Indian business delegation to visit Iraq

A high-powered 50-member delegation, led by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FICCI), will visit Iraq for enhancing business relations and have negotiations on larger allocation for wheat, rice and sugar under the "Oil for Food Program," reported the Indian news agency PTI.

The delegation, whose visit coincides with the India-Iraq Joint Commission meeting to be attended by Petroleum Minister Ram Naik, will focus on infrastructure, steel, diesel generating sets, oil engines, medical disposables, pharmaceutical products, hospital furniture and spares for oil companies apart from the traditional

Indian exports to Iraq such as tea, wheat and soya bean meal, said PTI quoting a FICCI statement.

FICCI said the share of Indian business in Iraq had dipped considerably while Saudi Arabia had received contracts for almost 70 millions Euros.

One of the main objectives of this delegation would be to request for allocation of contracts for 400 million Euros. Another issue to be raised during the deliberations, was the 10 per cent surcharge for all Indian contracts to Iraq even before the shipment reaches Um Qaser port.

The delegation should also ask for double entry visas to be allowed to Indian businessmen for six months, which would enable them to visit Iraq even on a short notice, it said.