On September 11, CLDP, in coordination with the US Consulate in Basrah, Iraq, conducted a meeting in Basrah with the Contractor’s Association to discuss ways to attract American partners for commercial projects in Iraq.  The Contractors association is an organization made of 36,000 members who are leading private and publicly funded construction in Basrah.  A cadre of experienced and capable members of the association are seeking US business partners for key infrastructure projects.  CLDP discussed with the members several ways the Contractors Association can evolve into a vehicle that would attract American partners to local Basrah businesses.  Currently, most US businesses shy away from capitalizing on potential investment opportunities with local enterprise because of the lack of confidence and need to conduct due diligence.  CLDP discussed how the Contractors Association can lead the effort in becoming a credible resources that prospective foreign companies can rely on when looking for local partners.  CLDP will continue working with the Consulate to develop a potential series of workshops with a core group of members from the Association to spearhead this initiative.