Baghdad, June 27 (AKnews) - The Iraqi government announced on Monday that it is seeking to increase annual trade with neighboring Syria to US$7 billion from current US$6 billion.
The announcement was made at an economic conference between the two countries held in Baghdad where officials from both countries discussed bilateral economic and trade relations.
The plan comes as the European countries and the US, impose sanctions on Syria and for the repressive measures used to crush protesters who have been calling for regime change since March.
"The Syrian delegation, headed by Trade Minister Khalid Salout and the Iraqi Trade Minster Khairullah Zebari, put emphasis on strengthening the role of investment in the various Iraqi provinces" said Salam al-Qoraishi, an economic adviser to the Iraqi government.
"Iraq seeks to increase annual trade exchange volume with Damascus to US7 billion through consolidating trade ties and signing economic agreements" he said.
© AK News 2011
