Turkish Trade Minister to lead high-level delegation visit to Baghdad, Basra
The Turkish trade delegation is scheduled to meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Minister of Trade Atheer Dawood Salman, and Minister of Transportation and Communications Razzaq Muhaibis al-Saadawi.
Nov. 17, 2024
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Turkish Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat will embark on a two-day official visit to Iraq on Monday, Nov. 18, accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising representatives from the Turkish Contractors Association, Turkish Exporters Assembly, and various Turkish companies.
The Turkish trade delegation is scheduled to meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Minister of Trade Atheer Dawood Salman, and Minister of Transportation and Communications Razzaq Muhaibis al-Saadawi.
On Tuesday, Nov. 19, the delegation will also meet with Asaad al-Eidani, Governor of Basra.
The visit aims to facilitate networking between Turkish and Iraqi business communities and explore opportunities for strengthening bilateral relations.
A "roundtable meeting" with contracting companies is planned in both Baghdad and Basra.
During the visit, discussions will focus on further strengthening trade and economic ties between the two nations.
According to recent trade figures, Turkish exports to Iraq from January through November this year have increased by 5.3% compared to the previous year, reaching $10.8 billion.
During the same period, exports from Iraq to Turkey decreased by 41%, totaling $3.7 billion. The overall trade volume between the two countries stands at $14.5 billion.
To date, Turkish contractors have undertaken 1,111 projects across Iraq, with a total value of $34.9 billion.
Iraq represents one of Turkey's most significant trading partners in the Middle East. The relationship between the two nations has been characterized by growing economic cooperation, particularly in construction and infrastructure development.
Turkish companies have played a crucial role in Iraq's post-war reconstruction efforts, with their involvement spanning various sectors from construction to energy.
The bilateral trade relationship, while showing strong export figures from Turkey, has seen fluctuating import numbers from Iraq, reflecting the complex economic dynamics between the two neighboring countries.
