Thursday, October 04, 2007
Iraq Defence, Security and Communications Summit announced
(AME Info FZ LLC) - The Iraq Development Program (IDP) is proud to announce confirmation of the Iraq Defence, Security & Communications Summit for 16-17 February 2008, Dubai, UAE. H.E. Shirwan Al-Waili, Iraqi Minister for National Security Affairs has confirmed he will lead the government delegation that will also include ministers, deputies and director generals from: the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Communications, the Ministry of Science & Technology, the KRG Ministry of Interior and the KRG Ministry for Peshmerga Affairs
The two-day summit will include detailed presentations of all ministerial requirements plus dedicated roundtables to allow for private one-to-one meetings between delegates and ministers. Quite simply, the summit will allow for best in breed contractors to meet over 40 decision-making government officials under one roof, providing incomparable reach and return on investment. A substantial part of the summit will be devoted to US Department of Defence procurement for Iraq and accordingly will include the most appropriate and senior officials.
IDP now has an exemplary track record in organising high-level meetings-based events in partnership with the Iraqi Government. The first Iraq Security was held in September 2006 and led to outstanding testimonials from companies who achieved tangible commercial returns:
'The Summit allowed us to personally meet various Government and Military Officials in one venue which would have taken countless hours had we not attended. We have been pleased with the responses so far and we are looking forward to the next Summit,' according to Streit Manufacturing.
"It allows all delegates to understand and to be understood, as well as offer the foundation for lasting and trusted friendships and partnerships," said Raytheon.
The two-day summit will include detailed presentations of all ministerial requirements plus dedicated roundtables to allow for private one-to-one meetings between delegates and ministers. Quite simply, the summit will allow for best in breed contractors to meet over 40 decision-making government officials under one roof, providing incomparable reach and return on investment. A substantial part of the summit will be devoted to US Department of Defence procurement for Iraq and accordingly will include the most appropriate and senior officials.
IDP now has an exemplary track record in organising high-level meetings-based events in partnership with the Iraqi Government. The first Iraq Security was held in September 2006 and led to outstanding testimonials from companies who achieved tangible commercial returns:
'The Summit allowed us to personally meet various Government and Military Officials in one venue which would have taken countless hours had we not attended. We have been pleased with the responses so far and we are looking forward to the next Summit,' according to Streit Manufacturing.
"It allows all delegates to understand and to be understood, as well as offer the foundation for lasting and trusted friendships and partnerships," said Raytheon.
Labels: Department of Defence procurement, Dubai, Iraq Defence, Security and Communications Summit, Shirwan al-Waili
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Risk Advisory Group opens office in Dubai
Business, Security
(BI-ME) - The Risk Advisory Group (TRAG), leading international corporate investigations, business intelligence and security consultancy, today announced the formal opening of its new office in Dubai. Based in Knowledge Village and headed by Gary Wood, former Director of Operations of TRAG's political and security risk subsidiary Janusian, the office supports clients' business, regulatory risk and security needs in the Middle East. It also acts as the regional hub for TRAG's wider Middle East practice and will support Janusian's burgeoning security and safety training programs for companies operating in the region.
The office will be supported by Martin Stone, head of TRAG's Middle East & North Africa practice, and Dr David Claridge, Managing Director of Janusian Security Risk Management. Gary Wood said: "Our new office has a strong, experienced team who are well-placed in an area with high business potential." "Dubai is among the fastest-growing cities in the world, with huge development in finance, construction, telecoms and tourism. Excellent communications, transportation and business infrastructure have attracted thousands of companies to a growing number of well-run free zones, with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) being the latest example.
"However, these are potentially intricate markets and Western business practices can conflict with local law, local custom and, in some instances, religion, which add new layers of complexity to the business planning process. The new office allows TRAG to offer on-the-ground service levels to existing and new clients who are increasingly basing their regional operations in Dubai," he said.
"This development continues TRAG's international expansion and we are pleased to add such a valuable region to our portfolio, at a point where businesses increasingly need our services as they are entering new, higher-risk markets."
The office will be supported by Martin Stone, head of TRAG's Middle East & North Africa practice, and Dr David Claridge, Managing Director of Janusian Security Risk Management. Gary Wood said: "Our new office has a strong, experienced team who are well-placed in an area with high business potential." "Dubai is among the fastest-growing cities in the world, with huge development in finance, construction, telecoms and tourism. Excellent communications, transportation and business infrastructure have attracted thousands of companies to a growing number of well-run free zones, with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) being the latest example.
