Iran Prioritizes Export Commodities for Iraq

Iran has listed the commodities that should be prioritized for export to neighboring Iraq.
As reported by IRNA citing the Ministry of Industries, Mining and Trade, top priorities include industrial machinery and equipment; medicines and health equipment; food products; detergents and cosmetics; textile; petrochemical and basic oil products; construction materials; electrical home appliances; cellular products; chemicals and minerals; fruits and ornamental plants; livestock products; industrial and herbal plants; leather; and metal products.
According to Iran’s commercial attaché in Baghdad, Nasser Behzad, Iraq imports close to $1.50 billion worth of industrial machinery and equipment, while Iran has a 5% share in this regard. 
“Considering the start of reconstruction in Iraq and the need for such machinery, Iraq’s machinery imports are predicted to reach $3 billion in 2018,” he said.
Behzad noted that poor marketing is currently the main impediment to the stronger presence of Iranian businesspeople and traders in Iraq.