Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

www.mnc-i.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20090128-13
Jan. 28, 2009

Oasis Market opens doors in Dhi Qar

Multi-National Division – Center

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – Iraqi businessmen held a grand opening for the new Oasis Market here Jan. 23 as part of a program initiative to spark the local economy in Dhi Qar Province.
 
The market opening is part of the Iraqi-Based Industrial Zone program, which started in Oct. 2008 to help local businesses develop within the security of a military installation. Both military and civilian customers can purchase some of the latest electronic equipment at the market, to include televisions, DVDs and other entertainment products.
 
Yassir Ahmed, a salesperson working at the Oasis Market, said the I-BIZ program is an easy and successful way to run a small business catering to military personnel and civilian contractors.
 
“The contract that we have with the Americans saves us money,” said Yassir, who previously leased land from an Iraqi contractor. “We are now able to use the extra money to provide a better quality of product for the Soldiers that shop here.”
 
The I-BIZ program also provides a means to directly impact the local economy through income, employment opportunities and training. 
 
Lt. Col. Timothy Norton, commander, 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, attended the ceremony to show his support of the Iraqi contractors.
 
“It helps (the brigade) to help these Iraqi businessmen gain economic stability,” Norton explained. “Simple things like this will lead to the Iraqis providing sustainment for this base long after we have gone home.”
 
Some of the long term goals for the I-BIZ program are to enable self-sustaining Iraqi owned companies, decrease unemployment in the Dhi Qar Province and grow the working class society in southern Iraq.

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