The Hindu Business Line : Post-war Iraq may `work' for Indian cos

Post-war Iraq may throw up opportunities for Indian companies in areas as diverse as road construction, port development, urban infrastructure, housing, telecommunication repair and power generation.

To provide Indian companies a head-start in Iraq's reconstruction, the apex chambers of commerce have started networking with Tata Teleservices Ltd, Punj Lloyd and National Highways Authority of India..

"The Kuwait-based Kuwait India Business Association has informed us of the opportunities in Iraq. We have approached about 15 top-ranking companies in diverse sectors. We hope to get their response in the next couple of days," Mr A.C. Patankar, Advisor of the Confederation of Indian Industry, told Business Line.

The other companies which have been approached include Hindustan Construction Company (HCC), Ashok Leyland Projects, L&T, Gammon India Consulting Engineers and Som Dutt Builders. Sources said some companies have previous experience of working in Iraq such as HCC, which constructed roads and built bridges in Basra.

Concurring with these views, the Secretary-General of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Dr Amit Mitra, said the industry expects to see major opportunities for reconstruction in Iraq in the post-war scenario. "Having worked with Iraq earlier, Indian companies have a leading edge over others," Dr Mitra said.

While the initial response from Indian companies has been slow, the officials warn that Indian companies will have to be proactive if they are keen to acquire a foothold in Iraq. "The coalition forces have already drawn up a master plan specifying the exact dates by which they want projects completed. Indian companies will have to move fast if they are to be part of the reconstruction efforts," the chamber officials said.

Whether Indian companies would finally take up the work emanating from Iraq is likely to depend on their overall corporate plans and their interest in working overseas, the officials indicated.

"Most of the work likely to emerge in post-war Iraq will be within the capability of Indian companies. Besides, it is likely to be labour from South Asian countries, including India, that will be able to work in the harsh weather conditions to complete the reconstruction work in time," the officials said.

While the major reconstruction work in Iraq is likely to be undertaken by the US companies, Indian companies could still get a lot of sub-contracts that would translate into huge business potential, the officials indicated.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication

Stories in this Section
RCF in talks for buying gas from Petronet

Spurious drugs market growing

Post-war Iraq may `work' for Indian cos

Shanta Kumar puts in papers

Watch out Coke, Pepsi... Amul's coming up with Shakti

A knockout punch for regional stock exchanges — Mandatory listing policy to be scrapped