Ministers push for Iraq business investment
A conference trying to persuade Swedish firms to start investing in Iraq has begun in Stockholm.
Swedish and Iraqi government ministers are on site to tell Swedish businesses about the multi-billion crown deals currently up for grabs, Swedish Radio News reports.
Oil revenue is being used to rebuild the country after years of turmoil, with many contracts going to foreign companies.
But with violence levels the highest for two years, is it safe for Swedish companies to set up business in Iraq? Swedish trade minister Ewa Björling, a regular visitor to the country, recommends companies use the north of the country, which is relatively calm, as a springboard to launch into the rest of the nation.
"But it is a big problem for many companies today", she told Swedish Radio, "it's all about safety, can people really be based there? You can't hide the fact that things are tough, and the security situation is difficult."
