The Iraqi Ministry of Trade participated today, Sunday, for the first time since 2004, in the World Trade Organization (WTO) ministerial conference held in the capital, Abu Dhabi. Minister Atheer Al-Ghurairy, in a speech during the preparatory meeting for Arab ministers of trade and economy within the Arab group for the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference, stated that "Iraq is participating for the first time since 2004 in the WTO ministerial conference held in Abu Dhabi," noting the "completion of Iraq's requirements to join the organization, which involves finalizing the trade in goods and trade in services files as part of the accession timetable to the multilateral trading system."
The minister highlighted "the Iraqi government's desire and seriousness in establishing balanced economic relations with all countries worldwide across various levels and fields by improving the business and investment environment and implementing genuine reforms in laws and regulations." He expressed gratitude to "the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for supporting Iraq's accession to the international organization through the visit of its permanent ambassador to the organization, Saqr Al-Muqbel, and his chairmanship of the working group for Iraq's accession."
Regarding intra-Arab trade and increasing trade exchange among Arab countries, Minister Al-Ghurairy emphasized "Iraq's interest in the importance of the presence of Arab countries in Iraq to restore its active role in economic organizations." He congratulated "the Comoros and East Timor on their accession to the World Trade Organization."
