BAGHDAD( WNAM REPORT): Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan successfully represented Pakistan at the 9th Session of the Pakistan-Iraq Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in Baghdad, where he co-chaired discussions and signed the official protocol to strengthen bilateral cooperation. The session marked a pivotal moment in the relationship between the two nations, with both sides agreeing on a strategic roadmap for collaboration in diverse fields.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The Joint Ministerial Commission focused on enhancing economic, trade, and cultural relations, culminating in the signing of
key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). These included agreements on:
Workforce employment between the two countries.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan praised the shared enthusiasm of both nations in advancing bilateral cooperation and underscored Pakistan’s willingness to support Iraq’s economic and infrastructural development.
The session highlighted several initiatives to expand ties, including:
• Promoting religious tourism, Enhancing industrial cooperation, with a focus on export processing zones and joint ventures in key sectors such as garments, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. Collaborating on labor and manpower export, particularly for Iraq’s reconstruction projects.
The session also emphasized health and education partnerships, offering scholarships for Iraqi students and training programs in vaccine production, healthcare, and biotechnology.
In his remarks during the signing of the protocol, Minister Jam Kamal Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fostering deeper ties with Iraq. “The economic potential between Pakistan and Iraq is immense, and the agreement signed today will serve as a roadmap to achieving our shared objectives,” he said. He also reiterated Pakistan’s reforms to facilitate foreign investment and urged Iraq to ease visa restrictions for Pakistani businesspersons.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan expressed hope that the groundwork laid during the JMC would lead to significant progress in trade, investment, and cultural exchange. He extended an invitation to Iraq to attend the 10th Session of the JMC in Pakistan to assess progress and plan future steps.
The signing of the protocol reflects a renewed commitment by both nations to strengthen their partnership across a range of sectors, including trade, education, health, and tourism. As the session concluded, Minister Jam Khan acknowledged the warm hospitality of the Iraqi government and expressed optimism for a prosperous future between the two nations.
The successful conclusion of the 9th JMC session is seen as a significant step in revitalizing Pakistan-Iraq relations, unlocking new opportunities for mutual growth and cooperation.
