Govt Draws Up Strategy On Iraq Reconstruction

The ministry of external affairs yesterday made its first move to get the maximum volume of business for Indian companies in post-war Iraq.

An inter-ministerial meeting was convened here yesterday by R M Abhyankar, additional secretary in the ministry of external affairs, to work out a strategy for projecting Indian expertise in handling the reconstruction of the war-ravaged country.

It has been decided that the country will take pre-emptive action in expressing its interest in various reconstruction jobs, especially in the hydrocarbon, power and roadways sectors, where some Indian companies have successfully undertaken projects abroad.

It has been decided that Engineers India Ltd, which has implemented various refinery and petrochemical projects within and outside the country, is well-placed to compete with other multinationals for contracts for rehabilitating refineries in Iraq, which were damaged partially or fully. Gail (India) Ltd has experience in laying gas pipelines, which can be gainfully utilised in Iraq.

ONGC Videsh Ltd, the overseas arm of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, can also take part in the exploration and production jobs in Iraq. It was felt at the meeting that the Iraqi authorities might not review the production-sharing contract which the Saddam Hussain regime had signed with ONGC Videsh for Block 8 after proper vetting and approval at various levels.