Iraq records rise in trade with Syria due to closure of Strait of Hormuz

Baghdad, September 8 (KUNA) -- The spokesperson for Iraq’s Border Crossings Authority, Ala al-Din al-Qaisi, said on Tuesday that “trade between Iraq and Syria has risen to its highest levels since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.” Iraqi News Agency (INA) quoted al-Qaisi as saying that the Rabiah and Al-Waleed border crossings, which link the two countries, were reopened last April. Initially, they witnessed limited trade activity, which later increased following the closure of the strait.

He clarified that Iraq exports oil to Syria via tankers at a rate of approximately 1,500 trucks per day, while another 1,500 trucks return to Iraq. This provides livelihoods for about 3,000 truck drivers and their families, and the transport activity also boosts commercial activity along the international highway connecting the two countries.

Al-Qaisi noted that Iraq also exports construction materials and sulfur to Syria, while importing vegetables and other goods. In this regard, he pointed out that Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Allawi, during his recent visit to the Border Crossings Authority, allocated 15 billion dinars (11.5 million U.S. dollars) to implement infrastructure projects at the Rabiah, Al-Waleed, and Safwan crossings. This initiative aims to strengthen relations with neighboring and regional countries and contribute to revitalizing the Iraqi economy following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. (End) A.H.H. / N.A.A.