Shamali’s Iraq trip focuses on boosting economic cooperation

AMMAN — Jordan and Iraq on Wednesday discussed means to enhance bilateral cooperation in the economic and commercial fields and followed up on the outcomes of the trilateral summit between His Majesty King Abdullah, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi.

During Industry, Trade and Supply Minister Yousef Shamali’s meeting with Iraqi ministers of planning, industry and minerals, and trade, Jordan and Iraq also completed procedures of signing a memorandum of understanding in the fields of trilateral industrial integration between Jordan, Iraq and Egypt, which was signed during HRH Crown Prince Hussein’s recent visit to Cairo. 

During the meeting, Shamali stressed Jordan’s keenness to develop the level of economic cooperation with Iraq in various fields and speed up procedures to implement joint strategic projects, mainly in the fields of energy, trade and industry, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

He also referred to the economic estate project, where preliminary studies are now being prepared after both sides completed procedures related to allocating lands.

The minister said that action between the two countries should not be limited to overcoming challenges facing trade movement and holding projects, yet further efforts are needed to stimulate both countries’ private sectors to maximise the benefits of available opportunities and embark on effective economic partnerships that serve Amman and Baghdad.  

Shamali also highlighted the importance of holding the Jordanian Industries Exhibition in Baghdad, which stresses both countries’ keenness to further expand the level of economic cooperation, noting that 95 Jordanian industrial companies are participating in the event, where 25 per cent of the pavilions were dedicated for direct sale and 75 per cent for showcasing products. 

Iraqi Planning Minister Khalid Battal said that the current phase requires doubling efforts to develop Jordanian-Iraqi economic cooperation, building on the outcomes of the trilateral summit, and establishing strategic schemes at the bilateral and trilateral levels, stressing Iraq’s keenness to increase cooperation with Jordan in various fields and maximising benefits from available opportunities.

Iraqi Minister of Industry and Minerals Manhal Khabbaz said that his country is looking forward to establishing effective economic partnerships with the Kingdom, especially that there is an opportunity to realise integration in several industrial fields. 

Iraqi Trade Minister Alaa Jabouri said that enhancing trade and overcoming difficulties are among top priorities for both sides, noting that holding the Jordanian Industries Exhibition is an important step towards increasing the trade volume.