UK firms will get a fair chance with Iraq contracts

www.moneynews.co.uk > Other > UK firms will get a fair chance with Iraq contracts

UK firms will get a fair chance with Iraq contracts

BAGDHAD, IRAQ - Iraq's trade minister has insisted there will be a "level playing field" for UK companies to win contracts in the war-ravaged country.

Speaking at an event organised by UK Trade and Investment, Dr Ali Allawi's sought to ease UK firms' concerns that US companies would be awarded most of the work.

Dr Allawi later told BBC News Online: "There is a natural historical relationship between the UK and Iraq. There are already UK firms in Iraq and we want to see more."

"There should be a level playing field for them to win contracts in areas such as infrastructure development, hospital management, and water provision," he added.

He insisted that the awarding of contracts would be dependent on "competitive bidding and no other factors".

Tom Foley, director of private sector development for the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq, said many opportunities exist for UK firms, despite the recent awarding of £2 billion worth of gas and oil repair work to US firms.

"Our focus is on private sector opportunity, and there are numerous openings there for UK firms, many of whom are already in Iraq.

"I am very confident UK firms will be able to take advantage of the growing Iraqi economy," he added.

Related News : Other
	Government accounts are getting better
	Public sector pay rising faster than the private sector
	Monti slaps Microsoft with record fine
	Phone bills confuse consumers
	Lib Dems vote against council tax
	Prescott claims councils are listening to tax warnings
	Fewer services, more tax
	Consumers warned about energy salesmen
	Dad's work at home worth £14,500
	Massive jackpots for Euro lottery