Iraq's Minister of Industry and Minerals Fawzi Hariri has confirmed the appointment of Iraq Development Program as the official organiser of the ministry's forthcoming Commercial Investment Summit in Dubai.

The event will take place on April 19-20.

The summit marks the decision by the ministry to embark on a process of commercialisation, as  Hariri looks to open up Iraq's state-owned industries to the global market, allowing international companies the opportunity to be joint venture partners and enter into production sharing agreements, a statement said.

This process is seen as the first step towards privatisation of Iraq's largest non-oil sectors, building on the initial success enjoyed last year when a select number of tenders were submitted within the construction sector.

The sectors covered by the Ministry of Industry and Minerals include construction, engineering, petrochemicals, food and pharmaceuticals, industrial services and textiles.

Over 40 of Iraq's most lucrative state-owned enterprises will be attending the summit, as they look to enter into formal agreements with potential partners.

Hariri will lead of delegation of the director generals responsible for these sectors, as well as the individual directors responsible for the attending SOEs.

The decision by the minister to choose IDP as organisers of the summit vindicates the success of the unique format established over a number of high level governments summit," said John Glassey, managing director of the Iraq Development Program.

"The format enables attending delegates not only to hear crucial information from the ministry on its requirements and current initiatives, but also to engage in private negotiation with key decision makers, providing tangible return on their attendance," he said.

Participation is essential for any organisation wishing to work within Iraq's industrial sectors, with letters of intent and memorandums of understanding to be signed over the two days.

A full list of Iraq's state owned enterprises can be found at the ministry's website: www.industry.gov.iq

To find out more about opportunities for attendance lease email info@developmentprogram.org or visit: www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org