Baghdad: The Ministerial Council for Economy has initiated the formation of a permanent committee that includes representatives from both the federal government and the Kurdistan Region. This committee aims to standardize customs duties at all Iraqi border crossings and enhance the customs work system. The decision was made during a meeting focused on discussing Cabinet Resolution No. 270 of 2025, with attendees from the Ports and Customs Authority from both parties.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the session was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein. The meeting was attended by notable officials including the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning, Ministers of Finance, Trade, Agriculture, Industry, Labor and Social Affairs, the Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers, the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, the Chairman of the Securities Commission, the Deputy Chairman of the National Investment Commission, and the Prime Minister’s Advisor for Legal Affairs.
The Council hosted key figures such as the Chairman of the Border Ports Authority, the Director-General and Director of the Legal Department of the Customs Authority from the Federal Government, and a delegation from the Kurdistan Region. This delegation was represented by the Advisor to the Ministry of Interior, the Director-General of Customs, and the Director-General of Relations at the Regional Representation, to deliberate on Cabinet Resolution No. 270 of 2025 concerning customs tariffs and unifying fees across all Iraqi border crossings.
The Council concluded the meeting by forming a permanent committee, led by the Advisor to the Prime Minister for Border Ports and Customs Affairs. Members include representatives at the Director-General level from the General Customs Authority in the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Trade, the Central Bank, the Border Ports Authority, and two representatives from the Kurdistan Region. This committee will unify efforts and assess progress. They are tasked with reviewing the World Bank report and providing feedback to improve customs operations at all border crossings. Experts from the Kurdistan Regional Government are expected to submit their comments and suggestions concerning the Cabinet decision within thirty days from the committee’s establishment.
Furthermore, the statement highlighted that the Council examined the World Bank report along with proposals and recommendations from the committee responsible for analyzing the Bank’s business sector indicators. The Council emphasized the need for measures to implement reform, particularly in simplifying procedures, amending laws, enhancing services, and transitioning to digital transactions.
In additional decisions, the Council approved the Ministry of Industry’s proposal to permit the Baghdad Petrochemical Refinery Company to export oxidized asphalt via the Trebil border crossing. The Council also suggested to the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, with the Prime Minister’s approval, to issue a circular exempting foreign companies from opening branches in Iraq if their activities are related to supply contracts or consultancy services.