Iraq to join WTO, says U.S. source

February 26, 2007

Iraq's government has fulfilled all requirements and procedures to apply for the membership of the World Trade Organization (WTO), a USAID official in Baghdad said on Saturday.

"The Iraqi government is now getting ready to have its first dialogue with WTO in April 2007 in Geneva, Switzerland," Greg Howell, Director of Private Sector Development at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), said in a press conference.

Howell said "Iraq had applied in 2004 to obtain WTO membership. A task force was set up to study the application and coordinate with the Iraqi government over reforms in trade policies and requirements for accession."

"Iraq's WTO membership would guarantee Iraqi commodities and services undistinguished access to global markets and it would also give a strong sign to re-merge Iraq into the international community," the USAID official noted.

He said this membership would also bring Iraq more stable trade relations, enhanced income, stimulated economic growth, more jobs and less corruption.