Joint committee meeting advances customs policy unification between KRG and Iraqi government

Key attendees included Rebar Ahmad, KRG Minister of Interior; Awat Janab Noori, KRG Minister of Finance and Economy; and the Director General of Customs for the Kurdistan Region.
Joint committee meeting between KRG and Iraqi government, July 1, 2024. (Photo: Submitted to Kurdistan24)
Joint committee meeting between KRG and Iraqi government, July 1, 2024. (Photo: Submitted to Kurdistan24)

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a significant step towards improving customs operations and border management, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Iraqi government held their second joint committee meeting. The primary focus was on unifying customs policies and addressing border-related issues within the framework of existing laws and the constitution.

The meeting was chaired by Mohammed Tamim, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning for Iraq.

Key attendees included Rebar Ahmad, KRG Minister of Interior; Awat Janab Noori, KRG Minister of Finance and Economy; and the Director General of Customs for the Kurdistan Region. Representatives from Iraqi Higher Education and the Border Gates Board also participated in the discussions. The talks centered on tackling ongoing challenges in customs procedures and border point management between the two governments.

A significant outcome of the meeting was the agreement to implement a unified customs policy across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Both sides emphasized the need for enhanced coordination to safeguard domestic production and enforce agricultural regulations. To ensure these goals are met, the delegations committed to continuing their coordination and holding further meetings until a final agreement is achieved.