China-Iraq trade volume reaches $49 B, plans for 1,000 schools underway
Shafaq News/ The trade volumebetween Iraq and China reached $49 billion in 2023, making China Iraq's largesttrading partner and importer of Iraqi oil, Chinese Ambassador to Iraq, Cui Wei,revealed on Wednesday during a press conference held at the embassy in Baghdad.
China-Iraq Trade Update: $27 Billion
According to Wei, the trade volumein the first half of 2024 reached 27 billion USD, expecting that this figurewill exceed last year's total.
The ambassador noted the interest ofChinese companies in participating in the development of new oil and gas fieldsproposed by the Iraqi government, praising “the bilateral cooperation” in thisarea.
Wei also pointed out that the exportof Chinese cars to Iraq has seen a significant increase in recent years, with20,000 cars exported to Iraq in 2023.
"Since the start of 2024,exports of Chinese cars to Iraq have totaled 23,000, demonstrating theirquality and affordability, which have impressed many Iraqis."
Strengthening China-Iraq Relations
The China-Iraq agreement exemptingholders of diplomatic passports from visa requirements came into effect in late2023, facilitating procedures. "This year, we proposed to reduce visa feesand simplify processes for Iraqi students wishing to study in China,"Ambassador Wei noted.
Additionally, he noted that theGeneral Consulate in Erbil has begun providing visa services to Iraqi citizens,easing their entry procedures into China. “The consulate in Basra was opened in2023, but visa services have not yet been granted.”
The Chinese ambassador emphasized“the importance of enhancing trade and cultural relations between the twocountries, contributing to mutual development.”
China's Commitment: 1000 SchoolsInitiative
In another context, the Chineseambassador confirmed that his country has successfully built a globaleducational, social, and health system, and has established the largesthigh-speed rail network in the world. “China continues its independent foreignpolicy,” he said, calling for negotiations to build “a shared community forhumanity.”
Furthermore, he explained that theresults of the Iraq-China framework agreement benefit the Iraqi government,mentioning a project to build “1,000 schools and power stations” as part of theagreement. “Several schools have been handed over to Iraq, and students havebegun attending these institutions.”
In this context, the ambassadoraffirmed, “The locations for building the schools depend on decisions made byIraq, which determines the sites across various governorates."
However, Wei noted that the USFederal Reserve's increase in interest rates has caused some projects to halt,negatively affecting the planned progress.
Multiple Projects: Building Iraq'sFuture
Wei pointed out that the DevelopmentRoad is an important project proposed by the Iraqi side, emphasizing that IraqiPrime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani stated that "the road is not just acorridor for transporting goods; it will also contribute to transforming Iraqinto an open economic cycle."
The ambassador expressed China'ssupport for Iraq in the construction field, asserting that “the DevelopmentRoad and the Road Belt Initiatives complement each other.”
Moreover, he pointed out that“cooperation between China and Iraq exists but is not sufficient, as China hasindependent strength in various fields, including military industry.”
He explained that satellites,aircraft carriers, and drones are all produced in China, expressing hiscountry's readiness “to consult and support Iraq.”
“Some Chinese companies are workingon implementing the Al-Nasiriyah Airport project, Al-Faw Port, and theAl-Nisour Square in Baghdad,” he confirmed, noting that these projects arebeing executed quickly, hoping they will enhance the beauty of Baghdad. "Infrastructureis the foundation of necessary progress."
