In February of this year, CLDP met with the Iraqi Ministry of Industry and Minerals in response to their request for technical assistance in the formation of international strategic partnerships between Iraqi State Owned Enterprises and international companies. On May 30 and 31, 2011 CLDP conducted a seminar to initiate an eight-month program with the participants involving skills development exercises and consultations with International organizations, Turkish and US firms on structuring, negotiating, and drafting contracts that form the bases of these partnerships, to include distribution contracts, licensing contracts and contracts to form joint ventures.  The Baghdad seminar featured presentations by Dr. Roberto Rios, an international partnerships expert, who has extensive experience in advising clients on the legal issues related to strategic partnership agreements. The multi-phase program is being led by Deputy Chief Counsel Marc Tejtel, International Attorney Advisor Megan McMillan and International Program Specialist Adam Al-Sarraf.