Iraqi minister of trade: $300 million in transactions with Syria

Iraqi Minister of Trade Mohammed Mahdi Saleh expected that the value of contracts with Syria within the framework of the oil-for-food program will reach $300 million after the value of contracts in the second phase didn't exceed $120 million.

He said, "The steps taken by Syria and Iraq during the last two years move steadily towards activating commercial cooperation between the two countries," confirming that the transactions with Syria will be increased in quality and quantity.

He added, "The number of exchanges is still limited in comparison with the abilities of the two countries," confirming his country's concern with expanding the list of new investments with Syria.

He said, "We agreed with Syria on importing consctuction tools, generators and washing powders," expressing his country's wish to import wheat, beans, and lentils.