"However, these are potentially intricate markets and Western business practices can conflict with local law, local custom and, in some instances, religion, which add new layers of complexity to the business planning process. The new office allows TRAG to offer on-the-ground service levels to existing and new clients who are increasingly basing their regional operations in Dubai," he said.
"This development continues TRAG's international expansion and we are pleased to add such a valuable region to our portfolio, at a point where businesses increasingly need our services as they are entering new, higher-risk markets."
Labels: Dr David Claridge, Dubai, Gary Wood, Janusian, Martin Stone, Risk Advisory Group, security, TRAG
Monday, September 03, 2007
Iraq seeks investors for $1 bn. upgrade on petrochemical plant
Oil
(Zawya Dow Jones) -- Iraq is seeking investors for a possible $1 billion upgrade of a petrochemical plant in Basra and may build a new $2 billion facility in the country's northern or central regions, an industry and minerals ministry official said Sunday. The Basra plans involve a $120 million upgrade of the existing 500,000-ton-a-year olefins complex, which may be developed further by investing $1 billion into the upgrade, Iraq's industry and minerals minister Fawzi Al Hariri said at a conference in Dubai.
"We are in discussions with international players," Al Hariri said. Talks have been held with Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Chevron Corp and the Dow Chemical Company, Al Hariri said, adding that regional companies including Saudi Basic Industries Corp. are also interested. The ministry hopes to conclude negotiations as early as the end of the year.
"We are also considering a second facility, completely new, in a different part of the country. Maybe in the north or central region," Al Hariri said. That project would be worth at least $2 billion and produce about 1 million tons a year of ethylene, a natural gas derivative, and olefins, the minister said. Gas feedstock for the complex would be sourced from existing gas resources, possibly by capturing associated gas that is currently being flared.
Iraq, which holds the world's third largest oil reserves, loses about $400 million each year from flaring associated gas and hopes to tap those resources for industrial use, including for petrochemicals, Al Hariri said. The new plant may be located in one of the three Kurdistan Regional Government provinces or in the Anbar province, Al Hariri said.
However, the ultimate decision on the plant's location may depend on the security situation on the ground. Al Hariri said security-related expenditure may add between 10 and 40% to the cost of a project. "We hope to start initial discussions by year-end" with interested parties, Al Hariri said. Both projects would be offered on a 50:50 joint venture basis. "Timing is of the essence because similar facilities are planned in other regional countries," he added.
"We are in discussions with international players," Al Hariri said. Talks have been held with Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Chevron Corp and the Dow Chemical Company, Al Hariri said, adding that regional companies including Saudi Basic Industries Corp. are also interested. The ministry hopes to conclude negotiations as early as the end of the year.
"We are also considering a second facility, completely new, in a different part of the country. Maybe in the north or central region," Al Hariri said. That project would be worth at least $2 billion and produce about 1 million tons a year of ethylene, a natural gas derivative, and olefins, the minister said. Gas feedstock for the complex would be sourced from existing gas resources, possibly by capturing associated gas that is currently being flared.
Iraq, which holds the world's third largest oil reserves, loses about $400 million each year from flaring associated gas and hopes to tap those resources for industrial use, including for petrochemicals, Al Hariri said. The new plant may be located in one of the three Kurdistan Regional Government provinces or in the Anbar province, Al Hariri said.
However, the ultimate decision on the plant's location may depend on the security situation on the ground. Al Hariri said security-related expenditure may add between 10 and 40% to the cost of a project. "We hope to start initial discussions by year-end" with interested parties, Al Hariri said. Both projects would be offered on a 50:50 joint venture basis. "Timing is of the essence because similar facilities are planned in other regional countries," he added.
Labels: Basra, Chevron Corp, Dow Chemical Company, Dubai, Fawzi Al Hariri, petrochemical plant, Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Saudi Basic Industries Corp.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Iraq Business and Investment Conference in Dubai starts
Regional conference
(AME Info FZ LLC) - The vice-president of Iraq Dr Adel Abdul Mehdi opened the first Iraq Business and Investment Conference in Dubai (IBIC) as the head of a delegation of over 100 businessmen from southern Iraq. The conference attracted over 300 UAE and international businessmen interested in exploring business and investment opportunities with their Iraqi counterparts.
Panel sessions covered the legal environment for conducting business in Iraq, financing private sector business, trade and commerce and private sector banking. This was followed by parallel meetings covering specific business opportunities in the seven southern governates of Iraq chaired by their respective governors.
