Iraqi Minister of Industry and Minerals Discusses With Turkish Ambassador Expanding Industrial Cooperation

BAGHDAD / NINA / Iraqi Minister of Industry and Minerals, Ahmed Nasser al-Karbouli discussed, in the ministry's headquarters in Baghdad, with Turkey's ambassador to Iraq Farouk Qaimagja and Commercial Counselor, Torol Gurun, development of the cooperation between the two countries in various fields of industry and investment opportunities. A statement for the Ministry quoted Karbouli as saying, during the meeting, that "Iraq has strong relations with Turkey and the Turkish companies have contributed in implementing several projects of construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation and development. Adding that they have proven their worthiness to work in Iraq," explaining that the Ministry have partnership agreements and investment contracts with the Turkish side in the areas of iron and steel industry, the cement industry, production of electrical energy towers and others. " Karbouli expressed his ministry's readiness to provide all possible facilities to support and encourage Turkish companies to enter the Iraqi market and expand the areas of joint work by taking advantage of the investment opportunities available to enhance economic relations and develop industrial growth in the interest of the two countries. He stressed the keenness of the ministry and its earnest desire to benefit from the excellence experiences of Turkish companies in various industrial fields , especially the construction industry , mechanical, food and pharmaceutical industries. For his part, the Turkish Ambassador, expressed desire of his country's companies to operate in Iraq, reviewing their potential in various fields, hoping to promote and develop the prospects of cooperation with the laboratories and companies of the Ministry of Industry and Minerals. Adding there are about (1600) Turkish companies operating in Iraq, including ( 1300 ) companies in the Kurdistan region and ( 70 ) company in the province of Basra, and ( 60 to 70 ) in the central provinces . " He made it clear that the Turkish government is moving towards support private sector and encourage to attract investment in various fields, stressing his country's desire and willingness to make partnership agreements with the Iraqi side and take advantage of the investment opportunities available in the Iraqi market, pointing to the importance of mutual visits between Turkish companies and companies of the Ministry of Industry to increase the chances work and cooperation and transfer knowledge and converge views in the service of industrial process for the two countries . / end