Baghdad/  
 

Minister of Trade Athir Dawood Al-Ghariri discussed with the US Chargé d'Affaires in Baghdad, Ambassador Daniel Rubinstein, Vice President of the US Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Iraqi-American Business Council Steve Lutes, and the accompanying delegation, ways to enhance economic and trade relations between Iraq and the United States.
The Ministry of Trade said in a statement, "The Minister stressed during the meeting Iraq's keenness to strengthen its economic relations with the United States within the framework of the government's orientations towards approving and implementing economic reforms to improve the business and investment environment.

Al-Ghariri pointed out, according to the statement, the exceptional efforts made by the Ministry in coordination with government agencies to hold the third round of negotiations for Iraq's accession to the World Trade Organization after a 16-year hiatus, as Iraq submitted files for goods and services and reviewed economic reforms, including the legislation of the Intellectual Property Law.

The Minister explained: "Iraq seeks to simplify the procedures for the work of American companies inside the country to support trade and investment between the two countries," referring to self-sufficiency in local wheat during the past two years, with the continuation of work on the memoranda of understanding signed with the American side related to the country's needs.

He called on American companies to hold a "Made in America" ​​exhibition inside Iraq and organize a forum between the Iraqi and American private sectors to review investment opportunities and available projects, and hoped that American companies would be present in the sessions of the Baghdad International Fair.

For his part, Ambassador Rubinstein expressed his aspiration for more cooperation and openness between the two countries, referring to the economic reforms that Iraq is witnessing to improve the business and investment environment. He also announced preparations for a visit by a delegation of American businessmen to Iraq next April.

In turn, Steve Lutes thanked the Ministry of Commerce for its support for the work of American companies, praising the Iraqi efforts to improve the business environment and encourage investments.

The statement added: "The two parties agreed to enhance cooperation to expand the business base and strengthen economic and trade relations in a way that serves the common interests of the two countries."

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