Iraq and UK Strengthen Economic Ties through World Trade Organization Accession

Strategic Insights -

Iraq is seeking to strengthen its economic ties with the United Kingdom through accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). The Director General of the Department of Foreign Economic Relations at the Ministry of Trade, Riyadh Al-Hashimi, met with the Commercial Section Officer at the British Embassy in Baghdad to discuss the latest developments in Iraq's accession to the WTO. The meeting aimed to enhance partnership and cooperation between Iraq and the United Kingdom, with a focus on improving the investment climate and developing the business environment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Iraqi government is committed to benefiting from the technical and specialized support provided by the United Kingdom to enhance Iraq's chances of accession to the WTO.
  • The Ministry of Trade has coordinated with relevant Iraqi ministries and agencies to fulfill the requirements for joining the WTO, with significant developments and achievements made so far.
  • The two sides discussed ways to expedite the completion of procedures necessary for the implementation of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Iraq and the United Kingdom.
  • The Commercial Section Officer at the British Embassy reaffirmed her country's support for Iraq's accession process, stressing the United Kingdom's readiness to provide the required assistance through cooperation and partnership programs.
  • The meeting highlighted the importance of maintaining ongoing communication to achieve progress on shared interests and contribute to the development of economic and trade relations between the two countries.
  • The Iraqi government is seeking to improve the business environment and investment climate to attract more foreign investment.
  • The Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Iraq and the United Kingdom aims to enhance economic cooperation and partnership between the two countries.

Statistics:

  • No specific statistics were mentioned in the source material.

Sources:

  • National Iraqi News Agency (August 5, 2025)