Indian Inc urged to link with Bechtel over Iraq

NEW DELHI - At a time when companies around the world are vying for a share in the reconstruction pie of Iraq, Indian companies have been advised to register themselves with USAID and US engineering major Bechtel to get contracts.

The strategy for reconstruction work in Iraq, prepared by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)clearly suggests that American companies like Bechtel have been awarded major contracts in Iraq, hence it would be beneficial for Indian firms to register with them.

Bechtel is also playing a major role in post-war Iraq oil industry reconstruction. Some of the major contracts in Iraq include the revamp of its three major refineries - Baiji in the north, Daura just south of Baghdad and Basrah in the south, which were severely damaged during the war.

The CII has undertaken a task to persuade Indian companies to get registered with USAID, the main agency awarding contracts. A note prepared by CII in this regard said that registration with USAID is a must to participate in the reconstruction program to get sub-contracts and as suppliers and contractors.

According to the CII, nearly 45 Indian companies have been identified which will actively participate in the reconstruction business in Iraq. Among these are Mahindra & Mahindra in the automobile sector, Larsen & Toubro in heavy engineering, Godrej Industries, Hindustan Dorr-Oliver for waste water and water management and Kirloskar Brothers for pumps and valves. Thermax has already registered themselves with USAID.

Further identification of Indian companies with requisite capabilities and experience in the areas identified by USAID includes capital reconstruction, emergency repairs, electrical grids, municipal water systems, sewage systems, airport facilities, reconstruction of schools, municipal buildings, irrigation structures and transport links.

Since Kuwait is an important ally of US, major action is expected in Kuwait too related to the Iraq reconstruction program. The CII is planning to take a delegation to Kuwait later this month.

(Confederation of Indian Industry)