Iraq setting up economic zones in border regions


Iraq setting up economic zones in border regions
	Posted on 19 Jan 2010

	Iraq’s Industry Minister Fawzi al-Hariri said the government plans to set up special economic zones near the borders of neighboring countries. Al-Hariri added that the project will include building industrial projects and business parks, and that agreements have been reached to create special economic zones with Turkey, Iran, Syria, Jordan, and Kuwait. Yunadim Kenna, the deputy chairman of the Iraqi parliament’s economic committee, said that four free trade zones and special economic areas will be initially established in the border provinces of Basra, Anbar, and Nineveh, as well as in Baghdad. Al-Hariri said some $10 million was allocated in the 2009 budget and more is expected in the 2010 budget for the plan, which aims to attract foreign investment but will rely heavily on private Iraqi companies. He said corporate tax holidays and other exemptions will hopefully attract foreign direct investment and stimulate local growth by creating jobs.


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