Reducing transportation costs to Iraq by 50%
Trade exchange between Syria and Iraq increased by 35%, after several agreements with the Iraqi side, and the Iraqi side’s approval to grant Syrian drivers entry visas to its territory.
Head of the Federation of International Cargo Shipping Companies, Muhammad Salih Kishore, confirmed that the Syrian truck, when it enters Iraqi territory, achieves greater benefit for the transport sector in general, as it returns from Iraq to Syria.
In a statement to “Tishreen”, he pointed out that before this decision, the truck fees were between 7-8 thousand dollars, but today they cost between 2000-2500 dollars, and this is a positive achievement.
He indicated that 60 Iraqi trucks enter Syria and leave through Al-Bukamal port, loaded with various goods, while 25 Syrian trucks loaded with the same quality of goods exit through the port, since the 5th of last month to date. About 20 Syrian refrigerators are being prepared for the export of vegetables and fruits to Iraq, after drivers obtain a visa to enter Iraqi territory.
He clarified that the two countries agreed that transportation fees between them would be free, and that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates determine the fees for obtaining an entry visa. This decision will reduce transportation costs and fees that were imposed from customs and royalties on the Iraqi borders. The decline in the cost reached more than 50%.
He also expected an increase of the proportion of exports, especially since the current agricultural season is the citrus season, and Iraq is an important export market for Syrian citrus. This will contribute to opening new markets for Syrian products within the Iraqi governorates, especially for citrus fruit, and it will also work to activate work of shipping companies and the Syrian land freight fleet by opening a new shipping and transit route.
Inas Abdulkareem