KLIA 2 - MSSA Malaysian Structural Steel Association

MSSAMalaysian Structural Steel AssociationOpportunityKnocks inIraq4Iraq today (December 2010) is underoccupation, but that does not meanthat development should be stifled.Indeed it has to continue in order tokeep pace with the expectations ofthe people. It is important for the Iraqigovernment to show that it is workingin the interest of the people in orderto gain their support and cooperation,especially once the occupiers leavethe country.In the immediate future, the buildingof the Basra Sports city is underwayand the construction of the seaport ofFao is about to start. The shrines atKarbala are to be upgraded by IranCo., for which 35,000 tons of steel arerequired. Before the war, Iraq used toimport five million tons of steel a yearfrom Japan, the Ukraine and India. Iraqused to have a steel mill of its own inBasra, but it is not in operation, so thew w w . m s s a . o r g . m yOCT - DEC2010market is open to new sources of steel.There are ore deposits in Alhusainayatwhich have yet to be re exploited.There is a need for five Subang-sizeairports to be built, as well as tenhospitals of 600 beds each over thenext five years. Over the next ten yearsthere will be a huge demand for roads,bridges, stadiums and at least fivemillion housing units of various grades.In the oil and gas sector there is a needfor pipelines all over the country as wellas refineries and other installations.Public services such as telecommunications,water and electricity suppliesand sewerage works are also in direneed.As a government has already beenformed, this shows the willingnessof the people to strive for peace andharmony. The projects completed todate show that the necessary fundsare in place and available for thereconstruction. Such funds eithercome from the Iraqi government orfrom Iraqi developers themselves, andalso credit facilities are now available.The rebuilding of Iraq is best done byIraqis for Iraqis, but they need helpfrom capable companies such as thosein Malaysia.Certainly Malaysia and Iraq enjoya good relationship with close tiesat the diplomatic level. Many Iraqischolars are offered scholarships totake various courses at first degree,masters and doctorate levels herein Malaysia so that they will becomethe knowledgeable work force thatIraq needs in the future. Many Iraqiacademics are teaching in Malaysianinstitutions, to the point that almostevery university has at least two or