Highlights country's entrepreneurial tradition

U.S. Commerce Secretary Don Evans praised Iraq's economic potential in an October 14 press conference after meeting with Iraqi business leaders, entrepreneurs, local officials and students, according to a Commerce Department press release.

The press release quoted Evans as saying, "Iraq's economic potential has barely been tapped and we are helping to meet that potential. The country's strong entrepreneurial tradition has manifested itself in the markets and business centers across Iraq since the liberation."

The Commerce Secretary went on to state, "We will work side by side with Iraqi businesses and entrepreneurs to lay the foundation of a free economy and we will not rest until the work is done."

Evans' trip coincides with the work of the Commerce Department's Iraq Reconstruction Task Force. The task force assists U.S. companies interested in reconstruction and commercial opportunities in Iraq.

Following is the text of the press release from the Commerce Department:

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EVANS IRAQ VISIT HIGHLIGHTS PROGRESS IN RECONSTRUCTION EFFORTS

Iraqi Optimism Outweighs Isolated Violence

BAGHDAD -- US Commerce Secretary Don Evans today met with Baghdad University students, business leaders, local officials and women entrepreneurs to discuss the economic development made since the liberation of Iraq. Following his meetings Evans held a press conference where he highlighted Iraqi successes after decades of corruption and misrule.

"I am pleased to report that Iraq is making progress," Evans said during the conference. "Iraq's economic potential has barely been tapped and we are helping to meet that potential. The country's strong entrepreneurial tradition has manifested itself in the markets and business centers across Iraq since the liberation."

Evans reminded attendees that a stable, democratic and prosperous Iraq would be an example of freedom's power throughout the Middle East.

"The goal of our coalition is to help the Iraqi people build a stable and prosperous country that will help Iraq become a partner in the global economy," Evans said. "We will work side by side with Iraqi businesses and entrepreneurs to lay the foundation of a free economy and we will not rest until the work is done."

On Wednesday, Evans will unveil a new Iraqi currency known as the ‘new Iraqi dinar.' The new Iraqi dinar will create a single currency that will be used throughout all of Iraq and create a reliable monetary system for future foreign investment.

In addition, he is expected to meet with US troops, members of the Baghdad government and industry leaders.

Evans' trip coincides with the work of the Commerce Department's Iraq Reconstruction Task Force. The task force assists U.S. companies interested in reconstruction and commercial opportunities in Iraq.

Chaired by Deputy Assistant Secretary Kevin Murphy, the Task Force has developed a one-stop, comprehensive web site resource (www.export.gov/iraq) where U.S. companies can receive clear, accurate, and timely information about Iraq reconstruction, the evolving commercial environment in Iraq, and potential business opportunities. It also provides web links to the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq, other U.S. Government agencies, and reconstruction prime contractors and known subcontractors.

The Task Force hotline (1-866-352-IRAQ) provides U.S. companies with guidance and business counseling on how businesses can get involved in the reconstruction effort. The task force also developed a database of U.S. and foreign companies interested in participating in Iraq reconstruction, to which industry-specific opportunities can be selectively forwarded.

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(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)