Baghdad: The Department of Foreign Economic Relations at the Ministry of Trade discussed with representatives of the British Embassy in Baghdad the latest developments regarding Iraq's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and ways to enhance technical cooperation in this regard.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry of Trade stated in a press release that its Department of Foreign Economic Relations held a meeting with the British side to review Iraq's progress in the accession process, the technical and institutional capabilities developed in recent years, and the efforts underway to finalize negotiation files in coordination with relevant ministries and entities within the National Committee for Accession and its subcommittees.
The meeting also reviewed the level of cooperation with international and regional organizations supporting the accession process, and the technical and capacity-building support they provide, which contributes to strengthening Iraq's institutional and negotiating readiness, in line with the requirements of the multilateral trading system.
Representatives of the British Embassy commended the advanced stages Iraq has reached in its accession journey, emphasizing that this process has witnessed significant progress in recent years in preparing the technical and legislative files.
The embassy representative conveyed the UK government's desire to enter into bilateral negotiations with Iraq during the fourth meeting of the Working Group on Iraq's Accession this year, particularly regarding market access for goods and the liberalization of trade in services, within the framework of supporting Iraq's integration into the multilateral trading system. The parties noted that the relevant departments within the UK Department for International Trade are closely monitoring Iraq's accession to the World Trade Organization and are prepared to engage in constructive trade negotiations that will enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.
Both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation and continuing coordination with international and regional partners to expedite the completion of accession requirements and enhance Iraq's integration into the multilateral trading system.