The Iraqi government made its case Wednesday for why Iraq should be put on the fast track for World Trade Organization membership, citing its plentiful oil resources and strategic position in the Middle East as great opportunities for the global expansion of commerce. Trade Minister Abed Falah Al-Sudani told diplomats meeting in Geneva that Iraq is determined, despite “difficult circumstances,” to qualify for the 151-member WTO, which sets the rules for world trade. He said Iraq's accession also was in the interests of its current and potential trading partners. “Iraq has suffered a lot because of wars and blockades, and is in dire need (of) your support in accelerating its accession to the WTO,” Al-Sudani said. “Iraq will be an active and positive member of the world community and its integration in the international community will help in creating stability and faster development in the country.” Members told Al-Sudani that they needed more information on Iraqi pricing policy, investment rules, import licenses, customs law, state enterprises, tariff regulations, free zones and telecommunications. Iraq applied for membership in 2004, at which point it was given observer status in the body. The country is thought to be still years away from accession. Al-Sudani said Iraq has made progress in its bid since the first discussions at the WTO took place 10 months ago. Legislative efforts to harmonize Iraqi rules with WTO standards were moving forward, and explained to WTO delegations his country's legal procedures for bringing draft bills into law. __
