LEBANON – Lebanon and Iraq have agreed on a series of urgent measures to address obstacles facing Lebanese exports and facilitate the movement of goods between the two countries.

Economy and Trade Minister Amer Bisat announced the agreement through MTV’s website following discussions with Chairman of Iraq’s Border Ports Commission, Lieutenant General Dr. Omar al-Waeli.

The measures include allowing Lebanese trucks to transport goods on their return journeys, provided their final destination is Lebanon and the goods are not intended for distribution or unloading in Iraq, Syria, or Türkiye.

The agreement also includes advance notification of decisions affecting Lebanese exports. The Iraqi Border Ports Commission will contact the Ministry of Agriculture to request that the Lebanese side be informed at least one month before any protective measures or decisions affecting specific products are introduced.

Other measures focus on regulating the transportation of Lebanese exports to Iraq by ensuring that goods retain their identity and are transported through approved means operated exclusively by Lebanese drivers.

In addition, the two sides will work to facilitate the transit of Lebanese trucks and goods through neighboring countries by contacting relevant border crossing and customs authorities.

The agreement also allows Lebanese trucks to refuel in Iraq without restrictions on their return journey to Lebanon.

Bisat stressed that Iraq represents a key market for Lebanese products, noting that the agreed measures aim to reduce transportation costs, limit exporters’ losses, and strengthen the competitiveness of Lebanese goods in the Iraqi market.

He added that the implementation of these measures will be followed up with the Iraqi authorities, with relevant parties kept informed of progress.