Iraq-ITC Talks on Trade Diversification and WTO Accession

By John Lee.

Talks between Iraq's foreign minister and the head of the International Trade Centre (ITC) have covered economic diversification, private sector development, and support for Iraq's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baghdad on Sunday. Topics discussed included increasing Iraqi exports, developing trade policies, and strengthening investment and trade partnerships.

The two sides also discussed:

• Support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurship
• Development of agricultural and food value chains under the Strengthening the Agriculture and Agri-Food Value Chain and Improving Trade Policy (SAAVI) project, including the possibility of a second phase
• Enhanced coordination between Iraqi institutions and the ITC on economic projects linked to sustainable development and job creation

Hussein highlighted the Iraq Trade Forum for Development and Investment, hosted by Baghdad from 25 to 28 October 2026.

(Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

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