Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Iran, Iraq sign MoUs on economic cooperation

IRNA

Khorramshahr, Khuzestan prov., Sept 7, IRNA -- Provincial chamber of 
commerce, mines and metals in Khorramshahr on Sunday signed three 
separate memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on economic cooperation 
with Iraqi chamber of commerce in the provinces of al-Basra, Naseriyah
and al-Amarah, Head of Chamber of Commerce, Mines and Metals in 
Khorramshahr Najm Biet Changhan said on Sunday. 
Speaking to IRNA, he said the MoUs were singed between the two 
sides officials to facilitate exchange of visit between Iran and Iraq 
businessmen and enable the Iraqi traders to take advantage of 
Iranian vast market. 
The MoU also allows the Iraqi traders and businessmen to take part
in International trade fairs in the Islamic Republic of Iran, he said.
The MoUs let the Iranian businessmen to officially enter into 
Iraq territory for business, he said. 
The absence of a legitimate and legal government in Iraq and the 
country`s shattered political situation has strongly left negative 
impact on expansion of trade cooperation between the two sides, he 
said. 
The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have now active 
presence in Iraq`s market, he said adding that Jordan, Syria and 
Turkey are seeking to penetrate into the untapped market in Iraq, he 
said. 
To actively attend in Iraq, the Iranian businessmen need to have a
clear picture from Iraq along with the country`s economic demands, he 
said adding that exchange of economic cooperation with the country 
will reduce number of unemployed people in border area. 
Before the Iraqi-imposed war, Khorramshahr chamber of commerce 
ranked second after Tehran in volume of trade exchange with Iraq. 
Iran has launched export of oil derivatives as well as 
international humanitarian aid through Shalamcheh border in Khuzestan 
province. 
Iran has exported a great deal of cement, mineral water, soft 
drinks, foodstuffs, agro-products and plastics to Iraq during the 
period. 
MM/215 
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