Oct 19, 2015
BAGHDAD, IRAQ – Amid reports of corruption centered around rice tenders conducted by the Iraqi Minister of Trade (MoT), USA Rice has learned a court order was issued over the weekend to arrest the Iraqi Trade Minister and his brother to be investigated for corruption. It remains unclear how this latest shake up will affect the pending or future tenders. A new tender that was to be announced today has been postponed and, according to the Director General of the Grain Board of Iraq, a new tender will be issued either later this week or next regardless of this new situation.
USA Rice President & CEO Betsy Ward said, “At this point, USA Rice will await further guidance from our consultant and the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad before proceeding with plans for a visit by members of the Ministry of Trade or the Grain Board.”