Fuel and construction sectors look to U.S. for contracts in Iraq

Poland wants U.S. businesses to give its firms preferential treatment in picking partners to help rebuild Iraq, government officials said yesterday. The Chamber of Commerce said total spending to rebuild infrastructure and oil-exporting capability in Iraq could top $100 billion. "Yes, we all expect preferential treatment, but the final procedures [for winning contracts] are not yet clear," Deputy Economy Minister Mirosław Zieliński told a news conference. "Large U.S. firms also have a clear view that Polish sub-contractors should receive a positive handicap," said Piotr Ogrodziński, director of the American department at the Foreign Ministry. It was announced that officials from state fuel holding Nafta Polska will travel to Kuwait within days to seek business opportunities. (Reuters) A.K.