"Following the US invasion, Iraq`s infrastructure has been totally damaged, so there are big opportunities [to invest] in various fields," Indonesian Ambassador to Iraq Safzen Noerdin. said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia has opportunities to invest in the reconstruction of Iraq, according to Indonesian Ambassador to Iraq Safzen Noerdin.

"Following the US invasion, Iraq`s infrastructure has been totally damaged, so there are big opportunities [to invest] in various fields," said Safzen, who is also a retired Lieutenant General, during a presentation on Indonesia-Iraq investment opportunities here on Tuesday.

"Iraq is familiar with the good quality products exported by Indonesia, and the Iraqi people currently need tires, soaps, spices, and other daily-use products," he added.

A number of Iraqi officials recently said Baghdad would give priority to Muslim-majority nations for cooperation in investment and trade.

"Indonesia could invest in the oil and gas sector and also in the development of schools, hospitals, bridges, roads, sports stadiums and markets," Safzen noted.

"They also want to develop concrete plants, tire plants, pharmaceutical companies, electronics companies and palm oil plantations," he said.

"Having sufficient experience in the agriculture and fisheries sectors, Indonesia could even help in the development of these sectors in Iraq, because the Iraqi government has allocated special funds for that purpose," the ambassador explained.

Safzen said the security condition in Iraq was improving and the Indonesian embassy in Iraq would also help ensure the safety and security of Indonesian businessmen.

Indonesia`s bilateral trade value with Iraq increased to US$154 million in 2011, from US$52 million in 2010.

Iraq produces 3 million barrels of oil per day and plans to increase the productivity to 10 million barrels per day by 2017.

Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Hussain Ibrahim Saleh Al-Shahristani, who visited Jakarta recently, said Iraq wanted to supply oil to developing countries, including Indonesia.

"I am convinced that Iraq could become a safety valve to prevent volatility in the price of oil and meet the increasing demand of crude oil from developing countries, including Indonesia," he said during a lecture on "Iraq`s Contribution to the World Facing the Global Challenges and Crisis' at Pertamina Building.

Al-Shahristani also invited Indonesian oil company Pertamina to participate in the management of the huge oil fields in Iraq.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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