Iraq, Syria discuss lifting trade barriers in Damascus meeting

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The head of Iraq's Federation of Chambers of Commerce, Amir Khalef Allawi, met with Syrian Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Mahir Khalil al-Hasan in Damascus to discuss expanding bilateral trade and easing the movement of goods between the two countries, according to a statement from Syria's Economy Ministry. The talks covered practical mechanisms for removing trade barriers and accelerating transactions, as well as strengthening coordination between the chambers of commerce in both countries and creating new partnership opportunities for investors and businesspeople. The two sides also reviewed ways to deepen economic cooperation. Ministry official Osama al-Kadi said the Iraqi market represents a strategic opportunity for Syria in May, and that commercial partnership would be deepened. A series of memoranda of understanding between the two countries is planned for the coming period. According to data from the Iraq-Syria Business Council, trade through the al-Qaim border crossing reached $1 billion in 2024. Syria's Economy Ministry announced a plan in January aimed at opening new markets for Syrian products and boosting trade with friendly countries.