TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 23. Uzbekistan
and Iraq discussed the simplification of logistics and customs
procedures for entering the Iraqi market, as well as the reduction
of tariff and non-tariff barriers, Trend reports via the Uzbek Chamber of Commerce
and Industry.
These issues were discussed during a meeting held as part of a
working visit by the Uzbek delegation to Baghdad with Gassan Hamid,
Iraq’s Deputy Minister of Trade for Economic Affairs.
The discussions were attended by Shokhrukh Gulamov, Deputy
Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan; Davron
Vakhabov, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of
Uzbekistan; and Ayubkhon Yunusov, Uzbekistan's Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Iraq.
The participants also reached an agreement on the active
engagement of entrepreneurs from both nations in the 49th Baghdad
International Fair, which is set to take place in Baghdad from
February 1 to 7. This event is anticipated to open new avenues for
Uzbek companies to secure contracts, collaborate on joint projects,
and tap into previously unexplored markets.
In the wake of the meeting, the sides committed to sustaining
regular dialogues focused on expanding trade relations, fostering a
more favorable business environment, and ensuring tangible
outcomes.
Iraq, with a population of approximately 46 million and an
estimated annual import demand of $53 billion, presents a
significant and promising market for Uzbekistan. The country
annually imports textiles, carpets, and leather products worth
approximately $3 billion, food products and construction materials
valued at $4 billion, and electrical equipment worth nearly $3
billion. Furthermore, Iraq's furniture market is valued at around
$1.2 billion, while pharmaceutical imports amount to approximately
$2 billion.
