Iran Ups Non-Oil Exports to Iraq

“A total of $1.028 billion of non-oil goods have been exported to Iraq in 2016,” Governor of Qasr-e-Shirin City Faramarz Akbari said.

Akbari said that the weight of the exported goods during the period hit 3.255 million tons and mainly included Portland cement, cakes and biscuits, tomato and tomato paste, watermelon, dairy products, construction materials, fruits and vegetables.

In relevant remarks in early January, Iraqi Deputy Trade Minister Walid Habib al-Helou voiced his country’s willingness to broaden trade and economic relations with Iran.

“The Iraqi government is willing to develop commercial and economic relations with Iran and cooperate with the Iranian firms to supply the Iraqi people with their needs,” al-Helou said in a meeting with Iranian counterpart Mojtaba Khosrotaj in Baghdad.

The Iraqi deputy trade minister reiterated that Iran is an influential state that has common borders with Iraq, and said, “The Iraqi government is seeking to bolster trade relations with Tehran.”

Al-Helou said that Iraq intended to promote good trade and economic ties with all neighboring countries, Iran in particular, adding, “During the meeting with the Iranian delegation we discussed bilateral issues in various areas between the two sides and in lines with their interests.”