USAID: Assistance for Iraq - Accomplishments: Economic GovernanceRestoring Iraq's Infrastructure Decades of operating power plants without regular
maintenance and repairs, coupled with fuel shortages and vandalism, have limited power
availability for homes and businesses in Iraq. Restoration of power is critical to the
reestablishment of all facets of Iraqi society and is required for sustainable economic growth.
USAID, in collaboration with the Ministry of Electricity and the Coalition Provisional Authority,
focuses on establishing reliable power throughout Iraq. The programs will also invest in human and
institutional capacity-building to improve cost recovery and better operate and maintain
infrastructure and delivery systems.
More about USAID accomplishments could be found at
"USAID web site"
Latest NewsPepsi back on the menu for Iraqis by BBC
Pepsi will be renewing its "fizzical" presence in Iraq for the first time in 13 years under an agreement by the soft drink maker, PepsiCo International.
PepsiCo has signed a deal with Baghdad Soft Drinks Company (BSDC), to produce and distribute Pepsi and the company's other drinks, including 7-Up.
The drinks will be available in the first half of 2004, and could create up to 2,000 jobs in Iraq at BSDC.
Pepsi entered Iraq in 1950 but left in late 1990, when sanctions were imposed.
The agreement will serve an area in central Iraq with some 40% of the country's 26 million people.
Good to be back
In March 2003, left-wing rebels in southern India attacked shops selling Coca Cola and Pepsi as a mark of protest against the US-led war on Iraq.
A Pepsi warehouse in the area was also attacked as being a symbol of American "aggression".
Saad Abdul-Latif, president of PepsiCo International's Middle East-Africa region, hopes Iraqis will take to the brand, and said: "We're delighted to resume local production."
He praised the experience and expertise of the Baghdad company, which became a Pepsi franchisee in 1984.
As part of the re-launch, the drinks, including Mirinda, will have new bottle designs with contemporary graphics.
Testing the Iraqi-American Services Blogger
