Baghdad conference discusses Iraqi date production and exports

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A conference in Baghdad on Iraqi dates examined ways to increase production, improve the industry and expand into foreign markets. The event, titled “Hurma Hazinesi,” also discussed the challenges facing date exports. Sabah Bağdadi, head of the Iraq Date Council, said dates rank second economically after oil and that his council places great importance on developing the sector. He said Iraq’s annual date output is 700,000 tons and could rise to about 1.5 million tons in the coming years. Bağdadi said date revenues currently stand at $450 million, with a long-term target of $5 billion. He said the sector’s main problems include a lack of state support and the absence of certificates needed to enter European and American markets. Participants said production and marketing cannot be managed alone and stressed the need for all parties to work together.