Officials from the U.S. Department of Commerce are traveling the U.S. to host a series of seminars entitled "Doing Business In Iraq." According to Commerce Secretary Don Evans, "Business conditions are improving every day in Iraq, creating a greater opportunity for U.S. businesses to explore a virtually untapped market." He added, "The country is taking the appropriate steps to compete in the global business arena and is showing remarkable progress in establishing institutions and creating environments conducive to modern commerce."

The WTO's approval of Iraq's observer status symbolizes the global community's confidence in Iraq. For the business community it shows that Iraq is moving towards a transparent and predictable marketplace, noted a DOC press release.

Upcoming seminars include the following:

• March 18, Boston, MA
  
• March 19, New York, NY
  
• March 23, Detroit, MI
  
• March 24, Minneapolis, MN
  
• March 25, New Orleans, LA
  
• April 13, Chicago, IL
  
• May 6, Houston, TX

For more information on a specific seminar, please contact Blake Holcomb at 202.482.0981.