Jordan, Iraq discuss trade, joint ventures

AMMAN — Iraq on Monday voiced support for Jordan’s request of exempting exports from customs fees, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Iraqi officials also expressed readiness to reduce commerce barriers hindering trade exchange between their county and Jordan, Petra said.

During a meeting in Baghdad between Industry, Trade and Supply Minister Tareq Hammouri and Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister Fuad Hussein, who is also finance minister, means to bolster trade exchange and establish joint economic ventures were discussed. 

The two sides also stressed the need to activate the free trade agreement between Amman and Baghdad.

Hammouri called for establishing joint industrial zones on the two countries’ borders, citing their significance in enhancing Jordanian-Iraqi economic cooperation, according to Petra. 

For his part, Hussein requested that Jordanians train their Iraqi peers on public company administration and banking skills, according to Petra.

During a meeting with Iraqi Minister of Construction and Housing and Municipalities Benkeen Rikani, Hammouri reaffirmed the Kingdom's readiness to support Iraq’s reconstruction process.

Rikani called on Jordanian companies to submit tenders to benefit from the mega projects his country intends to implement.