Friday, June 8, 2012

Japan, Iraq sign investment protection pact

Japan and Iraq have signed a pact to protect and encourage bilateral business investment.
Iraq hopes Japanese firms will aggressively invest in energy development and improvement of the infrastructure for the nation.The signing took place in Baghdad on Thursday between Japanese Ambassador to Iraq Susumu Hasegawa and the head of the country's National Investment Commission Sami Al-Araji.

Demand for the development of energy sources, including oil and natural gas, is expected to grow in Iraq, which has the world's 4th largest reserve of crude oil.The need to repair infrastructure destroyed during the war in the country is projected to increase. South Korean and US companies are investing actively in the nation.

Al-Araji expressed hope that Japanese firms with advanced technology will take a special interest in his homeland. He added that as Japan has maintained good ties with Iraq, he wants it to take part in the restoration and development of the country.

An attack by a suicide bombing earlier this month, the security situation in the country remains unstable, discouraging Japanese investment.

Hasegawa acknowledged the need to improve security. He said he will analyze the situation and make proper decisions on whether to ease conditions for travel to Iraq.

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