Iraqi consulate in Karachi pledges stronger trade, investment ties
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Flags of Iraq and Pakistan placed at centre of a meeting table. —APP/File
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KARACHI: Iraqi Consul General Majid Jaejan in Karachi has confirmed his commitment to work as a bridge between Iraqi Consulate and Pakistan’s business communities, which strongly emphasizes on increasing bilateral trade, investment and tourism.
Addressing a meeting at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), the envoy expressed confidence that the reopening of the Iraqi consulate in Karachi, after 23 years, will help further strengthen Islamic and cultural relations, while further strengthening the Islamic and cultural relations.
The Consul General said 24/7 is available to help the business community in the Iraqi Consulate and to facilitate those who are interested in looking for opportunities in Iraq. He emphasized the importance of assuring the broader business community that the doors of the consulate are always open.
He added that the Iraqi Consulate will maintain regular engagement with the KCCI and the broader business community to promote trade relations and pave the way the desired procedures. Repeating his commitment, he remarked: “I will always be available to the business community. If KCCI is needed, I will see you 10 times a month. We can create a joint working group to identify the trade and investment cooperation sectors between the two countries.”
He highlighted that close cooperation with KCCI and repeated interaction Iraq will play an important role in unlocking Pakistan’s full potential for economic relations. Jegen noted that Iraq is growing rapidly and offers sufficient potential for trade and investment. He encouraged Pakistani businessmen to visit Iraq and observe a peaceful and stable environment for themselves, and urged them to ignore outdated safety concerns, as traveling across the country is now largely unpopular.
He also said that Iraq has introduced new investment laws to attract foreign investors. These rules will be shared with the KCCI to enable Pakistani business to better understand the opportunities to offer. Recognizing the high quality of Pakistani products, he expressed hope that exporters and investors from Pakistan will find the Iraqi market more actively.
The Consul General proposed the establishment of a maritime link between Basra and Karachi, which he said could play an important role in bringing the two business communities closer by improving logistics and strengthening trade routes.
He announced that the business verification services have now begun in the Iraqi Consulate of Karachi, which has confirmed the issues with Iraqi firms directly from the consulate.
Providing updates about the visa facility, the envoy has said that although issuing visas from the Karachi Consulate has not begun yet, the operation is expected to begin within a month, once a dedicated visa team arrives from Iraq. Transfer, business visas are being issued immediately by the Iraqi Embassy in Islamabad. “Business visa applicants can submit the CCI’s visa recommendation with their desired documents, and their requests will be processed without delay.”
The important thing is, he also noted that electronic visas (e-visa) services are available, which enables Pakistani citizens-especially business passengers to apply online without the need to personally meet the consulate.
Earlier, KCCI senior vice president Ziaul Irfin welcomed the Consul General and observed that Pakistan’s exports to Iraq were $ 54.29 million in FY 24, while imports from Iraq were $ 145.46 million. He remarked that the volume is much less than its capacity and it has called for simplifying customs procedures, improving the ease of doing business, and increasing the range of commercial goods and services between the two countries.
