| 2008: Iraq's VP urges Japanese firms to invest in Iraq |
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May 26, 2008 Iraq's Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi on Monday called on Japanese companies to invest in the country during his reception of the general director for Middle Eastern and African Affairs Department in the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in his Baghdad-based office. The two sides discussed the role of the Japanese government in the field of reconstruction and investment, according to a statement released by al-Hashemi's office and received by Aswat al-Iraq-Voices of Iraq- (VOI). Al-Hashemi called on Japanese businessmen and companies not to hesitate to invest in the Iraqi market and to contribute to the reconstruction campaign, which he said will soon begin. In a press release issued after the meeting, the Japanese official, Norihiro Okoda, described his visit as "very encouraging" for both the Japanese and Iraqi sides. "We tackled issues of mutual concern and the participation of Japanese companies in reconstruction projects, in addition to several issues with regards to Iraq's stability," Okada said. Source: Voices of Iraq |