GAİB President Abdulkadir Çıkmaz told the Anatolia news agency on Monday in Gaziantep that exporters in the region expect to improve business with Iraq, underlining that the Iraqi market has gained in importance, particularly during the global financial crisis of 2009. Çıkmaz said the unprecedented rise in exports to Iraq last year offered a sanctuary to most exporters from the region during the credit crunch. “Increased business with the Iraqi market served as a shield against the destructive impact of crisis,” he stated.
“I think the decline in exports to Iraq is temporary and that we will regain those high figures in the months to come. This is one of our largest markets, offering vast opportunities for exporters.” Southeastern Anatolia exported goods worth $81.9 million to Iraq in January. Legumes and grain product exports from the region reached $31.9 million in January while fish and livestock followed with $2.4 million.
