Practice Areas & Industries: Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC

Practice/Industry Group Overview

Iraq and Afghanistan offer unique business opportunities for sophisticated companies interested in participating in the reconstruction of these countries. Spending for reconstruction in Iraq alone will reach tens of billions of dollars for the development of basic infrastructure. Other aspects of reconstruction outside the infrastructure redevelopment include food supply and agriculture, housing, telecommunications, health care, education, power and water, light manufacturing, transportation, mining and natural resources. It is a massive undertaking with funds coming from the U.S. and a vast contingency of other donor entities and countries. In the case of Iraq, the third largest proven oil reserves in the world will be devoted to the reconstruction. Simply put, funds are available for what is needed and will be needed to rebuild due to the global political and economic impact related to the oil reserves. It is a matter of maneuvering through the hierarchy of government and sometimes, private sector bureaucracies to determine the opportunities.

Competition for contracts and doing business in Iraq and neighboring countries such as Afghanistan is unique and difficult. Businesses are required to navigate complex government policies/politics and regulations, as well as procurement and international business laws. At the same time, it is imperative to use great sensitivity in regard to regional security issues, politics and culture. It is not a venture for the timid. Baker Donelson's advisors include a seasoned team of experienced professionals who know and understand the area, culture, politics and the people. We have the ability to help businesses participate in the reconstruction and investment opportunities in the area.

Our Iraq Reconstruction Team has on-the-ground experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The Team offers an unparalleled grasp of the region's laws, politics, culture, economy and working environment, gleaned from decades of combined experience working in the Middle East on behalf of clients and the U.S. government. Our Team includes G. Cranwell Montgomery, the former U.S. Ambassador to Oman and who is well-versed in Middle East policy; international business and trade lawyer Doreen M. Edelman; and others with broad experience in the Middle East. Also supporting the Team is the Firm's Senior Counsel and former Senator/White House Chief of Staff/Ambassador Howard Baker.

The Iraq and Afghanistan Reconstruction Team is backed by the skills and resources of Baker Donelson's international resources, including a dedicated group of attorneys with broad-based experience in construction project development as well as issues and disputes that may arise in relationship to the project.

For more than 20 years, Baker Donelson has successfully represented clients in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the Middle East. Our experience has earned us credibility and familiarity with senior U.S. government officials as well as with foreign governments designing and implementing programs in the region. Baker Donelson has built a strong and broad-based bank of knowledge with our hands-on experience as well as with relationships in the region which allow us to provide sensitive and well-informed advice to our clients.

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