Iraq seeks Indian investment in infra, agri,healthcare sectors

Iraq today invited Indian firms to invest in sectors like infrastructure, agriculture and healthcare to help re-build the war-ravaged country.
"I repeat my invitation to India for mutual partnership. We need to increase our cooperation...In the recent times, Iraq was subject to various obstacles. We are rebuilding our country," Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Kamil Al-Maliki said here in a luncheon meeting with industry chambers CII, Ficci and Assocham.
He said Iraq will provide great opportunities and avenues in different sectors. The Middle-East country has also framed legislations to protect investments.
"Iraq is a rich country not just in oil. We can utilise and exploit our capacities in the best way (to enhance our economic ties)," he added.

The Iraqi Prime Minister, who is leading a 17-member business delegation here, said that the purpose of this visit is to integrate with India as both the countries have potential.
"We are in the process of rebuilding our country which was destroyed by dictatorship. On India, we rely much. There is much progress in Iraq but we still require much more," he said. "We need cooperation from both the government and the private sector," he added.

Al-Maliki said Iraq is rich in the agriculture sector but would like to enhance partnership in this field as India has huge strength in this segment.

"In healthcare also. Thousands of Iraqis come to India for treatment. But we would like to strengthen our relation in this field and also in education, Iraq is in need," he said.
In the infrastructure sector, he said investment is required in areas like building new sea ports.
The bilateral trade between the countries stood at USD 20.52 billion in 2012-13.