Iraq opens direct channels with technology firms in western Iran

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's consul general in Kermanshah, Sa'dun al-Sa'di, said on Thursday that Baghdad is seeking direct communication channels with technology and information technology companies in western Iran. Speaking during a visit to the Science and Technology Park in Kermanshah with a diplomatic delegation, al-Sa'di said Iranian firms would be helped to enter the Iraqi market and encouraged to take part in official trade events, led by the Baghdad International Fair. During the visit, the delegation met Park President Siamak Azadi, representatives of the Iranian Foreign Ministry and managers of technology companies. The two sides discussed mechanisms to remove obstacles to the flow of Iranian non-oil products into the Iraqi market. Al-Sa'di said agriculture, medicine, construction and industry are the most visible areas of existing economic cooperation between the two countries. The Iraqi diplomat added that the competitiveness of Iranian products in the Iraqi market is directly linked to improved packaging standards and professional Arabic-language marketing. Abbas Ali Seliqedar of the Iranian Foreign Ministry's representative office in Kermanshah reiterated Iran's diplomatic commitment to linking these companies with foreign markets. No further details on next steps were immediately available.