Trade: Plans to increase Iraq’s representation abroad (WTO)
Trade: Plans to increase Iraq’s representation abroad (WTO)
2025/12/09
The Ministry of Trade plans to enhance Iraqi trade representation abroad through active participation in international exhibitions and attracting global capital, as well as expanding partnerships with the private sector.
The Director General of the Private Sector Development Department at the Ministry, Dr. Malik Al-Duraie, explained to Al-Sabah newspaper that the department has developed a comprehensive program to support government efforts aimed at developing the local economy and enhancing its capabilities. This program involves direct communication with commercial attachés and diplomatic missions, and highlighting government incentives designed to encourage partnerships between the local private sector and its counterparts in other countries. He added that the ministry is also working to increase Iraq’s international presence through participation in international industrial and trade fairs. These fairs will promote opportunities in the local market and facilitate partnership programs with major companies. He indicated that the next phase will include organizing specialized workshops and meetings to improve the efficiency of personnel working in investment and private sector development, and to foster greater understanding and cooperation between government entities and the private sector. This will enhance project implementation and improve the business climate within the country.
Al-Duraie stressed the need to review the old legislation and laws related to trade and the private sector, as they are still considered among the most prominent obstacles to building an attractive economic environment for global investment, especially since the private sector is still emerging and needs support and several supporting measures.
He pointed out that international experts have confirmed that Iraq possesses strong assets that make it an ideal environment for attracting foreign investments during the next two decades, with assurances from the World Trade Organization that the country’s accession to it is imminent in light of the clear improvement in national economic indicators.
He added that the anticipated accession to the World Trade Organization will represent a pivotal step that will enhance countries’ confidence in the local economy and open up broader opportunities for competition and global trade, which will place greater responsibilities on the competent authorities to develop their capabilities and potential.
alsabaah.iq
