Microsoft appoints first official Iraq distributor

Microsoft appoints first authorized distributor for Iraq, says executive

Rajai S. El-Khadem, Microsoft Manager of Business Development for Emerging Markets speaks to the media in Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, May 28, 2012. Microsoft Corp. says it has appointed a local company to distribute its products in Iraq in what it says is a sign of growth for the war-plagued country. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)

·Associated Press

BAGHDAD (AP) -- Microsoft Corp. says it has appointed a local company to distribute its products in Iraq in what it says is a sign of growth for the war-plagued country.

Manager of Business Development for Emerging Markets Rajai S. El-Khadem said Monday that the software giant had chosen the Baghdad-based Legend Lands Co. as its Iraqi partner.

El-Khadem called on Iraq's government to approve laws protecting intellectual property and usage of software.

Decades of war and UN sanctions have created technology shortages in Iraq and the government's limited supervision has overwhelmed the market with illegal software products.

Advertisement