Baghdad hosts first Azerbaijani-Iraqi business forum

The first Azerbaijani-Iraqi business forum was held in Baghdad within the framework of the 3rd session of the joint commission on economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation between the governments of Azerbaijan and Iraq.

During the meeting, Azerbaijani Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev, Deputy Minister of Economy Sahib Mammadov, Chairman of the Board of Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA) Orkhan Mammadov, Advisor to Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Nasir al-Asadi, Vice President of the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce Zaman Sahib discussed economic and trade relations between the two countries, Report informs, citing SMBDA.

Azerbaijani food, furniture, logistics and tourism companies were represented at the business forum.

The event resulted in an agreement to set up an Azerbaijan-Iraqi business council.

In addition, on December 6, Minister of Communications Hiyam Al-Yasiri chaired the meetings of the Iraqi-Azerbaijani Joint Committee / third session in the presence of Azerbaijani Minister of Transport, Communications and Technology Rashad Nabiyev and the Iraqi and Azerbaijani sides.

Al-Yasiri confirmed that the volume of trade exchange with Azerbaijan exceeded $29 million.

She praised "the depth of historical relations in the joint work between the two friendly countries in the economic, scientific and cultural fields since 2010, which culminated in increasing the volume of trade exchange and economic cooperation by more than $29 million in 2022."

The minister also pointed out that "increasing exchange and cooperation is consistent with the orientations of the Iraqi service government in moving towards the private sector, promoting investment and openness to the countries of the world, and the participation of Azerbaijani companies in obtaining promising investment opportunities to redevelop existing projects, and moving towards a new horizon for cooperation in new projects in various fields." 

Moreover, during the meeting with Azerbaijani Minister Nabiyev, President of Iraq Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and strengthening the partnership between Iraq and Azerbaijan in various fields.

The Presidency of the Republic said in a statement, received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that " President of the Republic Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid received today at Baghdad Palace, Azerbaijani Minister of digital development and transport Rashad Nabiyev and his accompanying delegation, the meeting was attended by Minister of communications Hayam al-Yasiri, Iraqi charge d'affaires in Azerbaijan Makki Al-Mamouri and several advisers”.

The statement added "During the meeting, they discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and strengthen the partnership between Iraq and Azerbaijan in the fields of science, modern technology, communications, culture and antiquities".

The president of the Republic stressed "the importance of determining the axes of partnership or programs that will be worked on to establish a basis for constructive bilateral cooperation between the two friendly countries".

According to the statement, the President of The Republic explained "Iraq's vision to current and future initiatives, programs and projects, especially related to building the capabilities of young people in technology, creativity and digital innovation".

President Rashid touched upon the "importance of taking advantage of investment opportunities and encouraging Azerbaijani businessmen to work in Iraq to contribute to the development of the private sector and activate its role in the development of the Iraqi economy".

For his part, Minister Nabiyev conveyed the greetings of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to the president of the Republic and his wishes to Iraqi people for stability and progress, appreciating the president's interest in strengthening the ties of bilateral relations, noting that "the visit of the president of the Republic to Azerbaijan strengthened relations and opened new horizons for strengthening cooperation and joint coordination between the two countries".

He pointed to “the desire of his country to continue cooperation in the fields of education ", stressing that "the opening of study and educational programs for Iraqi students wishing to study in Azerbaijan and the admission of students to Military Studies in Baku”.