TPO warns of losing export market in neighboring Iraq
The deputy of Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) of Iran, referring to the increasing trend of Iraq’s gross domestic product (GDP), stated, "Estimates indicate that in the coming years, Iranian goods will have no market in this country, and industrialists must prioritize quality production to maintain this export market."
Amir Roshanbakhsh Qanbari, deputy for the promotion of international business at the TPO, emphasized that Iraq is one of Iran’s important trade partners, adding, "The increase in GDP improves the living conditions of the country’s people, and enhancing the quality of domestically produced goods is essential for preserving the export market in Iraq.”
He made the remarks on Saturday during the ceremony honoring exemplary exporters and the nationwide women’s conference in northeastern province of Semnan.
Iraq ranked ninth among Arab countries in GDP per capita for 2025, according to data released by Country Cassette, a platform that monitors international economic indicators, shafaq.com reported.
Within the Arab region, Qatar recorded the highest GDP per capita at $71,653, followed by the UAE at $51,294. Saudi Arabia ranked third with $30,099, trailed by Kuwait ($29,951), Bahrain ($28,857), Oman ($20,546), Libya ($6,801), Algeria ($5,691), and Iraq ($5,668).
Stating that the value of the country’s exports in the last Iranian calendar year – 1403 (began on March 20, 2024) was between $57 and $58 billion, Roshanbakhsh Qanbari continued, "Iran has a competitive advantage over Iraq and Afghanistan, and these two countries are considered Iran’s economic partners."
The TPO official stated that commercial governance in Iran is inappropriate and requires reform, saying, "The enactment of diverse laws for private sector businesses is burdensome."