Iraq, Pakistan sign MoU to boost workforce exchange, strengthen industrial partnership

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iraq on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the provision of workforce between the two countries while agreeing to strengthen industrial collaboration, according to an official statement.
The MoU was part of the 9th session of the Pakistan-Iraq Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), which was historic for being the first such interaction held since the last meeting in Islamabad over two decades ago in 2001.
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan arrived in Baghdad a day earlier to lead his country’s delegation at the talks and was received by Iraq’s Minister for Housing and Construction Bangen Rekani at the Baghdad International Airport.
“The purpose of the JMC was to enhance economic, trade and cultural ties, which culminated in the signing of several key memorandums of understanding, including an agreement on the provision of workforce between the two countries,” the statement said.
During the meeting, both sides explored avenues for collaboration in various sectors. Religious tourism emerged as a key area of interest, while discussions also highlighted opportunities for industrial cooperation, particularly in export processing zones and fields such as textiles, pharmaceuticals and agriculture.
Health and education partnerships were emphasized as well, with plans for scholarships for Iraqi students and training programs in health care, vaccine production and biotechnology.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Pakistani minister reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepening its ties with Iraq.
“The economic potential between Pakistan and Iraq is immense, and today’s agreements provide a roadmap for achieving our shared goals,” he said.
The minister highlighted reforms introduced in Pakistan to attract foreign investment and urged Iraq to ease visa restrictions for traders from his country to promote bilateral trade and cultural exchanges.
He expressed optimism the decisions made during the JMC would pave the way for significant progress in bilateral trade, investment and cultural exchanges.
Khan also invited Iraq to participate in the 10th session of the ministerial commission in Pakistan to review progress and plan future initiatives.

Iraq, Pakistan sign MoU to boost workforce exchange, strengthen industrial partnership