been allocated for the reconstruction of the Iraqi railway sector.  Export opportunities for U.S. firms exist in the areas of reconstructing and upgrading rail track systems, track maintenance equipment, procuring and refurbishing rolling stock, intermodal and container handling equipment, rail control and signaling equipment, and communications and information technology.  

There is no charge for attending the briefing, but registration is required.  Interested U.S. firms should contact Mike Koeppen or David Elliott at (202) 429-5245, or send an e-mail to MAK@KEALTD.com.  The event is open to U.S. firms only and is expected to fill to capacity.  Early registration is strongly encouraged. 

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency advances economic development and U.S. commercial interests in developing and middle-income countries.  The agency funds various forms of technical assistance, feasibility studies, training, orientation visits and business workshops that support the development of a modern infrastructure and a fair and open trading environment.  USTDA’s strategic use of foreign assistance funds to support sound investment policy and decision-making in host countries creates an enabling environment for trade, investment and sustainable economic development.  In carrying out its mission, USTDA gives emphasis to economic sectors that may benefit from U.S. exports of goods and services.

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