Iraqi Minister: Turkish contractors needed throughout Iraq

Acting Iraqi Trade Minister Safa al-Din Al-Safi has encouraged Turkish contractors to undertake projects and participate in tenders outside of northern Iraq and called for a free trade agreement between Turkey and his war-torn country. Speaking at the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges Economics and Technology University (TOBB-ETU) in Ankara yesterday in an event organized by TOBB, Al-Safi stressed the importance of Turkish contractors for Iraq’s development, but noted that they need to step outside of their comfort zone in northern Iraq and undertake projects throughout the country. Noting that tenders are currently being organized for the construction of hospitals and schools in Iraq, he noted that Turkish contractors have a high chance of winning those tenders.