Jordanian-Iraqi joint committee starts meeting

The Jordanian-Iraqi Joint Committee discussed in Amman on Wednesday means of promoting trade and economic ties between the two countries. Secretary General of the Jordanian Ministry of Industry and Trade Maha Ali stressed the need to overcome obstacles facing trade exchange and implement what had been agreed upon in previous meetings. She said trade exchange between Jordan and Iraq declined by 27% in the first half of this year compared to the same period of last year. Maha urged the Iraqi side to complete constitutional procedures for the agreement to establish a free trade zone signed in 2009. She also called for facilitating the registration of Jordanian pharmaceuticals in Iraq and remove obstacles facing this process. Advisor to the Iraqi Trade Ministry Kathim Al Hussni voiced keenness to boost trade and economic ties between Jordan and Iraq and urged the Jordanian private sector to take part in mega projects that will be carried out in Iraq.