Iraq and Finland Discusses Strengthening Economic, Trade and Investment Cooperation

Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Bilateral Relations Ambassador Mohammed Hussein Bahr Aluloom held discussions in Helsinki, with the Under-Secretary of State for International Trade Mr. Jarno Syrjälä, on ways to enhance economic, trade and investment cooperation between the two countries, on Thursday 27 February 2025. Undersecretary Bahr Aluloom reviewed the economic developments in Iraq and highlighting the security stability and improvement of the business environment which made it an attractive destination for foreign investments, which was positively reflected at the international level, citing the decision of the United Kingdom to reduce the level of travel warnings to Iraq, as well the Undersecretary called on the Finnish government to encourage Finnish companies to invest in Iraq, especially in strategic projects such as the Development Road and the energy sector. The two sides also discussed the importance of updating the security assessment of Iraq and activating the work of the Iraqi-Finnish Joint Committee.

On his part, Under-Secretary of State Syrjälä welcomed the positive developments in Iraq, and commended the economic reforms that enhance the investment climate, and stressing the desire of Finnish companies to return to the Iraqi market.

At the end of the meeting, the two sides agreed to develop practical mechanisms to enhance cooperation, through an upcoming visit by a delegation of Finnish companies to Iraq, with the aim of discussing investment opportunities with government authorities and the private sector, especially in the fields of renewable energy, electricity, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence.