Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Barham Salih stressed that the establishment of joint border trade areas with Iran is essential to boost bilateral ties, Tehran Times reported.
IRINN news network quoted Saleh stating in a meeting with Iranian Commerce Minister Mehdi Ghazanfari that trade with Iran is important for them, adding that they are interested in boosting annual trade with Iran to over $5 billion.
Saleh said that 10-day visas will be issued for Iranians upon entering Iraqi Kurdistan Region and requested similar measures be taken for Kurds entering Iran.
Ghazanfari said that Iran is prepared to enhance economic relations with Iraqi Kurdistan.
The Iranian commerce minister cited an agreement for 25 percent annual growth in trade with Kurdistan of Iraq.
He said that establishing a joint commercial council, using standard capacities in exchanging goods and disseminating information on trade regulations in Kurdistan will help merchants of the two countries in their transactions.
Ghazanfari added that Iranian entrepreneurs are willing to invest in Iraq, however to do this they need more detailed information about investment laws and guarantees offered by the Kurdistan government in this regard.
He noted that establishing joint investment firms would be beneficial for both countries, adding that currently Iranian firms are carrying out technical and engineering projects in over 40 countries and have good experience in the field.