US-based global law firm Diaz Reus and Targ has announced the opening of its offices in Iraq, further expanding its presence in the Middle East and reinforcing its long term commitment to the region.

'As the first major international US law firm to enter post-war Iraq, our new offices provide us with a significant presence in this increasingly important emerging market,' remarked Diaz Reus managing partner Michael Diaz, Jr.

'This is the natural and logical next step for our firm, which already has a  presence in the Dubai International Financial Centre.'

According to Diaz, these new offices will enable the firm to further provide full service support to its clients and their business needs in the Middle East region.

As a key player in Iraq's legal market, Diaz Reus will focus on project finance, direct investment, mergers and acquisitions, corporate and business transactions, regulatory compliance and international arbitration.

The Miami-based firm has established a strategic alliance with Newton & Partners, an emerging markets law firm that will serve as Diaz Reus's affiliate in Iraq.

'We are pleased to be of counsel to Diaz Reus and look forward to advising the foreign firms regarding their investment strategy and associated corporate and regulatory aspects while operating in greater Iraq and the Kurdistan area,' observed Halim Gebeili, senior partner of this growing Mideast firm which has just started operations in Libya and Cairo.

'The Middle East is becoming increasingly important to our worldwide client base, which ranges from North and South America to greater Asia, China, India, and Europe,' he stated.

'It's clear that emerging markets will be driving global economic growth for the next decade, and Diaz Reus is well positioned with its in-depth local understanding, coupled with market-leading  international expertise, to assist in accessing these markets,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service