Iraqi group eyes housing project with Michigan help

EAST LANSING (AP) -- A project that aims to put Michigan's manufacturing muscle to work on rebuilding Iraq is built on personal and demographic connections between the state and the Middle East nation, leaders supporting the effort say. The Iraqi National Investment Commission is working with state economic development officials on a plan to build at least 100,000 housing units in Iraq. The proposal came from Sami Al-Araji, the commission's chairman, who received his bachelor's and doctorate degrees in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University. "(Al-Araji) proposed that Michigan and Iraq work together in order to provide mutual benefit to both partners, using Michigan's intellectual, academic and manufacturing knowledge and products and exporting those to ... Iraq to help rebuild the country," Tremaine Phillips, chief program officer for the East Lansing-based Prima Civitas Foundation, told the Lansing State Journal for a recent story. Prima Civitas is convening a group of Michigan businesses to bid on the project that would involve planning, designing and building apartments and homes. Work also could include hotels, shopping centers and offices. Officials with the Iraqi commission, which serves as a promoter and adviser for investment in Iraq, say Iraqi builders lack the financial and technical resources for large developments. Michigan's know-how is attractive, as well as its network: Michigan has a large population of Iraqi refugees and immigrants, and the Detroit area is home to the American Arab Chamber of Commerce and an Iraqi Consulate General. Then there's Al-Araji, who has maintained ties with the state's business community and his alma mater. "It really boils down to the fact that he retains a pretty soft spot and warm feelings for MSU and for Michigan," said Patrick McRae, an international trade specialist with the U.S. Department of Commerce in Grand Rapids. Still, McRae said, U.S. companies likely will need to team up with firms from other countries such as Turkey, which is more familiar with the terrain. The project is estimated to be worth as much as $6 billion. Published: Thu, Jul 7, 2011