Iraq’s Minister of Trade, Atheer Dawood Al-Ghariri, says the country’s ongoing economic reforms are nothing short of a real revolution — one that’s opening the door for Iraq’s entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Speaking at a dialogue session in Geneva, the minister explained that Iraq has come a long way — shifting from a tightly controlled socialist system to a true market economy. He said that over the past few years, Iraq has passed many new laws and regulations to make this shift possible.
But, according to Al-Ghariri, Iraq still needs technical support, training, and international cooperation to meet all the requirements for joining the WTO. “This next phase is about building skills and strengthening institutions so Iraq can fully integrate into the global trading system,” he said.
He pointed out that Iraq holds major investment opportunities across many sectors, but real success depends on being fully connected to global trade. “Joining the multilateral trading system will boost Iraq’s competitiveness and economic stability,” he added.
The minister also praised the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) for helping Iraq through training programs that have strengthened the skills of local officials and improved their ability to handle trade negotiations and reforms that align with WTO standards.
Al-Ghariri shared that the WTO accession committee has described Iraq’s economic reforms as a true revolution in reform, not just a minor adjustment. He highlighted major national projects like the Grand Faw Port and the Development Road, calling them key pillars that will make Iraq a regional and global economic hub.
He wrapped up by saying the Iraqi government is looking for more technical and institutional support to speed up the WTO accession process. “Free trade agreements are Iraq’s gateway to full integration into the global economy,” he said. “Our goal is to become an active member of the international trading system as soon as possible.”
