The U.S. Commercial Service has opened the CS Baghdad office - designed to assist and facilitate U.S. business in Iraq. Over the next few weeks and months, CS Baghdad will begin to offer a range of business services to U.S. companies interested in the Iraqi market.

Iraq's commercial potential is enormous. Beyond its well-known, substantial oil reserves, Iraq is a cradle of culture in the region with a highly literate and enterprising population. Many Americans may be surprised to learn that Iraq has a highly developed agricultural sector and for generations has been a breadbasket in the Middle East. Iraqi businessmen and engineers have been active and respected throughout the region for many years. Underlying economic conditions remain strong and are beginning to rebound in the current liberal economic environment.

Iraq needs to import a wide range of products and services as it strives to recover and rebuild after nearly 20 years of economic stagnation. U.S. firms should not ignore the commercial opportunities flowing from the multi-billion dollar international reconstruction effort. Many U.S. companies recognize this potential and have been positioning to participate in the economic renaissance in Iraq.

CS Baghdad is prepared to help all U.S. businesses unlock this economic potential. For more information, contact one of the U.S. Commercial Service's Pittsburgh Office Trade Specialists who stand ready to help you explore this market at Tel: 412-644-2800.

Export Controls for Iraq
On July 30, 2004, the Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS) published the following rule, which implements the "reversion to the Department of Commerce from the Department of the Treasury of the licensing responsibility for exports and reexports to Iraq of items subject to the EAR (Export Administration Regulations)": http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-17532.htm.

The rule, which essentially transfers jurisdiction--from OFAC to BIS--over commercial exports to Iraq, is effective as of July 30, 2004. Please note that, as the above implies, exports to Iraq that are NOT subject to the EAR (i.e. EAR99 items), may or may not require a license depending on the circumstances, or, in the case of defense-related articles, may be subject to other U.S. export controls such as the ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations).

Click Here for the New FAQ on Exports to Iraq.