Path for Trade Between Isfahan and Iraq Becomes Smoother

TEHRAN (Iran News) According to the Public Relations Department of the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, representatives from the Chambers of Commerce of Basra, Nasiriyah, and Iraq’s Ministry of Oil met with Isfahan’s economic stakeholders to expand cooperation in the fields of economy, investment, and energy. Business representatives from both countries emphasized the development of trade exchanges, joint investments, and the implementation of industrial projects across various sectors.

Mohammad Reza Gol-Ahmad, Chairman of the Corporate Social Responsibility Commission and a member of the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce Board, highlighted the province’s diverse economic strengths, saying:

“With the presence of major companies in oil, petrochemicals, steel, stone, construction equipment, food industries, textiles, and medical equipment, Isfahan is ready to multiply its trade volume with Iraq.”

Gol-Ahmad announced that plans are underway to hold specialized meetings between the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce and representatives from Iraq’s various economic sectors to identify mutual industrial capacities and needs.

He added: “If the Iraqi side specifies its needs, Isfahani companies have the ability to supply the requested goods and equipment immediately. It was also suggested that during their stay in Isfahan, representatives of Iraq’s Chamber of Commerce hold daily meetings with specialized industrial groups to conduct practical trade negotiations.”

Luwei Jumaa Abadi Al-Hajjaj, a member of the Basra Chamber of Commerce Board, stated:

“The city of Basra is fully prepared to attract investment and develop economic cooperation with Isfahan Province.”

Expressing gratitude to the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce for hosting the event, he said:

“We would like to create a joint plan to identify cooperation opportunities and implement investment projects between the two sides.”

Al-Hajjaj added that once coordination is complete, an official invitation will be sent to continue negotiations between the Basra and Isfahan Chambers of Commerce.

Maher Shaker Tobia, Vice President of the Nasiriyah Chamber of Commerce and Director of its International Relations Department, emphasized Iraq’s supportive policies:

“The Iraqi government, aiming to strengthen domestic production and attract foreign investment, has provided special facilities for Iranian companies in its industrial zones.”

He added: “Land in the industrial areas of Dhi Qar and Basra provinces is offered free of charge to investors, and projects implemented on Iraqi soil will enjoy a 15-year tax exemption along with special government support.”

Tobia stressed that the creation of a joint working group between the Chambers of Commerce of Isfahan, Nasiriyah, and Basra could pave the way for practical projects and increased economic interaction between the two countries.

Ahmad Latif, Consul General of the Republic of Iraq in Isfahan, underlined the importance of expanding economic cooperation between Iraq and Iran—particularly with Isfahan Province—saying:

“Investment opportunities in Iraq are vast, and there is room for collaboration across various sectors between the two countries.”

Referring to his recent meetings with Isfahan’s governor and officials, he added:

“A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the Iraqi Consulate and the Deputy Governor of Isfahan, and we are currently coordinating its implementation.”

Latif described Isfahan as a province rich in industrial and economic capacity and emphasized that bilateral cooperation would be mutually beneficial.

Ali Abdulkarim Nasser, CEO of Iraq Oil Pipelines Company, stated that the purpose of the high-level delegation from Iraq’s Ministry of Oil visiting Isfahan was to expand oil-related cooperation between the two countries.

He said: “This delegation, led by Engineer Ali Mousavi, Head of the Group and CEO of Iraq Oil Pipelines Company, traveled to Isfahan with the support of the Iraqi Prime Minister and Minister of Oil.”

Nasser added that a representative office of Iraq’s Ministry of Oil has been established in Baghdad in cooperation with Iran’s Ministry of Oil to enhance oil-sector interactions between the two nations at both governmental and private levels.

He concluded that the Iraqi delegation’s presence in Isfahan reflects the significance of energy cooperation between the two countries.