Tehran, Iran, Aug.22
Trend:
The volume of transit and exports from Iran to Iraq is expected to increase to five times, said a member of Iran's Chamber of Commerce.
"The exports of raw material to Iraq, use of Iran-Iraq borders, creation of trade centers in borderline and development of tourism are the important steps to maintain and increase Iran's exports to the country's western neighbor, which currently stand at $9 billion " said Keyvan Kashefi, Trend reports citing IRNA.
"To achieve this goal, new approaches and interaction between the businessmen of the two countries are required. In this regards, expansion of raw material exports to Iraq, increase of joint investment and use of joint borders are important," he added. "It has been agreed to create three joint trade centers in Iran and Iraq joint boarder points, one of which to be established in Kermanshah."
He went on to say: "We have many companies in Iraq, and necessary foreign currency for import of goods will be provided; hopefully many obstacles will be removed."
"Tourism between Iran and Iraq has remarkably improved; the two sides agreed to lift visa and many Iraqi tourists arrive for medical treatment, pilgrimage and tourism in Kermanshah Province," he noted.
"The province will host an economic delegation from Basra and we seek to hold more meetings with Iraqi businessmen to develop the province economy," he added.
Around one third of Iran's exports is sent to Iraq via Kermanshah Province.