Iraqi gov't asserts keenness on drawing on Egypt's expertise in reconstructing Iraq

BAGHDAD, April 7 (MENA) - The Iraqi government asserted its keenness on benefiting from the expertise of the Egyptian companies and businessmen in the reconstruction of Iraq.

The remarks were made by Iraqi Ministry of Trade First Secretary Haitham Gamil who delivered a word on behalf of Iraqi Minister of Trade Mohamed Hashim el Anani in front of representatives of more than 50 Egyptian companies specialized in the field of contracting and construction materials industry at a conference of the Rebuilding and Construction which kicked off here on Sunday.

He said Egypt will be on top of countries that will join the reconstruction operations of Iraq, asserting that foreign investments are vital to revive the Iraqi economy.

The Iraqi official invited the Egyptian companies participating in the conference to effectively contribute to reconstruction and investment in Iraq, voicing his admiration of the Egyptian expertise in the building and reconstruction of new areas under the sponsorship of President Abdel Fatah El Sisi.

He said the targeted growth rate for 2018/2022 is 7 percent worth 75 billion dlrs of investments in the various economic sectors.

The Iraqi official voiced hope that the building and reconstruction conference would mark a new phase in partnership between the Iraqi companies and ministries and their Egyptian counterparts.

He also said Iraq targets the expansion of crude oil production from 4.5 million barrels per day to reach 6 million barrels by 2020.