The geography of Iraq has influenced its cultural and linguistic diversity. The ancient civilizations that flourished in the region contributed to the development of distinct cultural traditions and languages. The Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which flow through Iraq, have historically provided fertile land for agriculture, shaping the region's economy and settlement patterns. This geographic feature, combined with Iraq's location at the crossroads of different civilizations, has facilitated cultural and linguistic exchange throughout history.

The land now called Iraq has historically been part of the territory of ancient Iranian empires such as the Medes, Achaemenids, Parthians, and Sassanids. 160] and was also part of Iran in some post-Islamic Iranian states until the Safavid period; during the Safavid Empire, this land was traded between Iran and the Ottomans; In some parts of Iraq, Iranian festivals such as Nowruz, Shab-e Cheleh, Chaharshanbeh Soori and held every year. Iraq is located in the Middle East, bordered by several countries including Iran, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. Its geography has played a significant role in shaping its history, culture, and interactions with neighboring regions. Iraq is characterized by diverse landscapes, including the fertile plains of Mesopotamia (between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers), marshlands in the south, mountainous regions in the north, and vast deserts in the west.

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Road transport is a crucial mode of transportation within Iraq. The country has an extensive road network connecting major cities and towns. Trucks and lorries are commonly used to transport goods across the country. The road transport system includes highways, paved roads, and some unpaved roads. However, the condition of infrastructure and road networks in certain areas of Iraq may vary. Rail transport in Iraq is somewhat limited compared to other modes of transportation. The national railway network connects major cities such as Baghdad, Basra, and Mosul. Rail transport primarily focuses on the movement of passengers rather than freight. However, efforts have been made to improve and expand the rail infrastructure for cargo transport.

Air transport plays a vital role in international trade and shipping to and from Iraq. The country has several international airports, including Baghdad International Airport, Basra International Airport, Erbil International Airport, and Sulaymaniyah International Airport. These airports facilitate the movement of goods by air cargo carriers, allowing for faster and more efficient transportation of high-value or time-sensitive shipments. Although Iraq is an inland country, sea transport is essential for international trade and shipping goods to Iraq. The country has access to the Arabian Gulf through the port city of Umm Qasr. The port of Umm Qasr is the largest seaport in Iraq, handling a significant portion of the country's imports and exports. It serves as a gateway for goods entering or leaving Iraq, with connections to various international ports.

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Conduct thorough market research to understand the demand for your product in Iraq. Identify potential customers, competitors, and market trends. Consider cultural, economic, and regulatory factors that may impact your export strategy. Familiarize yourself with the required export documentation and procedures. These may include commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, export licenses, and customs declarations. Ensure that all documentation is accurate, complete, and in compliance with Iraqi regulations.

Stay informed about the legal and regulatory environment in Iraq. Be aware of any relevant trade agreements, sanctions, or export controls that may impact your exports. Monitor any changes in regulations or policies that may affect your business operations. Assess the security situation in Iraq and consider any potential risks associated with transporting goods to specific regions. Stay updated on travel advisories and consult with security experts or local contacts to ensure the safety of your personnel and cargo. Consider establishing local partnerships or working with authorized agents or distributors in Iraq. Local partners can provide valuable market insights, facilitate business connections, and navigate local business practices.

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Iraq is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and is party to several regional and bilateral trade agreements. It is part of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA), which aims to promote trade and economic cooperation among Arab countries. Iraq also has bilateral agreements with neighboring countries, including Iran, Jordan, Syria, and Turkey, to facilitate trade and investment. Turkey is a significant trading partner for Iraq, supplying a variety of goods and products. China is a major source of imports for Iraq, providing machinery, electronics, and consumer goods. Iraq shares a long border with Iran, and the two countries have extensive trade ties, including the exchange of goods, agricultural products, and energy resources. The United States exports a range of goods to Iraq, including machinery, vehicles, and consumer products. India supplies various commodities and goods to Iraq, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, and agricultural products.

Iraq is one of the world's largest exporters of crude oil. Oil exports account for a significant portion of Iraq's total export earnings. The country produces and exports different grades of crude oil, including Basra Light and Basra Heavy. Petroleum products, such as gasoline and diesel, are also exported. Iraq has substantial natural gas reserves and exports natural gas primarily through pipelines to neighboring countries, including Iran and Kuwait. Besides energy resources, Iraq exports various commodities, including agricultural products such as dates, grains, and vegetables. Other exports include chemicals, minerals, and some manufactured goods.

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Iraq heavily relies on oil exports as a major source of revenue. Therefore, if you are exporting goods unrelated to the oil industry, the demand and profitability may be influenced by the country's economic conditions and government spending. Assess the demand for your specific product in the Iraqi market. Conduct market research to understand the target audience, competition, and potential sales volume. Consider factors such as consumer preferences, purchasing power, and market trends to determine the profitability of exporting your goods to Iraq.

