Archive | 2012

Markez Wins $150m Housing Contract in Baghdad

By John Lee. The U.S.-Iraqi company Markez Inc. has reportedly won another contract to build homes in Iraq. According to a report from Bloomberg, the company has signed a $150 million contract to build 800 homes in the south-west of Baghdad. Building will start in the first quarter of 2013 and the project will be […]

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Foreign Minister Welcomes New Syrian Ambassador to Iraq

By John Lee. The new Syrian Ambassador in Baghdad, Sattam Jadaan Al Dandah, presented his credentials to Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari on Thursday. During the meeting, they discussed relations between the two countries and peoples, in addition to the developments of the Syrian crisis. The Minister stressed the ministry's readiness to provide assistance and support […]

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US Pavilion Opened at Baghdad International Fair

By John Lee. United States Ambassador Stephen Beecroft (pictured) inaugurated the U.S. Pavilion at the 39th Baghdad International Fair. The U.S. Pavilion houses booths for over 35 organizations, including 24 companies, seven universities, and three U.S. government agencies. The Pavilion features bilingual staff to welcome visitors and connect them with appropriate companies or universities, as […]

Video: Iraq's Signature Dish "Masgoof" Back on the Tables

More and more Iraqis are frequenting restaurants in Baghdad and in other major cities across the country to eat the signature dish "masgoof", as once rampant violence has declined. As a result, the fishing industry and restaurants serving the iconic cut-open carp that is best eaten in groups, are seeing a boom: (Source: AFP)

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UN's Kobler Welcomes Announcement of Council Elections

By John Lee. The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for Iraq, Mr. Martin Kobler, has welcomed the decision announced on 30 October 2012 by the Government of Iraq to set 20 April 2013 as the date for the forthcoming Governorate Council elections, following consultations with the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC). “Setting […]

Opportunities for Study and Travel to the US

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has announced that it are now accepting applications for two U.S. Government-sponsored exchange programs aimed at fostering mutual understanding and developing leadership skills. The programs provide Iraqi students and academics with networking and professional development opportunities with their American peers and colleagues. These programs work to support the goals of […]

Iraq Pledges $15m to Sudan, Yemen

By John Lee. The Iraqi government has decided to grant both Sudan and Yemen a total of $15 million. The Republic of Sudan is to get $10 million in the form of direct funding to Sudan's federal budget for FY 2013. "The funds will be channeled to the post-conflict rehabilitation in Darfur region, west Sudan," […]

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Petronor Launches Phase 2 of Iraq Energy City (IEC)

By John Lee. Petronor, the Dubai-based international services company, is launching the second phase of Iraq Energy City (IEC), fully equipped international community in Basra, catering to the oil and gas industry. Located 20 minutes from Basra International Airport, IEC offers accommodation and commercial real estate to international companies looking to enter the Iraq market, according […]

Genel Energy Interim Management Statement

Genel Energy has issued its Interim Management Statement for the period from 1 July 2012 to 31 October 2012. Highlights 2012 production guidance increased to c45,000 bopd following the resumption of export sales in August. Sales revenue guidance for 2012 remains unchanged at c $250 - 300 million Following the resumption of exports in August, […]

A Subtle Warning from Eni

By John Lee. Paolo Scaroni, the CEO of Italian oil and gas company Eni, spoke out on Wednesday to complain about the difficulties of doing business in Iraq. "Our adrenaline rush now is not what it was when we entered Iraq", he said ,"[it's] more complex than we first thought." On one hand, we could […]

Eni Consortium to Invest $18bn in Zubair

The CEO of Italian oil and gas company Eni, Paolo Scaroni (pictured), said he expects the consortium led by Eni to invest $18 billion in the Zubair oilfield. He added that the group, which includes Occidental Petroleum Corp and South Korea's KOGAS, has already invested 4-5 billion euros in the project. Production at the field is […]