BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 9
By Elnur Baghishov – Trend:
The trade, weakened by the closure of the border between Iran and Iraq as a result of the spread of the coronavirus, is already improving, member of Iran-Iraq Joint Chamber of Commerce Hamid Hosseini told Trend.
According to Hosseini, in recent days, 50 Iraqi trucks entered Iran and transported goods to Iraq from the Mehran customs in Ilam Province.
Hosseini added that in addition, it was decided that 500 trucks will enter the Mehran customs and take other cargo to Iraq.
The official said that Shalamcheh border customs (in Khuzestan Province) and other border customs will soon be opened between Iran and Iraq.
Iran exported $1.1 billion worth of goods to Iraq in two months (March 20-May 20, 2020).
Iran exported $259 million worth of goods to Iraq in the first month (March 20-April 19, 2020).
Iran continues to monitor the coronavirus situation in the country. According to recent reports from the Iranian officials, over 173,800 people have been infected 8,351 people have already died. Meanwhile, over 136,300 have reportedly recovered from the disease.
The country continues to apply strict measures to contain the further spread. Reportedly, the disease was brought to Iran by a businessman from Iran's Qom city, who went on a business trip to China, despite official warnings. The man died later from the disease.
The Islamic Republic only announced its first infections and deaths from the coronavirus on Feb. 19.
The outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan - which is an international transport hub - began at a fish market in late December 2019.
The World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11 declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Some sources claim the coronavirus outbreak started as early as November 2019.