ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari recently called for facilitating trade and business interactions between Pakistan and Iraq to facilitate cooperation in key sectors of the economy between the two countries, Pakistani state media reported.
Zardari arrived in Iraq on Saturday for a four-day visit to the country aimed to deepen Pakistan’s bilateral ties with Baghdad. The Pakistani president met Iraqi Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani to discuss practical measures to enhance bilateral cooperation, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported on Sunday.
According to the Press Information Department, Pakistan’s exports to Iraq totaled $54.29 million in 2024 while imports from Iraq, primarily petroleum products, amounted to $145.46 million the same year. Analysts have noted that these figures are modest, considering the market sizes and mutual interests of both nations.
“He [Zardari] highlighted priority sectors including information technology, agriculture and food security, construction, pharmaceuticals and medicines,” Radio Pakistan said.
“The president also stressed the importance of direct banking channels to facilitate trade, business interaction and the movement of pilgrims.”
