Iraq’s Ambassador Dr Rushdi Al-Ani on Wednesday said that Iraq is ready to supply oil to Pakistan unconditionally to overcome the ongoing energy crisis in the country. Iraqi Ambassador while talking to a delegation of women entrepreneurs led by Islamabad Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI) President Samina Fazil said that Baghdad is eager to import technology, edibles, cement and medicines from Pakistan. The ambassador also urged Pakistani investors to invest in Iraq as the situation there is getting much better.
Dr Rushdi Al-Ani said that Iraq has decided to import large amount of cement, wheat, rice, sugar and other items from Pakistan due to competitive prices. Iraq is importing 40 million tonnes of these items annually from other countries. He said that Iraq offers tremendous investment opportunities in construction, manufacturing, education, pharmaceuticals and other sectors which can also benefit Pakistani investors.
“I will personally facilitate Pakistani businessmen to get visa at the earliest,” he promised. Al-Ani said that he will help Pakistan’s business community in developing contacts in Iraq so that they can run their affairs smoothly. The business women of the two countries should also establish links to enhance bilateral trade, he advised.
At the occasion Samina Fazil and others expressed interest in exporting items concerning to health, agriculture, livestock, garments, jewellery, handicrafts, marble and granite.
She also spoke about the need for joint ventures between the two countries. She said that direct flights are imperative to accelerate trade between the two countries.
Samina said that private sector business community of both countries should come forward to explore opportunities of trade and investment and demanded removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers. She stressed on channeling trade related information and regular exchange of business delegations.