Iraqi and Syrian trade officials met in Damascus on August 26 to discuss expanding commercial ties, improving the flow of goods and addressing obstacles affecting trade between the two countries.
The meeting brought together the head of Iraq’s federation of chambers of commerce and Syria’s deputy minister of economy and industry for internal trade, alongside their respective delegations. According to Syria’s Ministry of Economy and Industry, discussions covered the current level of trade, ways to broaden the movement of products and practical measures to speed up procedures and facilitate cargo flows.
The two sides also discussed closer coordination between business groups and chambers of commerce. The stated goal is to increase trade, support market activity and create more opportunities for partnerships between Iraqi and Syrian businesses and investors.
The ministry said the two countries are expected to sign several memoranda of understanding in the next phase, as part of efforts to formalize economic cooperation.
The Al-Qaim border crossing is a key trade route between Iraq and Syria. Trade passing through the crossing reached $1B in 2024, according to figures from the Iraqi-Syrian Business Council.
Source: Shafaq
