Kurds propose Korea bid on 3 major projects

The Kurdish regional government in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil, home to Zaytun troops since last September, has offered exclusive bidding rights to South Korean companies to build three key infrastructures.

The offer coincides with the continuing rehabilitation mission in the Irbil area by about 3,600 Zaytun unit soldiers, the third-largest contingent in the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq after the United States and Britain. The Korean troop presence in Iraq was approved at the end of 2004 for another year.

"The Kurdish government proposed Seoul-based companies to exclusively build three key infrastructures," said an official at the office of the Joint Chief of Staff. They are a sewage disposal system, a sports complex and the Saladin University in Irbil.

South Korean construction ministry officials inspected the area around Dec. 20 and drafted an assessment regarding costs and construction periods, the official said on the condition of anonymity.

The assessment reports said it will require about $1 billion with three to five years construction for the sewage facility, about $70 to 80 million with one to five years for the sports complex, and about $1 billion with five to six years for the university.

The official bidding process has yet to be finalized, the official said.

"The exclusive proposal is evidence of the South Korean troops` relentless efforts and the trust it has gained among local residents and the government," he said.

Analysts said the successful Kurdish showing in the Jan. 30 Iraqi national election will pave the way for further South Korean business participation in rebuilding the war-torn Middle East country.

In 2004, the Korean troops distributed 12 billion won ($11.7 million) worth of humanitarian supplies to needy residents of a local community, and built a Zaytun health clinic for local residents, according to a report to parliament by the Defense Ministry.

With about 160 billion won earmarked for this year`s budget, the troops have been working on longer-term community improvement projects, such as improvements at the local water pumping station, education facilities and job advisory centers.

From April, the Defense Ministry predicts, the troop presence will help stimulate the regional community`s economy, which in turn will help guarantee further Korean business participation in rehabilitation projects in such fields as information technology and construction.

(smjoo@heraldm.com)



By Joo Sang-min