Iraq and Syria agreed on Sunday to measures to facilitate trade and transport through their border crossings, including the electronic exchange of customs data, easier passage for transit trucks and the expansion of the Rabia border crossing, as part of efforts to increase bilateral trade and open the Syrian market to more Iraqi exports.
Iraq’s Border Crossings Authority said the two sides had agreed to establish direct communication channels between Iraqi and Syrian crossings to exchange information, coordinate and address obstacles that could affect the smooth flow of trade.
Electronic data exchange and new routes
The agreement was reached during a video conference attended by Omar Adnan Al-Waeli, head of Iraq’s Border Crossings Authority, and officials from the customs and land transport authorities, along with Qutaiba Badawi, head of Syria’s General Authority for Crossings and Customs, and a number of authority officials.
The two sides agreed to exchange customs data electronically to save time and verify the accuracy of goods declarations and their conformity in terms of description, weight and customs duties. They also agreed to allow drivers from both countries equal access to ease the burden of transport and support trade, as well as facilitate the passage of transit trucks across the border.
The understandings included designating new lanes for commercial traffic and passengers at the crossings, as well as lanes for petrol and fuel-oil tankers and trucks carrying perishable goods.
Rabia crossing expansion and resumption of passage through Al-Waleed
The measures included expanding the Rabia border crossing and adding 100 dunams (100,000 square metres) to increase its capacity to handle and facilitate the passage of trucks and tankers. The move is part of Iraq’s efforts to increase communication and trade with Syria by activating the Rabia, Al-Waleed and Al-Qaim crossings.
Regarding passenger movement, the two sides agreed to resume crossings through Al-Waleed after the passport halls and roads designated for the purpose are completed, which is expected at the beginning of next year. Passenger movement will continue through the Rabia and Al-Qaim crossings. Iraq’s Border Crossings Authority said coordination would continue to implement the measures and support commercial and economic activity between the two countries.
Efforts to expand Iraqi exports
The understandings follow economic talks held by Iraqi Trade Minister Mustafa Nizar Al-Ani with Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Mohammad Nidal Al-Shaar during the first week of September, focusing on increasing the volume of bilateral trade and expanding Iraqi exports to Syria.
The talks were held on the sidelines of the 118th regular session of the Arab League’s Economic and Social Council and addressed the expansion of economic cooperation and the removal of obstacles to trade between the two countries. The two sides discussed promoting the entry of Iraqi products into the Syrian market, particularly cement and asphalt, in a move that would support bilateral trade and open new opportunities for the private sector in both countries.
