Meeting Held to Prepare for Iraq-US Trade & Investment Council

The Ministry of Trade, through its Department of Foreign Economic Relations, has held a preparatory meeting ahead of the fourth session of the Iraq-US Trade and Investment Council, with participation from representatives of relevant ministries and agencies.

According to a ministry statement, Director General Riyadh al-Hashimi said the meeting reviewed Iraqi proposals to finalise a comprehensive working paper that reflects the government's direction to strengthen economic, trade, and investment cooperation with the United States, and to benefit from American expertise and resources.

Discussions also covered bilateral cooperation in trade, economy, industry, finance, agriculture, health, and standards. The meeting concluded with agreement to continue preparatory sessions and coordinate with the US side to schedule the fourth session in Baghdad, once revisions to the working paper are complete.

The Minister of Trade chairs the Iraqi side of the council, which stems from the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) signed between Iraq and the United States.