Media Release
Monday, 22 December 2003 - AO48/2003
NSW Company Wins Contract For New Electricity Network In Iraq
Trade Minister Mark Vaile today welcomed confirmation that Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation (SMEC) has signed a $4 million contract to help rehabilitate Iraq's electricity sector.
A team of eight engineers from Cooma-based SMEC will supervise local electricity authority staff to rehabilitate existing, and install new, sub-stations in the three northern governorates of Iraq.
Mr Vaile welcomed the awarding of this major Coalition Provisional Authority contract to SMEC as recognition of Australian expertise in the engineering sector.
SMEC was part of Mr Vaile's business delegation which visited the US in April, immediately after major hostilities ceased in Iraq. SMEC was one of 10 companies selected to represent a broad field of Australian businesses with the experience and expertise needed to help get Iraq back on its feet.
"With many years experience in the electricity consulting business, SMEC is ideally qualified to carry out this vital rehabilitation project in Iraq," Mr Vaile said. "SMEC's work will provide millions of Iraqis what so many of us take for granted, heat and light and the flick of a switch.
"The restoration of power also marks a significant step towards the return of business and economic normality in the region."
Mr Vaile said SMEC's win builds on Australia's already strong contribution to the reconstruction of Iraq.
"Australian companies are making a significant contribution to the reconstruction of Iraq in areas from the services sector to agriculture.
"The ANZ bank is involved in an international consortium to establish the Trade Bank of Iraq, the Australian Wheat Board has secured two wheat contracts in the Oil-for-Food pipeline valued at more than $350 million. GRM has also won work through US company Bearing Point on the USAID Economic Governance contract.
"These companies are paving the way for other Australian companies interested in working in Iraq. Local Australian companies are well placed to win new contracts flowing from the next US$18.6 billion round of tenders issued by the Coalition Provisional Authority. Naturally the Government, through Austrade and DFAT, will be providing all possible assistance to Australian companies pursuing business in Iraq.
"I applaud SMEC for their win. The people of Iraq and other local companies are all set to benefit," Mr Vaile said.
Contact: Matthew Doman 02 6277 7420, Jemima Lohse (Austrade) 02 9390 2703