Government Orders to Upgrade Border Crossings and Establish New Routes

The Border Crossings Authority announced a governmental directive to upgrade border crossings and establish new routes to enhance trade exchange. The Authority's head, Major General Omar Al-Waeli, stated that work continues around the clock in implementation of the Prime Minister's directives, aiming to raise the level of trade exchange through crossings, especially those linking Iraq with the Islamic Republic of Iran, ensuring citizens' needs are met. He pointed out that this decision came in response to the demands of Iraqi traders and importers concerned about the accumulation of vegetable shipments on the Iranian side and the risk of spoilage, leading to direct entry of these goods, which positively affected vegetable prices in local markets. Al-Waeli added that the Authority continuously monitors trade and import movement requests, striving to achieve several goals including increasing non-oil revenues, providing job opportunities for drivers and workers, and supporting the Iraqi market with foodstuffs and essential supplies. He also confirmed that the flow of goods from Iran to Iraq is smooth, noting that the Prime Minister recently ordered the implementation of development and rehabilitation works for border crossings, alongside establishing new routes equipped with advanced inspection devices based on infrastructure assessments and needs. He concluded by stating that the Authority will continue in the coming days to carry out rehabilitation and development works and provide the necessary equipment, contributing to speeding up goods movement, enhancing crossing efficiency, and supporting trade exchange.