President Urges Stronger Trade Ties With Iraq

President Asif Ali Zardari has called for greater facilitation of trade and business interaction between Pakistan and Iraq to strengthen cooperation across key economic sectors.

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President Asif Ali Zardari raised the need for enhanced trade and commercial cooperation during meetings with Iraqi leadership as part of his four day visit to Iraq. He met Iraqi Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani to discuss practical measures to expand bilateral ties and promote economic collaboration between the two countries.

According to official data, Pakistan’s exports to Iraq stood at 54.29 million dollars in 2024, while imports from Iraq, largely petroleum products, reached 145.46 million dollars. During discussions, the president identified priority sectors for cooperation including information technology, agriculture and food security, construction, pharmaceuticals and medicines. He stressed the importance of direct banking channels to improve trade flows and business engagement, while also supporting the movement of pilgrims.

Zardari highlighted the need for better facilitation for Pakistani pilgrims visiting religious sites in Najaf and Karbala, calling for improved immigration handling and flexibility in emergency travel cases. He also encouraged closer coordination between chambers of commerce and private sectors, noting Pakistan’s participation in trade and health exhibitions in Baghdad as a step toward sustained business links. Officials from both sides agreed on maintaining regular high level exchanges to advance bilateral cooperation.