Cooperation Brings Commerce to Local Citizens in Nasiriyah

Photo By Staff Sgt. David Bill | Sgt. Ray Eilerman of the 220th CSE looks to possibly purchase a watch during the opening day of the UR International Market. (Photo by Sgt. David Bill 48th BCT PAO)  

TALLIL, IRAQ

12.19.2005

Courtesy Story

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BASE CAMP ADDER, An Nasiriyah, Iraq --With the snip of the scissors, the UR International Market officially opened November 19, establishing a new spirit of commerce. Local Iraqi vendors are ready to sell their wares to Soldiers who are eager to part with their money in exchange for merchandise.

Merchants settled into their booths and displayed everything from local crafts, rugs, jewelry, electronics and other items that are well received by the Soldiers. Additional vendors are expected to set up shop and bring even more of a variety of products in the coming days. The UR International Market is a cooperative effort initiated between the local tribal leader, Sheik Ali Al Manshad and the Soldiers of Texas" 56th Brigade Combat Team.

"We all can benefit from this, hopefully this will be a successful market" said Sheik Ali during the ceremonies that mark the opening of the market.

"This will be a good thing for coalition forces and Iraqi merchants. We wish the most prosperity for vendors. Soldiers are very happy for this partnership" said COL. James "Red" Brown, commander of the 56th BCT to the gathered Soldiers and others who watched the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Special thanks were given by Brown to his Civil Affairs staff who coordinated this project and to the 220th Corps Support Engineers who were responsible for the construction of the project. The market was constructed in part by the Soldiers of the 220th Corps Support Engineers, of Festus, Mo., who are part of the 648th Engineer Battalion of the 48th Brigade Combat Team, which replaced the 56th BCT.
The project was completed in just four work days. This type of project is well within the capabilities of the 220th Soldiers who have been very busy since arriving here. The merchant booths were constructed by engineers as well.

"This type of project is geared for what we can do. What we did here will increase the relationship between the Iraqis and the Coalition forces," said Sgt. First Class Robert Mercille, the platoon sergeant for 3rd platoon who was responsible for the project.

There are additional plans for the market place to include additional vendors, a seating area and a gazebo, lights and possibly a food court. According to Sgt. Major Calvin Wilcox, project manager for the market.

"This will be good for both the local merchants and the Soldiers of the area" said Wilcox.

This market will benefit all those who participate in it. It brings commerce to the local Al Ghizzie tribe and the other local merchants in the area. These merchants purchase goods from distributors and in turn make the items available for sale to the Soldiers and other Coalition partners.

"This is a very positive event. We look forward to the growth of this market," Saad Ali Al Manshad, manager of the market and son of Sheik Ali Al Manshad.

This market continues the well established partnership between the local Iraqi people and the coalition partners. The free enterprise opportunities that come from joint efforts like this market allow the Iraqi people of the district to grow and prosper while maintaining their sense of independence that will help lead to a democratic Iraq.

• Date Taken: 12.19.2005
• Date Posted: 12.19.2005 03:03
• Story ID: 4128
• Location: TALLIL, IQ