Determine competitive pricing for your products in the Iraqi market. Analyze the prices of similar goods already available in Iraq and consider the local purchasing power. Ensure that your pricing strategy allows for a reasonable profit margin while remaining competitive. Evaluate the costs associated with exporting goods to Iraq, including transportation, customs duties, and other logistics expenses. Iraq's geographic location and infrastructure conditions may impact shipping costs, which can affect overall profitability. Consider working with reliable logistics partners to optimize costs and ensure timely delivery.

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To export a product, it is necessary to obtain the necessary licenses and standards by the laws of each country. In some country, for example, the Trade Development Organization has banned the export of goods to Iraq without affixing a Latin or Arabic label. The Iraqi Standardization Institute has also enacted the same law for sending Iranian goods to this country, like Iran, so that all goods with two Latin and Arabic labels can be exported to this country. It should be noted that if the exported goods meet the above conditions and are not accepted by the Iraqi customs, the relevant authorities will prevent them from entering the country, which could cause irreparable damage to exporters and producers.

The foreign debt was over $80 billion by 1988, foreign reserves were drained, development projects were abandoned, more than 20 percent of the labor force of Iraq was working for the army, oil revenue was at minimum level and all valuable things in the country such as large factories in construction materials and mineral extraction, food processing and light manufacturing and agricultural lands were sold in a frenzy of privatization and the revenue was spent for the needs of the army (Parker and Moore, 2007). Thus; based on all these political and economic problems, 1988 was the break-down year of Turkey and Iraq trade relations.

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The first step in customs clearance is to submit a customs declaration form, which includes details about the imported goods, such as description, quantity, value, country of origin, and other relevant information. The declaration is typically submitted electronically through the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) platform. Certain goods may require import licenses or permits from relevant Iraqi government authorities. These licenses are obtained before the goods are imported and must be presented to customs during clearance. The specific requirements for licenses or permits vary depending on the nature of the goods being imported.

Customs authorities determine the value of imported goods for customs purposes. The valuation is based on various factors, including the transaction value of the goods, freight and insurance costs, and any applicable adjustments as per customs regulations. Import duties and taxes are levied on imported goods based on their classification and customs valuation. The customs tariff rates can vary depending on the product category. Iraq utilizes the Harmonized System (HS) for product classification. Value-added tax (VAT) may also be applicable to certain goods. Customs authorities may conduct physical inspections of the imported goods to verify the declared information, assess compliance with regulations, and ensure that the goods match the accompanying documentation. Inspections can be random or targeted based on risk assessment.

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Iraq possesses significant oil reserves, making it one of the world's largest oil producers and exporters. Oil exports contribute a substantial portion of the country's revenue and foreign exchange earnings. However, Iraq's economy remains heavily dependent on oil exports, which exposes it to fluctuations in global oil prices. Iraq has faced numerous economic challenges, including the aftermath of decades of wars, economic sanctions, political instability, corruption, and inadequate infrastructure. These factors have hindered the country's economic diversification, private sector development, and overall economic growth.

Iraq has undertaken extensive reconstruction efforts to rebuild its infrastructure, particularly after the defeat of ISIS. The government has sought foreign investment in sectors such as energy, construction, telecommunications, and transportation to support economic development and job creation. However, challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles, security concerns, and corruption have impacted the pace of investment and reconstruction. Iraq's fiscal situation has been strained due to its heavy reliance on oil revenues, which are vulnerable to price volatility. Government spending, particularly on public sector salaries, pensions, and subsidies, has strained the budget. Fiscal deficits and a high public debt-to-GDP ratio have necessitated efforts to diversify revenue sources and reduce expenditures.

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Iraq has implemented investment laws and regulations to attract domestic and foreign investment, promote economic development, and create a favorable business environment. The key legislation governing investments in Iraq includes the Investment Law No. 13 of 2006, amended by Investment Law No. 2 of 2010, and the Companies Law No. 21 of 1997, amended by Companies Law No. 71 of 2004. The Investment Law provides various incentives to encourage investment in Iraq. These incentives include tax exemptions, customs duty exemptions on imported machinery and equipment, land allocation for investment projects, and repatriation of capital and profits.

The Investment Law covers various sectors, including industry, agriculture, tourism, housing, infrastructure, and services. Investors can establish projects in these sectors, subject to compliance with relevant laws and regulations. The Investment Law allows for different forms of investment, including establishing new companies, acquiring existing companies, joint ventures, and investment contracts. Investors can choose the appropriate investment form based on their preferences and business requirements.

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