Investment atmosphere in Iraq ready to receive global companies – PM

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Monday received a number of French companies and invited them to work in Iraq and contribute in the reconstruction operation. “The Iraqi oil sector needs to a comprehensive renewal operation and the housing sector needs two million housing units, and the other economic sectors needs big projects,” al-Maliki said during the meeting. “The government has allocated all necessary amounts and the opportunities are available for the French companies to carry out projects in these sectors,” he added. “Iraq is an agricultural country more than being an oil country and the agricultural sector is the most damaged sectors and needs the French companies’ experience,” he also said. Al-Maliki arrived on Sunday (May 3) in Paris, coming from London, in an official visit, the first of its kind to an Iraqi premier, to tackle bilateral relations and cooperation in armament field. SH (P)/SR 1