Baghdad holds first trade fair in over six years

BAGHDAD: Iran and Turkey led commercial interest at Baghdad's first international trade fair in more than six years, at which the presence of 400 foreign firms showed the drop in violence has roused investors' interest.

Iraq's economy has been shattered by years of war, sanctions in the 1990s, inefficient state-run operations under Saddam Hussein, and bombings, conflict and sectarian slaughter since the US-led invasion in 2003.

Some 400 companies flocked to the 10-day event. To secure the site, security forces shut down roads, helicopters hovered overhead and guards frisked those wanting to enter. Iran had 60 companies there, Turkey 44, France 40 and Brazil 21.