CNH last week announced its participation as one of nine U.S. companies in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s trade mission to Erbil, Iraq.

Led by DoC Deputy Secretary John Sullivan, the trade mission served as a platform for non-petroleum U.S. companies to interact with leading Iraqi businesses to increase exports to and investments in Iraq. The participants in the trade mission had opportunities to give feedback directly to the Kurdistan Regional Government on the general direction and scope of the KRG’s commercial and industrial reforms.

“This trade mission to Erbil was an invaluable opportunity for Case New Holland to continue forging lasting relationships with Iraqi companies to promote ongoing bilateral cooperation, investment, and opportunity in Iraq,” said Joseph Samora CNH senior vice president, upon his return from the trade mission. “CNH’s successful participation in this trade mission will grow Case New Holland’s position as the market leader in the agricultural and construction equipment industry in Iraq for over 30 years.”

In meetings with the KRG Minister of Agriculture, Abdul-Aziz Tayeb Ahmad, officials from the Trade Bank of Iraq, the Iraqi Businessmen’s Union, and Iraqi-owned companies, CNH promoted collaboration and support between the U.S. business community and Iraqi commercial development.

CNH’s involvement in this trade mission further strengthens its relationship with Iraq and encourages economic development in the country. As recently as January 2008, CNH completed the sale to the U.S. Department of Defense of 200 New Holland tractor kits, which included specialized training on the equipment for its Iraqi operators. The sale facilitated the restart of assembly operations at the State Company for Mechanical Industries in Iskandiriyah, Iraq.

CNH has been an active participant in the U.S.-Iraq Business Dialogue since January 11, 2007 when DoC Secretary Carlos Gutierrez appointed Samora as one of 10 U.S. members on the dialogue.

CNH Global N.V. is a world leader in agricultural and construction equipment businesses. Supported by more than 11,000 dealers in 160 countries, CNH brings together the knowledge and heritage of its Case and New Holland brand families with the strength and resources of its worldwide commercial, industrial, product support and finance organizations.