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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Washington File

19 May 2003

Commerce Department Launches Iraq Reconstruction Task Force

(Offers information on business opportunities, commercial conditions
in Iraq) (530)
The Commerce Department has launched the Iraq Reconstruction Task
Force (www.export.gov/iraq) to provide U.S. companies interested in
participating in the reconstruction of Iraq with information about
business opportunities and commercial conditions, according to a May
16 Department of Commerce press release.
Commerce Secretary Don Evans described the task force as "a one-stop
shop for U.S. companies looking for information and counseling on Iraq
reconstruction efforts," according to the press release.
The task force will offer "valuable information on key industry
sectors, current reconstruction efforts, potential obstacles to doing
business in Iraq, economic sanctions, and more," the press release
said.
Following is the text of the Department of Commerce press release:
(begin text)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2003 
BUSH ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION TASK FORCE
Website, Hotline Unveiled to Provide "One-Stop Shop" for Business
The U.S. Department of Commerce today announced the Iraq
Reconstruction Task Force, which will help U.S. companies by serving
as a clearinghouse of information on how to participate in the
economic rebuilding of Iraq. "The resources of the Iraq Reconstruction
Task Force will provide a one-stop shop for U.S. companies looking for
information and counseling on Iraq reconstruction efforts," said
Commerce Secretary Don Evans. "Businesses that are accustomed to an
environment of opportunity and fairness can be our best ambassadors
for democracy and freedom." The Iraq Reconstruction Task Force was
created to anticipate the needs of U.S. companies seeking information
on how to participate in the rebuilding of Iraq. The Task Force,
comprised of industry and trade experts within the International Trade
Administration at the Commerce Department, works closely with other
U.S. government agencies to ensure that the U.S. business community
receives the information it needs regarding Iraq reconstruction
efforts.
The Commerce Department launched a website, www.export.gov/iraq, and
hotline (866-352-IRAQ, or 866-352-4727) as a part of this effort.
These services will provide U.S. companies with the most up-to-date
information about prospective opportunities and commercial conditions
in Iraq. For example, the "Business Guide for Iraq" on the website
provides valuable information on key industry sectors, current
reconstruction efforts, potential obstacles to doing business in Iraq,
economic sanctions, and more.
"The Bush Administration is committed to opening the lines of
communication for businesses who want to participate in the rebuilding
of Iraq," said Kevin Murphy, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce
and Chair of the Iraq Reconstruction Task Force. "The Commerce
Department has always aimed to serve the needs of U.S. industry,
particularly small and medium-sized businesses, so we wanted to help
provide the timely information needed to make sound business
decisions."
An interagency team from the Department of Commerce, the State
Department, U.S. Agency for International Development, and the
Department of Defense has provided additional outreach by holding
several briefings for U.S. businesses interested in learning about
reconstruction efforts in Iraq. The Iraq Reconstruction Task Force is
one part of the overall United States Government effort to rebuild
Iraq.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)



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