Baghdad: The Ministerial Economic Council has permitted the import of seven agricultural crops to address local demand shortages while suspending the importation of table eggs. This decision was announced after the eleventh session of the Council, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein, at the Council building.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the session was attended by key figures, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning, the Ministers of Finance, Agriculture, Labor and Social Affairs, the Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers, and representatives from the Ministry of Oil and the National Investment Commission. The Prime Minister’s advisors for economic and legal affairs were also present. The Council reviewed its agenda and made essential decisions, beginning with a discussion on the economic situation following a US executive order on customs tariffs. The Economic Advisor provided insights into the trade balance between Iraq and the United States and the implications of this decision on the Iraqi market.

The Council Chairman noted that the direct impact of the US decision on the Iraqi economy is limited, although there are potential side effects on global oil prices. In response to international economic shifts, the Council explored future protective measures for the Iraqi economy. They hosted the Minister of Defense and representatives from the Ministry and the Border Ports Authority to deliberate on customs clearance and inspection mechanisms. The Council approved a recommendation to exempt the Ministry of Defense from standard inspection procedures at border ports for its imports, citing technical and security reasons, and relying on the Ministry’s existing inspection mechanisms.

Furthermore, the Council decided to form a committee comprising the Federal Audit Bureau, the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Finance, and various spending units. This committee will study accounts that have violated their accounting nature prior to 2003 and devise appropriate resolution mechanisms. The Council also decided to add table eggs to the agricultural calendar issued by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, suspending their import due to market availability. Conversely, the import of tomatoes, potatoes, squash, cauliflower, lettuce, turnips, and sugar beets will be permitted, as their agricultural season has ended. The import of onions will be suspended due to sufficient local production.

Additionally, the Council agreed to incorporate dates and date paste into the electronic system for export license applications managed by the Ministry of Commerce and the General Company for Exhibitions and Services.