“Al-Hayat”: Iraq, Belarus Expand Trade :: Charter'97 :: News

Iraqi newspaper Al-Hayat, which editorial office is situated in Landon, informs about the visit of Iraqi Military Industrialization Minister Abd-al-Tawwab Mulla Huwaysh to Minsk. According to the newspaper, Belarusian and Iraqi sides have affirmed their eagerness to increase the volume of trade exchange.
Iraqi Ambassador to Minsk Dayf Ahmad has stated that the balance of trade could reach 1bn dollars soon. He declared that Belarus is ready to work out ways of creating joint projects in chemical and petrochemical industries, the assembly of tractors and trucks in Iraq.

Iraqi governmental delegation arrived in Belarus on July 14 to participate in work of a joint commission of the two countries which aim is to boost trade and economic cooperation. Beside Iraqi Military Industrialization Minister Huwaysh delegation includes members from Iraqi industry, higher education and science and research institutes.

As Belarusian FM observes, until July 20 Iraqi delegation is to discuss intensification of trade and economic ties in the framework of the UN “Oil-for-Food” program, altered by resolution of the UN Security Council 1409 (2002). Belarusian FM notes that the visit of the Iraqi delegation would contribute to further increase of bilateral cooperation.

According to Belarusian Foreign Ministry, in 2001 Belarusian export to Iraq exceeded USD 26 mln, while in January-May 2002 export was equal to about USD 11.5 mln.