Background

The war in Iraq, and the sanctions against that country preceding the war, have caused enormous devastation; and the task of rebuilding Iraq is being taken very seriously around the world. Iraq needs just about everything - from auto components, building materials, clothing, consumables and food, through to power generation and water reticulation.  And a lot of money is being made available for this purpose. The World Bank, for example, is expected to invest US $37.5 billion for Iraq's reconstruction.

Omega is a member of the Iraq Business Network, a British-based international group of companies committed to providing the products and services required in Iraq.  Prior to the war, Omega successfully introduced South African businesses to Iraq. The need - and the opportunity - is so much greater now. 

Event Overview

Aside from being a worthy cause (rebuilding Iraq), Iraq offers South African businesses enormous opportunities - especially given that we enjoy favoured nation status in Iraq as a result of South Africa's foreign policy and general stance in the region.  And to assist with the financing (trade finance, letters of credit and possible project funding) a leading South African bank has agreed to partner us in this venture. 

Omega will identify service and other product providers in Southern Africa, who will meet in Johannesburg on 12th August 2004 at a workshop when the procedures to be adopted will be explained by our associate in Iraq.      

Iraq requires the following, but please note that this is only by way of illustration. Many other items are required.

• Food products (not necessarily Halaal) including all kinds of canned and packaged foods, rice, sugar, tea, etc.

• Detergents, soap

• Clothing and Footwear

• Building materials incl. reinforcement steel bars in different sizes, timber, etc.

• Furniture

• Drugs and medical equipment and instruments

• Consumer electronics (220W) (TV’s, washing machines, refrigerators, microwave ovens, telephones, small size outdoor generators (1 KVA to 10 KVA), satellite receivers and accessories, air conditioners, cookers, lighting and electric wiring, etc.)

• Telecommunication equipment (small and medium exchanges), mobile phones

• There is also interest in having a South African operator in Iraq

• Generation and transformation electrical equipment and materials (transmission lines, transformers H/L, high tension cables, switching gears, circuit breakers and all accessories required for working in the high tension field like poles and nets)

• Auto components

• Construction equipment

• Security equipment. – both domestic and industrial

• Etc.

For further please contact
Sharon Nixon on tel: +27 (0)21 689 7881 or
e-mail sharonn@omegainvest.co.za