With 35 high level speakers and more than 200 delegates participating from Iraq, Greece and other European and Middle East countries this year’s Iraqi- European Business Forum , which was convened by the Arab-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, proved to be once again a very successful eventWith 35 high level speakers and more than 200 delegates participating from Iraq, Greece and other European and Middle East countries this year’s Iraqi- European Business Forum , which was convened by the Arab-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, proved to be once again a very successful event. Given the huge effort now being undertaken by the Iraqi government, and with the support of international organizations and donor agencies , for the reconstruction of the country this annual Forum was not only timely but highly relevant in view of its subject content but also on account of the great diversity of the companies which it managed to attract.
Upon the invitation ofMr.Rashad Mabger, Secretary General of the Arab-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, IENE actively supported this unique event through the participation of its Executive Director, Mr.Costis Stambolis. In his presentation, to be soon posted in the reports section of this site, IENE’s Executive Director outlined Greece’s capabilities in the energy sector and how Greek energy companies could assist Iraq in rebuilding, upgrading and expanding power generation and distribution facilities. The areas covered in his presentation among others included refining and distribution of oil products, since Greece has over the years developed considerable expertise as it operates five modern refining plants with more than 500,000 b/d total production capacity with substantial exports mostly in the Mediterranean basin.
Other areas which were highlighted in the Executive Director’s presentation included the EPC contracting capabilities of Greek companies involved in power generation,using both conventional and renewable energy sources, solar water heating installations for both commercial and household applications, solar photovoltaic plants and wind farms, electricity transmission cables and distribution systems , electricity meteringappliances and pipelines for both oil and gas applications. All the above being areas in which Greece possesses considerable expertise and are highly relevant in the context of the various projects now considered, planned or under development in Iraq as part of the country’s reconstruction programme.
