California Conservative

"Iraq is not a poor country. It was made poor by tyranny." — Carlos Gutierrez

I just had the opportunity to see a great showcase of Iraqi products and services.

A new chapter in Iraq’s history is being written. The Iraqi people have been liberated from the brutality of Saddam Hussein. Free elections have been held. A unity government has been formed.

There’s still a lot of hard work to do. Creating a democracy is no easy task. It’s a huge challenge in a time of war. But the Iraqi people are committed, and a beginning has been made.

Progress is real. Our efforts to defeat terrorism and work with the Iraqi government to restore security, revitalize the economy, and boost the government’s capacity to provide essential services are succeeding.

The Iraqi economy has greatly improved since the removal of Saddam Hussein in 2003; and it’s having a significant impact on the lives of the Iraqi people.

• Investors are beginning to show optimism.
• Iraq now has a stable exchange rate.
• Foreign reserves remain strong.
• Foreign and domestic banks are opening new offices.
• The independent stock exchange, established two years ago, already lists 96 companies.
• With a streamlined and open process, more than 34,000 firms have registered to do business since March 2004.
• Cell phone usage is skyrocketing. In 2003, there was virtually no cellular phone capacity. Today, there are now some 7 million wireless subscribers.
• Iraq now has four international airports, compared to one under the Hussein regime.
• A low tariff rate between 5 and 10 percent has replaced the high, non-transparent tariff system.

The United States is committed to being a partner in these efforts. Please know, we are sticking with you.

As the Iraqi business people are here to confirm, Iraq today is open for business.  Partnerships are welcome. In fact, partnerships are frequently an essential element of doing business in Iraq.

I think it’s important to note that Iraq is not a poor country. It was made poor by tyranny.

Iraq’s most valuable resource is its people. The Iraqi people are educated and hardworking. And there are 25 million Iraqi men and women eager to rebuild their homeland and their lives.

The private sector is a strategic component of a new peaceful and prosperous Iraq that so many have fought and sacrificed for.

A lasting, prosperous democracy in the heart of the Middle East will make Americans, Iraqis and the world more secure.

Together, we can help make it happen.