Basra: The Chairman of Basra Provincial Council, Khalaf Al-Badran, announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with a high-level Iranian delegation at Shalamcheh border crossing, to establish new mechanisms for developing trade and investment exchange between the two sides.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Badran affirmed in a press statement: “This memorandum represents a foundation and starting point for future cooperation,” indicating that “the discussions focused primarily on the shared vision of establishing a free trade zone in Shalamcheh, an ambitious strategic project that will bring about a qualitative shift in the volume of trade exchange.”

Al-Badran noted: “These efforts aim primarily to support the local economy of Basra Governorate and create real job opportunities for its people, translating historical ties with the Iranian side into a tangible economic reality that benefits everyone.”