when it absolutely, positively has to be in Iraq

Federal Express Corp., the world's largest express transportation company, has added Iraq to its global delivery network. FedEx Express is the first to offer door-to-door pickup and delivery for shipments in and out of the cities of Baghdad, Basra and Mosul.

"Iraq has the potential to be one of the fastest-growing economies and will require integrated end-to-end transportation solutions," says Hamdi Osman, regional vice president, FedEx Middle East, Indian Sub-Continent and Africa. "There's no question that the country faces a tough business climate," he adds, "but nothing that can't be overcome by ensuring connectivity with other markets around the globe."

FedEx Express services in Iraq will be operated by Falcon Express Inc., which has years of experience operating in the Middle East. Falcon Express currently provides delivery services for FedEx Express in Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, Syria and Yemen.

FedEx representatives say the company's role will be a significant asset to Iraq and its business community as the country works to rebuild its infrastructure and economy. Access to the FedEx Express international network also helps facilitate the transportation of humanitarian aid into the country, they say, including projects carried out with Water Missions International and International Aid.