Dr Mehdi said 'Iraq's new investment law will facilitate investment for both Iraqi and non-Iraqi businesses by providing a secure investment environment. Business people know the capacities and resources of Iraq. These delegates are the experts brought together at this conference to present opportunities for investments across a wide range of industries. Iraq is not only oil and gas but also agriculture, infrastructure and tourism, both historic and religious.'
Five Iraqi government ministers are also attending the conference. Sessions will include presentations concerning joint ventures with state owned enterprises, investment in agriculture, free zones, construction and contracting and opportunities in reconstruction and management associated with the port of Basra.
Panel sessions covered the legal environment for conducting business in Iraq, financing private sector business, trade and commerce and private sector banking. This was followed by parallel meetings covering specific business opportunities in the seven southern governates of Iraq chaired by their respective governors.
Dr Mehdi said 'Iraq's new investment law will facilitate investment for both Iraqi and non-Iraqi businesses by providing a secure investment environment. Business people know the capacities and resources of Iraq. These delegates are the experts brought together at this conference to present opportunities for investments across a wide range of industries. Iraq is not only oil and gas but also agriculture, infrastructure and tourism, both historic and religious.'
Five Iraqi government ministers are also attending the conference. Sessions will include presentations concerning joint ventures with state owned enterprises, investment in agriculture, free zones, construction and contracting and opportunities in reconstruction and management associated with the port of Basra.
Labels: Adel Abdel Mahdi, Dubai, IBIC, Iraq Business and Investment Conference, southern Iraq
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Iraq Business and Investment Conference to take place Aug. 28 to 30 in Dubai
Conference
(PortAl Iraq) - The Iraq Business and Investment Conference (IBIC) will take place at the Radisson SAS Hotel in Dubai on Aug. 28 to 30.
The first of three conferences, the first IBIC's attendees will include companies based in Southern Iraq looking for investors; entrepreneurs with plans to start a business in Southern Iraq; Iraqi government officials responsible for many aspects of investment in Iraq, including investment laws and publicly-private investment partnerships; and investors, both domestic and international, seeking opportunities to invest in businesses in Southern Iraq.
According to the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the IBIC will be a venue for companies with clearly defined projects in need of outside financing to meet with qualified investors. Investment opportunities will range from smaller businesses in need of a minimum of $1 million in financing to large enterprises seeking $200 million. No specific industry is targeted. Instead, the conference is focused on clearly defined investment opportunities that are ready to move forward immediately.
The conference will also include discussions on the investment environment and related laws in Iraq. The second and third IBIC conferences will take place later this year and will focus on investment opportunities in Central and Northern Iraq.
The first of three conferences, the first IBIC's attendees will include companies based in Southern Iraq looking for investors; entrepreneurs with plans to start a business in Southern Iraq; Iraqi government officials responsible for many aspects of investment in Iraq, including investment laws and publicly-private investment partnerships; and investors, both domestic and international, seeking opportunities to invest in businesses in Southern Iraq.
According to the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the IBIC will be a venue for companies with clearly defined projects in need of outside financing to meet with qualified investors. Investment opportunities will range from smaller businesses in need of a minimum of $1 million in financing to large enterprises seeking $200 million. No specific industry is targeted. Instead, the conference is focused on clearly defined investment opportunities that are ready to move forward immediately.
The conference will also include discussions on the investment environment and related laws in Iraq. The second and third IBIC conferences will take place later this year and will focus on investment opportunities in Central and Northern Iraq.
Labels: business, Dubai, IBIC, investment, Iraq Business and Investment Conference, southern Iraq
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Iraq Oil, Gas, Petrochemical and Electricity Summit
Oil
(AME info) - Companies seeking to explore commercial opportunities throughout Iraq's petrochemical sector should look to attend the forthcoming Iraq Oil, Gas, Petrochemical & Electricity Summit, which will take place in Dubai on 2-4 September 2007. The summit will welcome a senior level delegation from the Iraqi Ministry of Industry & Minerals, to be led by H.E. Fawzi Al-Hariri, Iraqi Minister of Industry & Minerals, who will be attending the summit with a delegation of senior deputies and including the Director General for Petrochemicals, the Director General for Petrochemical Industries and the Director General for Petrochemical Investments. H.E. Widad Osman, Minister of Industry for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), will also be attending the summit with a ministerial delegation.
These key decision makers will participate at the landmark summit, the first of its kind to bring ministers and other senior officials to establish relationships and enter into contractual negotiations with international energy operators. These high level officials will be outlining requirements for the petrochemical sector, covering issues such as refinery and petrochemical integration, feedstock flexibility and production availability for petrochemical production, as well as focusing on new petrochemical projects.
