BAGHDAD, December 27. /Dunyo IA/. As part of the visit of the Uzbek delegation to Baghdad, led by Shokhrukh Gulamov, Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, meetings were held with Thamer Qasim Dawood, Chairman (Director General) of the Iraqi General Customs Commission as well as with Amer Khalaf Alawi, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Anbar Province, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

During the meeting with the head of the Iraqi customs authority, five key issues were discussed. In particular, the sides reviewed the current procedures for importing export cargo from Uzbekistan to Iraq, including the application of value-added tax and customs duties, as well as the existence of other charges. Special attention was paid to customs tariff issues for exports to Iraq and the availability of preferential tariffs for certain countries.

The parties also discussed the possibility of introducing a “green corridor” system for the export of food products, fruits and vegetables from Uzbekistan to Iraq, as well as for the supply of dates and other goods from Iraq to Uzbekistan.

In addition, the feasibility of simplifying customs procedures for products imported into Baghdad for exhibition at the Uzbekistan pavilion during the “Baghdad International Fair” was considered.

For his part, Thamer Qasim Dawood emphasized the advisability of initially signing a memorandum of understanding between the customs authorities of the two countries. At the same time, he noted that matters related to the introduction of a “green corridor” for Uzbek goods fall within the competence of the Iraqi Ministry of Trade.

During the meeting with the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce of Iraq’s Anbar Province, the sides discussed promising areas of bilateral cooperation and the implementation of joint initiatives. The main focus was placed on three areas: opening branches of Uzbek enterprises in Iraq, establishing trade houses of Uzbek export companies, and procedures for leasing warehouse facilities in Baghdad for the storage and sale of Uzbek products.