First Iraq Vendor Fair a Huge Success

Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq Public Affairs
Story by Maj. Bob Owen

Date: 05.10.2009
Posted: 05.12.2009 11:56
News ID: 33514
Iraqi Vendor Fair a Huge Success

BAGHDAD -- The Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq along with Joint Contracting Command - Iraq held the first Iraqi vendor fair at the Al-Rasheed hotel on May 10.

The vendor fair was attended by over 80 different Iraqi owned businesses. The purpose of this vendor fair was to educate the Iraqi business owners on the process involved in doing business with the Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq. The larger than expected turnout, proved to be a tremendous success and will result in more vendor fairs in the near future.

"This is the first time MNSTC-I has accomplished this type of training. It shows the readiness of the Iraqi vendors to work and support MNSTC-I's mission," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Mahar, commander of the Joint Contracting Command - Iraq. "The command is improving relationships with local vendors and building a better educated vendor base allowing stronger competition for our goods and services. In the end, the Iraqi vendors are better educated on our acquisition processes and how to contract with MNSTC-I and the United States government."

Opening the fair was Azza Khalil-Humadi, program manager for the Women's Advocate Initiative- Gulf Region Division. She spoke about how far business women have come in Iraq and invited the women attendees to put forth the effort to do business with the U.S. government.

Many of those in attendance were contractors, including Mohammed Akram, general manager for Al-Burjass General Contracting, whose company, he says, has been doing work with the U.S. government since 2003.

The Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq has many ongoing needs for construction projects and service related services. These vendors represent companies that know doing business with the U.S. government can be a great way to get more business, hire more people and make more money.