US, Iraq sign trade and investment framework pact

The United States and Iraq have signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) to promote bilateral trade and help Iraq expand and diversify its economy.

The agreement was signed by Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Ashley Wills and Iraq Minister of Finance Ali Abdulameer Allawi at a session of the U.S.-Iraq Joint Commission on Reconstruction and Economic Development in Baghdad July 11, according to a USTR press release of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. A TIFA is a consultative mechanism to discuss issues affecting trade and investment between the United States and another country.