BAGHDAD, Iraq – The Coalition Provisional Authority has endorsed the Destination Baghdad Expo (DBX), a major trade fair planned for April 5-8, 2004 at the Baghdad International Fair Grounds.  The CPA has pledged support for logistics, publicity, and security for the event.

The Iraqi-American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (I-ACCI) conceived the idea for the DBX and is the prime organizer.  The CPA’s support for the event amounts to assistance in the ongoing efforts of I-ACCI.

The DBX is the first major privately-funded and organized trade fair to occur in the new Iraq.  The CPA recognizes this milestone event as an opportunity to tout Iraq’s economic progress and potential.  In the final months before the transfer of sovereignty, CPA wants to convey to Iraqis that their economic future is bright.  The DBX will be the first in a string of major economic events that will last throughout the spring, and CPA wishes to frame the Expo as “Iraq’s Grand Opening.”