New Convention Center Means Big Business for Baghdad
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Posted By:
Catherine Moy
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Business booming in Iraq, Convention Center; Offices being built in Baghdad
Do you get the feeling that Iraq is a cesspool of blood and guts? Well, look again – and look past the New York Times. A convention center and new offices show the progress toward peace in Iraq. The story:
BAGHDAD — Business development opportunities will soon be expanded at the Baghdad International Airport complex.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is overseeing work to convert the two former domestic terminals into a modern convention center. In addition, an eight-story structure is being remodeled to offer 250 office spaces for lease.
“That convention center will have the capacity to handle gatherings up to 25,000 people,” says USACE project engineer Matthew David. “It will include exhibition halls, offices, conference rooms, and a restaurant. We’re putting in new plumbing, plastering, electrical, lighting, and air conditioning. It’s located at the transportation hub of Iraq, a perfect location for such a facility.” The two former terminals are both two-story structures, one measuring 53×138 meters, the other 31×150 meters. The $6.3 million renovation project is about 20 percent finished with a projected completion date of next spring.
Next door to the convention center is an eight-story 3,076-sq.-meter office structure. “Businesses will be able to come in and rent space as needed, from one office to several floors of offices. Work there includes new restrooms, electrical, fire protection with sprinklers, lighting, new ceilings, plastering, a new mechanical system including two 200-ton air conditioning chillers, office furniture, a lighted parking lot, and a cafeteria.
“Our Iraqi contractor is definitely interested in the mission of rebuilding Iraq and is taking extra steps to ensure that the office building will meet the needs of its customers,” David said. Currently that $4 million project is about 30 percent finished with a projected completion date of April 2008.
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Medicine, toys and love for the Iraqi people
An Iraqi boy awaiting a medical screening holds toys and candy given to him by U.S. Marines in Saqlawiyah, Iraq, on Oct. 23, 2007. A combined medical engagement, hosted by coalition forces and executed by Iraqi army soldiers, shows continual positive relationship between Iraqi citizens and security forces.