RAWALPINDI, OCT 31 /DNA/ – The Ambassador of Iraq to Pakistan, H.E. Hamid Abbas Lafta, visited the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) and engaged in discussions with RCCI President Usman Shaukat on enhancing trade and diplomatic relations between the two countries. Ambassador Lafta was accompanied by Ayad Ayub Saadi and Shahbaz Ahmed, and was welcomed by RCCI leadership, including Senior Vice President Khalid Farooq Qazi, Vice President Fahad Barlas, and Executive Committee members.
In his welcome address, President Usman Shaukat thanked the Ambassador for his visit and provided an overview of RCCI’s activities, highlighting business opportunities within the region. He noted the current bilateral trade volume of approximately $240 million, emphasizing untapped potential in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, food, and energy.
Ambassador Hamid Abbas Lafta reiterated Iraq’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and trade ties with Pakistan, underscoring the shared historical, religious, and diplomatic bonds between the two nations. While acknowledging the low trade volume, he highlighted the opportunity for increased commerce. The Ambassador noted that approximately two hundred and fifty thousand Pakistani pilgrims travel to Iraq annually, especially to Najaf and Karbala (Arbaein), demonstrating the significant movement of people between the two countries.
Ambassador Lafta also commended the quality of Pakistani products and encouraged the business community to enhance product marketing efforts. He assured the RCCI of Iraq’s support in facilitating the participation of Pakistani businesses in Iraqi exhibitions and trade delegations to expand trade and economic collaboration.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to deepen commercial ties and foster a stronger economic partnership between Iraq and Pakistan. In the end RCCI President Usman Shaukat presented the chamber memento to the Iraqi envoy for his visit to the chamber house.
