Iraq needs investment in almost every sector as it seeks to rebuild itself after decades of war and sanctions. Regional partners Syria and Turkey have strong trade links with Iraq, while countries like China are eager to expand their influence in the country.
But many international firms remain wary of security in the country, where bombs and attacks are daily occurrences.
The lack of a government seven months after an inconclusive parliamentary election has also raised concerns insurgents would try to exploit the power vacuum.
Corruption
Some of the 14 companies in the mission, the first to Iraq since the United States ended combat operations in August, said Iraq's regulatory environment and issues like corruption were big obstacles.
[...] Read Invest in Iraq Now or Miss Out, Says U.S. Envoy. [...]
How does one find local kindred soules? I have been looking on internet for weeks to find people wanting to enter the oilfield service industry & have resigned myself to coming to Iraq insearch of jobs myself.