Kurdistan, Iran sign two economic protocols to develop trade relations

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Region on Saturday signed two trade protocols with Iran aimed at fostering improved bilateral economic ties between both sides.

A joint delegation from the Erbil Chamber of Commerce and Union of the Importers and Exporters of the Kurdistan Region were invited to an economic exhibition held in Tehran with the participation of 31 countries.

With the presence of the Kurdistan flag, the Kurdish delegation signed two protocols with the Iran Chamber of Cooperative (ICC).

Mustafa Abdulrahman, Chairman of the Union of the Kurdistan Region Importers and Exporters, discussed the event with a Kurdistan 24 correspondent in Tehran.

“The two protocols of understanding were to continue trade relations between both sides as well as developing them without facing any interruptions in the future,” Abdulrahman explained.

“The protocols emphasized on the opening of an Iranian trade office in the Kurdistan Region and vice versa,” the Chairman continued.

“It also highlights the importance of the development of the border crossings between both sides,” Abdulrahman noted.

The protocols come during a time the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has agreed to hold a referendum on Kurdistan’s independence on Sep. 25, 2017.

Iran is among some countries who have publicly expressed strong opposition to the independence vote and emphasized the unity of Iraq.

Along with Turkey, Iran has substantial trade relations with Kurdistan, earning billions of dollars of revenue in business with the Region. 

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany 

(Qadir Darweshpur contributed to this report)