11 May 2004
Iraq's Industry Ministry Restored to Full Iraqi Authority
CPA says revitalization of Iraq's state-owned enterprises is well under way
The Coalition Provisional Authority May 11 restored Iraq's Ministry of Industry and Minerals to full Iraqi authority, according to a CPA press release.
The press release said the event "was part of the return of control over Iraq's ministries to the Iraqi people."
"Today many of the businesses owned by the Iraqi people produce valuable goods and services," the press release quoted CPA Administrator Paul Bremer as saying.
Following is the text of the CPA press release:
(begin text)
IRAQ'S MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND MINERALS, ONE OF THE LARGEST EMPLOYERS IN THE COUNTRY, TRANSITIONS TO FULL AUTHORITY
Baghdad, Iraq. Today, Ambassador L. Paul Bremer participated in the transition to full authority ceremony for the Iraqi Ministry of Industry and Minerals in the courtyard of the Baghdad Convention Center. The event, hosted by Iraqi Industry and Mineral Minister Mohamad Tofiq Rahim, was part of the return of control over Iraq's ministries to the Iraqi people.
The event highlighted the fact that the revitalization of Iraq's industrial sector is well underway. A year ago, Iraq's industrial sector was non-functioning. Neglect by Saddam Hussein's regime, and lack of principled management had taken its toll on this area of the economy.
Today, many State Owned Entities (SOE) are producing goods and services that are central need items for the rebuilding of Iraq, including cement, chemicals, fertilizers, textiles, pharmaceuticals and food products.
In addition, SOE management structures are in place and functioning. The Minister not only helped rebuild the Ministry, but he rebuilt it atop a foundation of solid business practices and ethical proceedings. The CPA Advisor's Office to Ministry, particularly Senior Advisor Colonel Lettie Bien, has been enormously supportive of all of these efforts.
The employees of the Ministry are its greatest strength and asset. Employees have extensive subject matter expertise, and extensive expertise in machinery operation and processes. Their inventiveness and ingenuity have been critical to bringing industrial plants back online. Managers are educated, and bring a basis of preparation and critical thinking skills. They have completed budgetary planning for fiscal years 2004 and 2005.
Plans for the year ahead include: continued revitalization, as well as development and expansion of the industry; development of business ventures between companies and the private sector; further development and training of the Ministry's employees in order to help the industry compete; and meeting the material and supply needs of the rapidly growing Iraqi economy.
During the transition ceremony, Ambassador Bremer remarked: "A year ago Iraq's state-owned enterprises were dead in the water following decades of mismanagement and theft compounded by looting. Today many of the businesses owned by the Iraqi people produce valuable goods and services. Mr. Minister, your insistence on sound business practices has begun to bear fruit. By encouraging open communication and permitting the creativity of your employees you have produced results."
If you have any questions, please email Brian Leventhal at leventhalb@orha.centcom.mil
(end text)
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
This page printed from: http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2004&m=May&x=20040511145521cpataruk0.9171717&t=livefeeds/wf-latest.html
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