US embassy cable - 04YEREVAN632

UNCLAS YEREVAN 000632 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR EB/CBA, EUR/CACEN 
COMMERCE FOR 4201/ITA/IEP/OEERIS/BISNIS/MWALTERS 
ANKARA FOR AMER KAYANI 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: BEXP, ECON, AM 
SUBJECT: ARMENIA: POST GIVES DOING BUSINESS IN IRAQ 
PRESENTATION 
 
1.  In response to numerous inquiries about Iraqi contracts 
and business opportunities Post invited construction 
companies and the Union of Manufacturers and Entrepreneurs 
to a presentation of opportunities in Iraq on March 16. 
Drawing on Department of Commerce and Coalition Provision 
Authority websites, we explained the different types of 
opportunities that exist for Armenian firms in Iraq.  In 
particular we emphasized the difference between U.S. 
Government contracts and subcontracting or other private 
opportunities that are available to Armenian firms.  We 
demonstrated where to find contact information for primary 
contractors and where to find possible Iraqi partners.  We 
also presented the Department of Commerce's Business Guide 
for Iraq and gave out information on the upcoming trade show 
in Baghdad. 
 
2.  Armenia's largest construction firms, the largest 
automobile retailer, and the Armenian representative from 
Yukos Investments made up the audience.  They were well 
prepared for the presentation, and expressed strong interest 
in going to Iraq for the trade show.  They did not express 
any negative concerns about the fact that Armenians cannot 
bid on primary U.S. Government contracts.  We believe the 
outreach was successful both in responding to general 
interest and in getting those with specific and genuine 
interest to the information they need to move forward. 
ORDWAY