Perspective: U.S. seeks to attract business to Iraq

A glass factory in Iraq.

The Pentagon's deputy under secretary for business is touring Iraq with about 45 US business figures looking at ways to restart businesses crippled by the US-led invasion of 2003.

Paul Brinkley is evaluating industries to find ways to get Iraqis back to work and reduce sectarian violence, thus assisting the US forces in the country.

Brinkley said on Saturday, while in Baghdad, that many dormant state-owned factories would start firing up again "within months".

Already, a plant producing vehicles has reopened in Iskandiriya, 40km south of Baghdad, providing job opportunities for locals.

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