video-Iran, Iraqi Kurdistan to further expand trade ties

[Aslan]

Parviz Khan was recognized as an official border crossing in 2007. Iranian trade figures show that in the last four months over 82,000 trucks crossed the Parviz Khan checkpoint from Iran into Iraqi Kurdistan. Just over 250 trucks crossed from Kurdistan into Iran in the same period. The majority of trade is food and construction materials. Iran’s consul acknowledges that trade levels are good, but says there are still improvements to be made.

Ruling MPs in Kurdistan say trade between Iran and Iraqi Kurdistan was one hundred million dollars in 2000. Trade is expected to reach over four billion dollars this year.

Trade levels started to increase after former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was toppled in 2003.

Iran is the Kurdistan Region’s second largest trade partner after Turkey. There are also signs of widening relations outside of the trade sector. Direct flights between Arbil and Iran’s Urmia city were launched in March. Flights between Arbil and Tehran were launched last year.

http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/06/20 ... rade-ties/