Iraq moves to open direct channels with Iranian technology firms

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's consul general in Kermanshah, Sa'dun al-Saidi, said on Thursday that Baghdad is working to establish direct communication channels with technology and information technology companies in western Iran. The aim, he said, is to help those firms enter the Iraqi market and take part in official trade events, led by the Baghdad International Fair. Al-Saidi made the remarks during a visit with a diplomatic delegation to the Technology Tower of the Science and Technology Park in Kermanshah, according to Iran's official IRNA news agency. The delegation reviewed the export capacity of local companies working in medical equipment, agricultural and industrial technology, engineering services, and digital content and animation. Al-Saidi said agriculture, medicine, construction and industry represent the most visible common ground in existing economic cooperation between Iraq and Iran. Abbas Ali Salige-dar, an official at the Iranian Foreign Ministry's Kermanshah representation, reaffirmed Tehran's diplomatic commitment to linking the companies with foreign markets. Kermanshah, which shares more than 371 kilometers of border with Iraq and operates two official crossings, accounts for a significant share of bilateral trade, with annual exports exceeding $3 billion, according to IRNA. Baghdad and Tehran have been seeking to deepen economic ties across the province.