Trade, Industry and Commerce

Southern Iraq is home to some of Iraq’s largest state-owned industries, many of them no longer or only partially operating. Major factories in southern Iraq include the production of cement, paper, iron and steel, fertiliser, petrochemicals and asphalt.

Profiles showing the current situation of the largest state-owned companies can be found at http://www.cpa-iraq.org/business/industries/index.html

Basrah Governorate Team members and CPA staff have launched a partnership programme to revitalise the 2000-strong Basrah International Chamber of Commerce, and establish chambers of commerce in each of the four southern provinces. The Chambers will provide high quality services to member and non-member entrepreneurs, to the business community, young people and unemployed willing to establish their own businesses. They will also aid business clusters and the international Small Business Community willing to invest and to enter into partnerships in Iraq.

The Basrah Business Centre will open in March 2004. Early January 2004 will see the opening of the Basra Business Centre (BBC). Located in Basra House on the Corniche, it will act as a hub for the local business community and to regenerate the economy of the province. Here, entrepreneurs, business professionals and investors, as well as young people, those with disabilities and the unemployed, will be able to find business-related services. Planned services include business information and training, networking and consultancy facilities, an idea factory and business incubator. The website for the Basrah Business centre is www.basrabusinesscentre.com.

CPA South aims to act as a clearing house for questions from companies or individuals regarding business initiatives in southern Iraq. These include questions on:

·        Travel: method, immigration and visas.

·        Freight: routes, imports and exports.

·        Establishing a business: registration, laws, taxes, banking, insurance etc

·        Business sites: land and offices.

·        Services: Business Centres, accommodation, health care, telecommunications etc.

Please contact commercial.enquiries.south@cpa-iq.org, allowing at least 72 hours for a response.

Return to CPA South

About CPA South

Civil Administration and Civil Society

Essential Services