Economy and Trade Minister Amer Bisat announces good news for Lebanese exporters via MTV’s website
Economy and Trade Minister Amer Bisat announced via MTV’s website that he had reached an agreement with Iraqi Border Ports Commission Chairman Lieutenant General Dr. Omar al-Waeli on urgent measures to address obstacles facing Lebanese exports.
The measures are as follows:
1. Allowing trucks to carry goods on their way back: Allowing Lebanese trucks to carry goods on their return journey, provided their final destination is Lebanon and the goods are not intended for distribution or unloading in Iraq, Syria or Turkey.
2. Advance notice of protective measures: The Iraqi Border Ports Commission will contact the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture and ask it to notify the Lebanese side at least one month in advance of any decisions or protective measures affecting specific goods or products. This is intended to prevent trucks from being held up, goods from spoiling and exporters from incurring additional losses.
3. Regulating the transportation of Lebanese exports to Iraq: Establishing mechanisms to ensure that Lebanese goods retain their identity and are transported exclusively through approved means operated by Lebanese drivers.
4. Facilitating transit: Contacting border crossing and customs authorities in neighboring countries to improve the passage of Lebanese trucks and goods heading to Iraq.
5. Fuel supply arrangements: Allowing Lebanese trucks to refuel in Iraq on their return journey to Lebanon without restrictions.
Minister Bisat stressed that Iraq is a key market for Lebanese products. The steps agreed upon today aim to reduce transportation costs, limit exporters’ losses and strengthen the competitiveness of our products in the Iraqi market. We will follow up on their implementation with the Iraqi authorities and keep the relevant parties informed.
