Minister, Iraqi representatives meet to foster economic ties

AMMAN — Jordan on Sunday expressed interest in enhancing economic cooperation with Iraq through trade and investments in both countries. 

During a meeting in Baghdad with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Tareq Hammouri said that Jordan was keen to participate in the Baghdad International Fair, out of the Kingdom’s interest in developing economic cooperation.

Hammouri also highlighted a Jordanian-Iraqi business forum on Saturday on the sidelines of the fair, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The minister stressed the Kingdom’s readiness to present all support to help Iraq in its reconstruction efforts, highlighting the importance of establishing joint industrial zones at the borders to contribute to economic cooperation. 

Abdul Mahdi commended Iraqi-Jordanian ties, and said they are considered “a model for Arab-Arab cooperation at all levels”.

The Iraqi premier also expressed his country’s readiness to enhance relations with Jordan, especially at the economic level, and boost benefits from opportunities available in both countries. 

Hammouri also attended a meeting with Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives Mohammed Al Halbousi and addressed means to further develop ties, as well as remove obstacles facing efforts to boost trade and establish border industrial zones. 

During the Saturday business forum, Hammouri said that meetings between both countries’ businesspeople constituted the main pillar of establishing comprehensive trade partnerships and opening new markets for national products, Petra reported on Sunday.

The minister noted that economic reforms in the Kingdom have led to a competitive investment environment, and fortified the national economy through the endorsement of several laws, mainly the new Investment Law. 

He also expressed the Kingdom’s readiness to provide all facilities necessary for Iraqi businesspeople to enter Jordan. 

Iraq’s Minister of Industry and Minerals Saleh Jubouri said that the current phase requires improving economic cooperation between the two countries, which gives Jordanian businesses an opportunity to benefit from investment projects in Iraq.