ESCWA Meeting Addresses Key Transport and Trade Challenges

On Sunday, Mr. Al-Saadawi, Iraq’s Minister of Transport, chaired the 29th meeting of the National Committee for Transport and Trade Facilitation in the ESCWA Region. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Transport’s headquarters, was attended by 23 Undersecretaries and representatives from various unions and syndicates, covering key topics on transport and trade.

Opening the session, Minister Al-Saadawi stressed the importance of developing plans to reform economic and trade policies, aiming to meet the evolving needs of transport and trade in Iraq. The meeting covered several crucial issues, including the enhancement of public transportation, with a special focus on a study titled “Transportation in Istanbul”, which received approval for its proposed measures.

A key point of discussion was strengthening public-private partnerships, with the Minister highlighting the need for reform in regulatory, legal, and institutional frameworks to foster a more attractive investment environment for both local and foreign investors in the transport and trade sectors.

The committee also explored ways to support the State Company for Metal Industries and Pipes, particularly in revitalising its stalled project to produce bicycles and motorcycles. Recommendations for the project’s support were presented. Additionally, the General Authority for Free Zones, under the Ministry of Finance, received recommendations to enhance its performance and operational efficiency.

Finally, the committee reviewed Iraq’s economic situation, focusing on discrepancies between the financial imports of the Central Bank of Iraq, the Customs Authority, and the Central Bureau of Statistics, addressing concerns about the current fiscal environment.

Source: Ministry of Transport