Pakistan and Iraq to Boost Trade Ties

The Pakistan-Iraq Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG) held its inaugural meeting on the 29th of August, welcoming the Ambassador of Iraq to Pakistan, Hamid Abbas Lafta. Chaired by Sehar Kamran, MNA and Convener of the PFG, the meeting was attended by members Mehtab Akber Rashdi, Shehla Raza, and Muhammad Moein Aamer Pirzada.

According to a press release from the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), in her opening remarks, Sehar Kamran highlighted the deep, historic bonds of religion, brotherhood, and culture that connect Pakistan and Iraq. She emphasised that these ties could be further strengthened through the work of the Parliamentary Friendship Group. Ambassador Lafta echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of regular high-level engagements and expressing optimism that mutual visits would enhance cooperation across various sectors.

The Ambassador pointed out the significant potential for collaboration in energy, petroleum, trade, and business, noting Iraq’s high regard for its relationship with Pakistan. He also expressed a desire to facilitate a meeting between the civil aviation authorities of both countries to explore opportunities for greater cooperation in the aviation sector.

Pakistan shared plans to establish a commercial section in Baghdad, and the upcoming 9th session of the Pakistan-Iraq Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in September 2024 will likely see the formation of a joint working group on trade and investment. Both parties agreed that additional meetings with the business community and chambers of commerce would help identify new opportunities for economic collaboration.

The Parliamentary Friendship Group reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with Iraq, stressing the importance of the role of parliamentary diplomacy and regular exchanges in fostering deeper relations between the two nations.

Source: APP