Pakistan, Iraq voice consensus on increasing trade ties

KARACHI: Consul-General of the Republic of Iraq in Karachi, Dr. Maher Mjhid Jejan, while urging the Karachi Chamber to lead trade delegations to Iraq and witness firsthand the country’s remarkable economic and infrastructural transformation, called for transforming the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iraq into a comprehensive strategic economic partnership by substantially expanding bilateral trade, investment, technology collaboration and cooperation in Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Speaking at a farewell luncheon hosted in his honour by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Dr. Maher Mjhid Jejan emphasized that although bilateral trade had started gaining momentum following the reopening of the Iraqi Consulate General in Karachi, yet the existing level of economic engagement remained far below the immense potential of the two brotherly nations.

He noted that exports from Karachi to Iraq, including rice, seafood, fruits, food products and pharmaceuticals, had begun increasing after the restoration of Iraq’s diplomatic presence in Karachi. However, he stressed that this was only the beginning and expressed his determination to see bilateral trade grow to much higher levels in the years ahead.

Referring to Baghdad as a unique city where history and modern development coexisted, he said Iraq offered visitors an extraordinary blend of ancient civilizations, Islamic heritage and contemporary urban development.

He particularly encouraged Pakistani investors to explore opportunities in tourism, infrastructure and other emerging sectors, revealing that Iraq had recently introduced a significantly more investor-friendly investment law, providing comprehensive legal protection and facilitation for foreign investors.

The Iraqi Consul-General also referred to his country’s recent economic engagements with the United States, including the signing of 48 economic agreements, which, he said, reflected Iraq’s growing emphasis on attracting international investment and strengthening global economic partnerships.

Dr. Jejan further highlighted the importance of direct air connectivity, noting that Iraqi Airways had been operating flights between Pakistan and Iraq for several decades with direct services from Karachi, Islamabad and, more recently, Lahore, making travel increasingly convenient for businessmen and pilgrims alike.

Sharing his personal reflections, the Iraqi diplomat said his two-year assignment in Karachi had been one of the most memorable periods of his diplomatic career.

“I have seen the quality of Pakistani industry with my own eyes and have developed friendships that will remain with me wherever I serve in the future,” he remarked.

He assured the Karachi business community that even after returning to Baghdad he would remain closely connected with the KCCI and continue extending every possible support to strengthen Pakistan-Iraq economic relations.

Chairman of the Businessmen Group (BMG), Zubair Motiwala, paid glowing tribute to Dr. Maher Mjhid Jejan for his outstanding contribution towards strengthening Pakistan-Iraq relations.

Highlighting Iraq’s impressive economic indicators, Motiwala noted that Iraq imported approximately US$65 billion worth of goods annually while Pakistan’s exports to Iraq remained extremely modest despite possessing strong export capabilities in textiles, pharmaceuticals, food products, furniture, engineering goods, meat and other sectors.

Describing the current level of bilateral trade as insignificant compared to Iraq’s import requirements, he observed that even securing 10 percent of Iraq’s import market would dramatically transform Pakistan’s exports.

“We must honestly acknowledge that the existing trade volume does not reflect either Pakistan’s export potential or the strength of our bilateral relationship. It is now our responsibility to carefully study Iraq’s import requirements and identify areas where Pakistani products can competitively replace imports currently sourced from other countries,” he remarked.

He also welcomed the proposed ferry connectivity between Pakistan and Iraq, saying it would facilitate movement of pilgrims while simultaneously reducing cargo transportation costs and strengthening commercial connectivity between the two countries.

President of the KCCI, Muhammad RehanHanif, stated that Iraqi Consul-General had consistently remained accessible to the business community and played an instrumental role in bringing the private sectors of both countries closer.

Rehan Hanif observed that Pakistan and Iraq enjoyed longstanding historical, cultural and religious ties which provided a solid foundation for expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, construction, pharmaceuticals, food products, engineering goods, agriculture, information technology and infrastructure development.

He emphasized that Karachi, as Pakistan’s commercial and financial hub, remained committed to promoting stronger institutional linkages with Iraqi chambers of commerce through regular exchange of business delegations, participation in trade exhibitions and enhanced business-to-business engagement.

While acknowledging the encouraging growth in bilateral trade, the President of the KCCI said that enormous untapped potential still existed, requiring sustained efforts by both governments and private sectors to unlock new opportunities.

Rehan Hanif told the outgoing Consul-General that the doors of the KCCI would always remain open for him and wished him continued success, good health and prosperity in his future assignments, while reaffirming KCCI’s commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Iraq economic relations.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026