The officials will also be making themselves available to hold private consultations with senior executives from the pre-eminent energy operators. Only the best-in-breed companies will be represented at board level at the summit, building the relationships that are crucial to the future of Iraq's energy sector. The event has already attracted the leaders in this field including Exxon, Chevron, BP, Basell, ABB, Siemens, BASF and Shell, to name but a few.
Labels: Dubai, Gas, Iraq Oil, Iraq petrochemical sector, Petrochemical and Electricity Summit
Friday, July 20, 2007
Hike in airfares to Amman and Dubai
Travel
(Iraq Directory) - An official source in the Iraqi Airways announced in increase in fares to Amman and Dubai. He said in a press statement last Thursday, "The ticket to Oman rises to $644 from $604." He added, "The rise was the result of a tax increase in Jordan's Queen Alia Airport." He indicated, "A ticket to Dubai is going up $90, to $500 from $410." He explained, "This increase comes for the same reason, a tax increase in Dubai Airport." He added that "The increase will come into effect next Monday."
Labels: Amman, Dubai, Iraqi Airways
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Conference date set for new hydrocarbon law
Conference
On behalf of the Iraqi Government and the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, CWC Associates Limited is delighted to announce the key strategic event: Iraq Petroleum 2007, International Investment in the Iraqi Oil Industry under the New Hydrocarbon Law, 8-10 September, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Dubai. H.E. Dr. Hussain Al Shahristani, Minister of Oil will be leading a delegation from the Ministry. The conference will be the first major international oil conference after the endorsement of the new hydrocarbon law.
The conference will provide a unique opportunity for the international investment community to raise questions on the hydrocarbon law and the new Iraqi Oil policy. Structured to maximise dialogue between Iraqi decision makers and their international counterparts, this conference will explore the risks and the problems as well as the opportunities facing the Iraqi oil industry.
The conference will provide a unique opportunity for the international investment community to raise questions on the hydrocarbon law and the new Iraqi Oil policy. Structured to maximise dialogue between Iraqi decision makers and their international counterparts, this conference will explore the risks and the problems as well as the opportunities facing the Iraqi oil industry.
Labels: conference, Dubai, Hussain al-Shahristani, international investment, Iraqi oil industry, new hydrocarbon law
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Date for Iraq Oil, Gas, Petrochemical & Electricity Summit set
Oil, Conference
(Iraq Development Program) - In agreement with the Iraqi Government, the Iraq Development Program (IDP) is proud to announce that the official Iraq Oil, Gas, Petrochemical & Electricity Summit will now be taking place in Dubai, UAE on 28-30 May 2007. For the most important sectors of the Iraqi economy, this historic landmark event will be the first of its kind since the formation of Iraq's Unity Government, with these key decision makers participating with the full intent of establishing relationships and entering into contractual negotiations with all international operators wishing to be part of both the upstream and downstream sectors.
The summit will welcome representation from the Iraqi Ministries of Oil, Industry & Minerals and Electricity, as well as the Iraq Energy Council, Investment Promotion Agency and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Ministries of Natural Resources, Industry and Electricity. It will also host many of the state companies operating under the Iraqi Ministry of Oil and senior representatives from the Iraq Reconstruction Management Office (IRMO).
These best-in-breed operators and companies will be represented at board level, with the summit having attracted interest from the likes of Shell, ConocoPhillips, Chevron, Lukoil, Total, Statoil, Marathon Oil, Kuwait National Petroleum, Schlumberger, Oracle, Technology Partners, ABB, BHP Billiton, General Electric, Siemens, Cummins Power, Pratt & Whitney, Bukkehave, Control Risks, Sumitomo, Babcock, AMEC, Mitsubishi, Marubeni, Wartsila, Deutz, Mitsui, Honeywell and a variety of medium-sized operators as well as leading Russian and Asian companies.
Furthermore, the summit will ensure the involvement of leading Iraqi businesses and families. A central pillar of the Iraq Development Program is to promote greater employment in Iraq through partnerships and to allow for international operators to meet with local Iraqi operators to explore partnering opportunities.
For more information and to register your attendance please visit:http://www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org/idp/events/iog/index.htm
The summit will welcome representation from the Iraqi Ministries of Oil, Industry & Minerals and Electricity, as well as the Iraq Energy Council, Investment Promotion Agency and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Ministries of Natural Resources, Industry and Electricity. It will also host many of the state companies operating under the Iraqi Ministry of Oil and senior representatives from the Iraq Reconstruction Management Office (IRMO).
