Iraq

Iraq applied for WTO accession in September 2004, and submitted its Memorandum on Foreign Trade Regime in September 2005.

Iraq responded to WTO Member questions on its trade regime in November 2006, and responded to additional questions in December 2008. The first Working Party meeting was held in May 2007, and the second meeting was held in April 2008, both focusing on clarification of Iraq’s trade regime. A third meeting is expected before the end of 2009.

Iraq has been requested to provide its initial market access offers on goods and services before the next Working Party meeting will be convened.

The United States strongly supports Iraq’s interest in joining the WTO, and has actively participated in Iraq’s Working Party meetings and in bilateral consultations with the Government of Iraq on the margins of WTO meetings and other meetings in Washington and Baghdad.

The United States’ statement at Iraq’s first Working Party meeting emphasized the important role that accession to the WTO could play in the revitalization and diversification of Iraq’s economy and the realization of its economic potential.

Working closely with Iraq’s Ministry of Trade, the United States is also providing technical assistance to help Iraq's government with the accession process, including help with WTO training of officials, legal drafting, tariff classification, and specific guidance on implementation of WTO provisions (e.g., in the areas of investment, standards and technical regulations, intellectual property protection, customs, and services).