Iraq Reconstruction Conference

World
Europe

Yasser Hakim looks at how Iraq's Arab Neighbour Egypt is preparing to be involved in the reconstruction process.

The war over the last decade has virtually destroyed Iraq. With security improving recently, it was time to rebuild the country. Kuwait has taken the lead in gathering 35 countries, including China, to join the efforts. Iraq says it needs about $100 billion worth of Investments. And Egypt is willing to contribute

DARWISH HASSANEIN CEO, SAUDI EGYPTIAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY "We would like to join the reconstruction in Iraq as Contractors because we have a wide experience before. Our Egyptian contractors worked in Iraq before. I think that the Egyptian contractor is able more than any other to take part in the sectors of building and infrastructure."

Business tycoon Mohamed Abul Enein led a business delegation to Iraq this week to discuss opportunities.

MOHAMED ABUL ENEIN CHAIRMAN, CLEOPATRA GROUP "We went to Iraq first before the conference to tell them we are ready to provide our assistance and partnerships in whatever they need. They wanted to benefit from the Egyptian expertise. The country is totally destroyed and it needs factories, industries, they want schools, houses, hospitals and full services for all cities."

Egypt can also provide badly needed manpower.

MOHAMED ABUL ENEIN CHAIRMAN, CLEOPATRA GROUP "There is a huge demand for Egyptian labor. There are big opportunities in agriculture and industry. There were three million Egyptian workers in Iraq before and soon more than three million will be needed. They will provide a well-trained source of production for Iraq."

The success of the conference and speed of reforms will hinge on how fast the security situation will be restored in the country.