Iraq Plans to Export Processed Dates to Europe

The Iraqi Ministry of Trade has formulated a work plan to export processed and semi-processed dates to European markets, under agreements currently being prepared. This initiative aims to enhance the marketing channels for Iraq's primary national product. In a related development, Baghdad will host a date exhibition at the end of October at the Baghdad International Fairground. Dr. Malik Al-Duraie, Director General of the Private Sector Development Department, told the official newspaper that "the Ministry has prepared a plan to support and develop the date crop, transitioning from exporting raw material to supplying it fully or semi-processed." He noted that dates are currently exported raw to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which then package them for re-export. The Ministry intends to export processed dates directly to Europe, based on agreements underway. The plan includes training workshops led by Italian experts for private sector representatives from factories and companies. These workshops will introduce the necessary mechanisms to develop and expand their production lines. Al-Duraie clarified that exporting to Europe requires adherence to rigorous standards, including high specifications, quality, and excellent packaging for the exported dates. The Ministry is working to establish dedicated export channels for dates, after preparing factories and increasing production lines to meet demand. He stressed the importance of boosting Iraq's date production and marketing sector for its vital role in national economic development, drawing lessons from regional experiences. Al-Duraie also announced the Ministry's formation of a preparatory committee, in coordination with the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce and the Iraqi Dates Council, to hold the second Iraqi Date Exhibition. Scheduled for October 31, the two-day event at the Baghdad International Fairground will showcase the finest 600 globally renowned varieties of Iraqi dates. It will also feature sessions and meetings among farmers, producers, exporters, businessmen, and local and foreign companies, alongside an economic forum to discuss relevant ideas and visions.