Sponsored by the Minister of Agriculture, Nahar Al-Awrad company Organizes Iraqi Potato Export Forum

Under the patronage of the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Abbas Jabr Al-Maliki, and under the slogan "Iraqi Potatoes: A Growing Sector with Promising Export Opportunities," the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with Nahar Al-Awrad Company , organized the Iraqi Agricultural Export Forum, which focused on developing the potato sector and its products, such as potato chips and frozen potato fingers. The event took place on Tuesday, February 18, 2024, at the Babylon Hotel in Baghdad.

 

Opening of the Iraqi Agricultural Export Forum

The Minister of Agriculture opened the forum with a speech emphasizing the strategic importance of potatoes as a vital crop with a significant impact on food security and the agricultural economy. He reiterated his support for potato producers and the protection of local production while facilitating the export of surplus crops. He also directed the ministry's relevant departments to ease restrictions on producers to enhance production and expand exports. The opening session featured a visual presentation highlighting the sustainability and export value of potatoes.

Speech of the Iraqi Minister of Agriculture

The forum also saw the participation of the Director General of the Federation of Industries, Mr. Adel Akab, who stressed the importance of strengthening the food processing industries related to potatoes, such as potato chip production and semi-frozen potato fingers. He emphasized that these industries play a crucial role in increasing the added value of local products and opening new export markets.

Furthermore, he called for the creation of an investment-friendly environment to support potato processing projects by simplifying procedures and encouraging companies to adopt international standards. This, he noted, would enhance the competitiveness of Iraqi products in global markets and create more job opportunities in both the agricultural and industrial sectors.

Director General of the Federation of Industries, Mr. Adel Akab, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture, Representative of the Minister of Agriculture of the Kurdistan Region

The forum also welcomed a representative from the Minister of Agriculture of the Kurdistan Region, who highlighted the importance of strengthening agricultural and industrial cooperation between the region and the central government to support the production and processing of potatoes and their derivatives.

He pointed out that the Kurdistan Region is actively working to develop the potato-based food processing industry and encourage investment in this field, contributing to improved production quality and increased export opportunities. The event was also attended by MP Naif Al-Shammari, a member of the Iraqi Parliament representing Mosul, whose presence added significant value to the discussions on agricultural development and export opportunities.

The Panel Discussion

During the panel discussion, moderated by the official spokesperson of the ministry, Mr. Mohammed Al-Khuzai, producers had the opportunity to present the challenges they face directly to government officials. The director generals of the ministry listened attentively to the issues raised and affirmed their commitment to finding practical solutions within legal frameworks, particularly regarding export regulations and the protection of production inputs.

Mr. Shaaban Nahar’s speech

For his part, Mr. Shaaban Nahar, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Beirut Erbil Natural Potato Products and a Board Member of Nahar Al-Awrad General Trading, Potatoes, and Agricultural Supplies, addressed key obstacles hindering the growth of the potato sector in Iraq. He emphasized the need to facilitate procedures for exporters to fully leverage available export opportunities.

Additionally, he highlighted the signifcance of developing the food processing industry, including the production of potato chips and semi-frozen potato fingers, as these contribute directly to enhancing the competitiveness of Iraqi products and increasing their market presence in regional and international markets.

The forum concluded with insightful contributions from agricultural professionals and farmers from various Iraqi provinces, who praised the excellent organization of the event and the key role played by Nahar Al-Awrad in supporting producers. They also reiterated the need to improve the production environment and enhance export opportunities for the Iraqi potato sector.