WTO Members welcome Iraq’s return to WTO accession talks after 16 years
At the third meeting of the Working Party on the Accession of Iraq on 18 July, WTO members welcomed the formal resumption of the country’s accession process after a 16-year hiatus, commending Iraq for its renewed political commitment and engagement in the accession process. Iraq reaffirmed its pledge to join the WTO, highlighting significant economic and legislative reforms.
Background:
Iraq is not a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Iraq was granted observer status in February 2004 and requested to join the WTO in September 2004. The EU supports Iraq's accession to the WTO and believes that WTO membership will enhance structural reform in the country and reintegration into the multilateral trading system. The EU-Iraq Partnership and Cooperation Agreement is a non-preferential trade agreement, which uses basic WTO rules.
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