Latest news with #Iraq-Turkiye
Shafaq News
4 days ago
- Business
- Shafaq News
Iraq's closet goes Turkish: A trade story
Shafaq News/ Turkish clothing maintains a commanding presence in Iraqi markets, fueled by strong consumer demand, geographic proximity, and growing confidence in product quality. This retail dominance mirrors a broader economic convergence, as Baghdad and Ankara aim to boost annual trade to $50 billion—a target shaped by both strategic priorities and market momentum. Threads of Diplomacy Turkish brands are deeply woven into malls and markets across Baghdad, Basra, Kirkuk, the Kurdistan Region, and the south. Their ubiquity signals more than popularity—it reflects increasing economic interdependence, particularly in textiles, where Turkiye has emerged as a leading supplier. This alignment is rooted in post-2003 trade growth, when Turkish exports to northern Iraq surged, laying the foundation for a durable commercial partnership. Momentum has since accelerated. Recent high-level visits by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to Ankara and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Baghdad produced a series of agreements in infrastructure, energy, and trade. Among the most ambitious is the Development Road project, a $17 billion initiative linking Iraq's Grand Al-Faw Port to Turkiye via rail and highway corridors. Envisioned as a strategic transit route, the corridor is expected to diversify Iraq's economy and enhance regional connectivity. Security cooperation has also strengthened. Iraq's recent decision to classify the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) as a 'terrorist group' was welcomed by Ankara, marking closer coordination on regional threats. Turkish Textiles Take Over The apparel sector stands out as a pillar of Iraq-Turkiye commerce. In 2023, Iraq imported approximately $798 million in Turkish textiles, making Turkiye its second-largest supplier after China. Turkish garments now represent nearly 90% of clothing in Iraqi shopping centers, according to Nawaf Qilij, Head of the International Association of Industrialists and Businessmen in Turkiye. Imports rose sharply across several categories. Women's suits, jackets, and knitted wear posted increases of 10% to 40% between 2022 and 2023, while T-shirts and vests climbed by over 30%. 'This clothing has become part of Iraq's daily consumption,' observed Saadoun Abbas of the Iraqi Chambers of Commerce, pointing to a blend of high demand and trusted quality. Trader Yashar al-Bayati, who works in the New Baghdad Market, told Shafaq News that Iraqi customers now recognize Turkish fabrics for their superior cotton, intricate embroidery, and contemporary designs. 'Turkish winter wear, in particular, sells quickly because it lasts longer compared to Chinese or locally made products.' Despite strong imports, Iraq's textile exports to Turkiye remain limited—just $896,000 in 2023—highlighting a significant trade imbalance. Still, demand for Turkish goods continues, driven by price competitiveness. Consumer habits reinforce this pattern. Kirkuk-based civil servant Hanaa Jassim said she prefers Turkish brands for her children due to 'comfort, elegance, and longevity.' Even higher-end women's suits, some priced up to $200, remain in demand for their lasting quality. Bottlenecks and Barriers Structural challenges continue to limit the full potential of Iraq-Turkiye textile trade. The Khabur border crossing, currently the sole trade corridor, is overwhelmed by more than 2,000 trucks daily, creating a serious bottleneck. Industry voices have urged the opening of additional border points to alleviate congestion and streamline logistics. Complicating matters are visa restrictions that hinder Turkish businesspeople from accessing key Iraqi provinces, slowing distribution and limiting market penetration. Meanwhile, Iraq's domestic textile sector is struggling to stay afloat. Burdened by rising production costs, limited state support, and weak tariff protections, local manufacturers face mounting pressure from Turkish imports. Speaking to our agency, clothing trade expert Hussam Jamal cautioned that unchecked dependence on foreign apparel could further erode Iraq's production base. Yet, he recognized Turkiye's advantage, citing modern design and strong consumer demand as drivers of dominance. 'The apparel sector,' he concluded, 'remains one of the most dynamic areas of Iraqi-Turkish economic cooperation.'
Shafaq News
03-06-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Iraq pressures Turkiye on water flow
Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, Iraq called on Turkiye to increase water releases into Iraq. According to a statement by the Iraqi embassy in Ankara, Ambassador Majid Al-Lajmawi met at the Iraqi embassy with the Turkish presidential envoy to Iraq, Faisal Eroglu. He stressed that water remains a critical aspect of Iraq-Turkiye relations and reiterated Baghdad's desire for a strategic and equitable partnership that safeguards the rights of both countries. Al-Lajmawi further outlined the Iraqi government's shift toward modern irrigation methods, improved resource management, and sustainable environmental practices. During the meeting, Iraqi Minister of Water Resources Aoun Dhiab held a phone call with Eroglu to address technical concerns and explore avenues for direct coordination. For his part, Eroglu expressed Turkiye's willingness to cooperate on all discussed matters, particularly water. The two officials also discussed bilateral cooperation, focusing on water issues and the status of Iraqis in Turkiye. Al-Lajmawi urged Turkiye to ease residency procedures and remove administrative barriers, especially for students and those with humanitarian or medical needs.
Shafaq News
26-01-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Iraqi, Turkish FMs discuss security, economy, and regional stability
Shafaq News/ Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan convened, on Sunday, in Baghdad to discuss critical regional issues. Fidan arrived today in Baghdad for an official visit aimed at bolstering bilateral relations. During a joint press conference, Minister Hussein remarked, 'Relations between Iraq and Turkiye are strong, and we are working on further developing them, particularly following President Erdogan's recent visit to Baghdad.' The discussions encompassed a wide range of topics, including security, economic and political cooperation, as well as the regional situation, particularly in Syria. 'We discussed the presence of ISIS terrorists along the border and agreed on holding multiple meetings to address regional security challenges and counter-terrorism efforts,' Hussein noted. Hussein also emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication with the new administration in Damascus to address shared concerns. Minister Fidan described Iraq-Turkiye relations as "strategic," stressing that Iraq's security and stability are vital for the region and directly impact Turkiye. 'We are committed to the implementation of the Development Road project and aim to contribute to Iraq's development efforts,' Fidan said. Fidan also underscored the importance of security coordination, particularly in combating ISIS and addressing the activities of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). He added, 'Regional disputes must not compromise the security of either nation.' This is Fidan's third trip to Iraq. In August 2023, he met with officials in Baghdad and Erbil to discuss outstanding bilateral issues, particularly in the security domain. Additionally, he was a part of the delegation accompanying President Erdogan during his visit to Iraq in April 2024, which resulted in the signing of 27 agreements and memoranda of understanding.