These best-in-breed operators and companies will be represented at board level, with the summit having attracted interest from the likes of Shell, ConocoPhillips, Chevron, Lukoil, Total, Statoil, Marathon Oil, Kuwait National Petroleum, Schlumberger, Oracle, Technology Partners, ABB, BHP Billiton, General Electric, Siemens, Cummins Power, Pratt & Whitney, Bukkehave, Control Risks, Sumitomo, Babcock, AMEC, Mitsubishi, Marubeni, Wartsila, Deutz, Mitsui, Honeywell and a variety of medium-sized operators as well as leading Russian and Asian companies.
Furthermore, the summit will ensure the involvement of leading Iraqi businesses and families. A central pillar of the Iraq Development Program is to promote greater employment in Iraq through partnerships and to allow for international operators to meet with local Iraqi operators to explore partnering opportunities.
For more information and to register your attendance please visit:http://www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org/idp/events/iog/index.htm
Labels: Dubai, Gas, Iraq Oil, Petrochemical and Electricity Summit
Saturday, March 17, 2007
UAE, Kurdistan trade conference begins Wednesday
Business, Region
(Iraq Directory) An official in Kurdistan region announced on Monday that a conference on trade and investment between the region and the United Arab Emirates will be held in Dubai on Wednesday for two days. The Minister of Planning in the government of the region, Othman Shwani, told the reporters that the conference "will be held on 14th and 15th of March in Dubai, for the purpose of encouraging foreign companies to participate in investments in Iraq's Kurdistan".
He continued that "the conference which will include the fields of investment, trade and the reconstruction process in Kurdistan, will involve about 500 American companies and Emirates, as well as 157 Kurdistani companies from Arbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dahuk and Kirkuk". He confirmed that the conference will be held "in cooperation and coordination between government of the Kurdistan and the American officials in Iraq". The Minister of Planning said "we will devote part of the conference to exchange experiences and learn from the successful experience of the Emirate of Dubai and to encourage companies working there to come to Kurdistan".
Labels: Dubai, Kurdistan, Othman Shwani, trade conference, UAE
Monday, March 12, 2007
Halliburton relocates HQ to Dubai
Business
(The Times) Halliburton, the global oil services group once headed by Dick Cheney, America’s Vice-President, is to shift its headquarters from Texas to Dubai in a move redolent of the changing balance of power in the world’s oil industry. Dave Lesar, chief executive, said that Halliburton would retain an office in Houston but open a new corporate headquarters in the fast-growing Gulf financial centre. The chairman, president and chief executive will all be based there.
Speaking at an energy conference in Bahrain, Mr Lesar said that the move reflected Halliburton’s increased concentration on the Middle East, the main centre of expansion in world oil production, and in Asia, where rapid economic growth is demanding vast expansion of energy infrastructure. The move is a coup for Dubai, which has developed an ambitious new financial centre virtually from scratch.
More than 38 per cent of Halliburton’s $13 billion (£6.7 billion) oilfield services revenue last year stemmed from sources in the eastern hemisphere, where the firm has 16,000 of its 45,000 employees. Mr Cheney was Halliburton’s chief executive from 1995 to 2000, and the Bush Administration has been criticised for giving it lucrative contracts in Iraq that made its name synonymous with US influence. Halliburton and its rivals are, however, outgrowing their traditional role serving oil multinationals. National oil companies now prefer to deal direct with them rather than with the multinationals.
Speaking at an energy conference in Bahrain, Mr Lesar said that the move reflected Halliburton’s increased concentration on the Middle East, the main centre of expansion in world oil production, and in Asia, where rapid economic growth is demanding vast expansion of energy infrastructure. The move is a coup for Dubai, which has developed an ambitious new financial centre virtually from scratch.
More than 38 per cent of Halliburton’s $13 billion (£6.7 billion) oilfield services revenue last year stemmed from sources in the eastern hemisphere, where the firm has 16,000 of its 45,000 employees. Mr Cheney was Halliburton’s chief executive from 1995 to 2000, and the Bush Administration has been criticised for giving it lucrative contracts in Iraq that made its name synonymous with US influence. Halliburton and its rivals are, however, outgrowing their traditional role serving oil multinationals. National oil companies now prefer to deal direct with them rather than with the multinationals.
Labels: Dave Lesar, Dubai, Halliburton, HQ
