Trade Ministry: Syrian Crisis Will Not Impact Iraq’s Economy or Food Security

 

Baghdad – INA
 
Ministry of Trade affirmed on Saturday that the ongoing crisis in Syria will not affect Iraq’s economy or its food security, citing robust measures to ensure the availability of essential goods and commodities.
 
Speaking to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), ministry spokesperson Muhammad Hanoun said, “From its inception, the government has prioritized ensuring food security for citizens by relying on large-scale imports of essential food basket items and marketing significant quantities of domestically produced wheat.”
He noted that Iraq has achieved record production levels, with wheat output reaching 6.3 million tons and a reserve stockpile of 3 million tons. Additionally, substantial quantities of food basket items remain in supply.
 
Hanoun added, “To bolster local markets, a plan was implemented to diversify food imports from neighboring countries.”
He stressed that, despite the Syrian crisis, Iraq’s markets are experiencing significant stability in food supply, with no shortages. “Food commodities required by citizens are entering the country from various sources smoothly and without disruption,” he stated.
 
The ministry’s efforts include ongoing initiatives to secure food supplies. Hanoun revealed, “Among the government’s measures is the opening of a hypermarket in Al-Bayaa district, with plans to launch six additional centers soon to provide citizens with food items at competitive prices.”
 
He further assured, “The Syrian crisis will not impact Iraq’s economy or food security. Iraq remains unaffected by Syrian-produced foodstuffs due to its reliance on diverse sources of food imports.”
 
The Ministry of Trade’s proactive strategies underscore Iraq’s resilience in mitigating external challenges and safeguarding food security for its citizens.