Tasnim � Chairman of Iran-Iraq Chamber of Commerce Yahya Ale-Ishaq on Sunday hailed the political ties between Tehran and Baghdad, saying the two sides� economic ties should also be strengthened.





Speaking in a forum of Iranian and Iraqi traders, Al-e Eshaq said the economic relations between Tehran and Baghdad have not developed on par with the political and security ties.

The official called for removal of obstacles in the way of the two countries� economic cooperation, especially in the fields of banking, transportation, and customs affairs.

He further noted that that Tehran and Baghdad eye boosting their annual trade exchange to $20 billion.

Iran and Iraq enjoy cordial political, security and cultural ties but due to some internal and regional problems including Daesh (also known as ISIS or ISIL) terrorism in Iraq, they have not been able to increase their trade volume.

Iran�s main exports to the neighboring country include agro products, foodstuff and fruits such as watermelon, tomato and cucumber, which account for 37% of the total exports.

Other Iranian exports to Iraq include canned food, tomato paste, chicken, egg, meat, construction materials (mainly rebar, tiles and ceramics), steel and evaporative cooler.