Baghdad: The Director General of the General Company for Land Transport, Murtadha Al-Shahmani, announced the commencement of the second phase of the project to reconstruct and develop trade exchange areas at Iraqi border crossings with neighboring countries. This initiative aligns with the government’s efforts to increase non-oil revenues and enhance governance and automation in border operations.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Shahmani stated, “The company, operating under the 1983 Transport Law and the Companies Law No. (22), has completed the development of the trade exchange areas in Arar and Shalamcheh. Work is currently underway at the Zurbatiyah, Al-Shaib, Al-Mundhiriyah, and Rabi’ah areas, with the aim of completing the development of trade exchange areas at all border crossings under a new and standardized model.”

He added, “The company has successfully established a comprehensive mechanism for automation and online connectivity between the trade exchange areas and the company’s headqu
arters in Baghdad, enabling direct monitoring of all aspects of operations at the border crossings.”

Al-Shahmani explained: “The automation system includes utilizing live cameras, allowing headquarters staff to monitor workflow and review the performance of government employees at border offices, in addition to automating financial and electronic procedures.”