Iran and Iraq to Utilize $10 Billion Frozen Funds for Non-Sanctioned Goods
Iran and Iraq have reached a significant milestone in their economic relations, as a
senior Iranian official announced that $10 billion worth of frozen Iranian
funds in Iraq will be deposited at the Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI). This move aims
to utilize the funds for purchasing goods that are exempted from US sanctions,
particularly non-sanctioned commodities like medicine. The frozen funds
primarily stem from Iraq's debt to Iran for imports of natural gas and
electricity, which the Iraqi government has been unable to pay directly due to
US banking sanctions on Tehran. With this breakthrough, both countries see an
opportunity to strengthen their economic ties and pursue their national
interests.
Yahya Ale
Eshaq, the head of the Iran-Iraq Joint Chamber of Commerce, expressed optimism
about the growing trade volume between Iran and Iraq, which has already
exceeded $10 billion. He believes that it will be possible to further increase
the volume of trade to $20 billion in the coming years. Ale Eshaq highlighted
the importance of benefiting from business opportunities in Iraq and emphasized
that Iran's private sector will play a crucial role in driving trade growth in
the next fiscal year.
For Iraq,
this development is particularly significant as the country heavily relies on
Iran for its energy needs. Tehran provides a substantial portion of Iraq's gas
and electricity supplies. The non-payment of energy debts has led to frequent power outages in Iraq, affecting the daily lives of its citizens. The release
of the frozen funds will enable Iraq to settle its outstanding debt and ensure
a more stable and reliable energy supply. Moreover, utilizing the funds to
purchase essential commodities, including medicine, will contribute to
improving the overall living conditions for the Iraqi population.
This
agreement between Iran and Iraq marks a positive step towards strengthening
economic cooperation and reducing dependency on external factors. It
demonstrates the potential for both nations to expand their trade relations and
explore new business opportunities. By leveraging the frozen funds, Iran aims
to support its economy and promote the growth of its private sector. The
release of $10 billion frozen Iranian funds in Iraq sets a foundation for enhanced
economic collaboration and opens up avenues for increased trade between the two
countries. It reflects a strategic opportunity for both nations to pursue their
national interests while fostering mutually beneficial relations.
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