A senior Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) delegation is in Baghdad to finalize the ASYCUDA customs agreement. The delegation aims to modernize Iraq’s border management system. It also seeks to improve trade flow and increase revenue efficiency.
Officials will attend a key meeting of the Iraqi Ministerial Council for Economy on Monday. During this meeting, both sides aim to resolve the final steps needed for full implementation of the ASYCUDA system.
The United Nations developed ASYCUDA as a global customs management platform. It digitizes customs operations and reduces paperwork. It also standardizes tariffs and improves transparency across border points. In addition, it helps governments increase revenue collection and reduce corruption risks.
The KRG delegation includes Finance and Economy Minister Awat Janab Noori. It also includes senior officials such as Omed Sabah and Dr. Amanj Rahim. Customs, security, and administrative leaders also joined the team. Their participation shows the importance of the negotiations.
According to sources, Erbil and Baghdad already signed a preliminary memorandum on ASYCUDA. However, both sides still need to settle four major issues before full rollout.
First, they must agree on customs and tax revenue sharing. Second, they must design a unified system for customs exemptions. Third, they must set clear rules to protect local agricultural and industrial goods from unfair imports. Fourth, they must form a joint committee. This committee will inspect unofficial border crossings and reduce revenue loss.
For years, separate customs systems created delays and disputes between the two governments. These systems also reduced efficiency in trade management.
ASYCUDA will connect all border points under one digital platform. As a result, officials expect faster procedures, better oversight, and improved financial control.
If Monday’s talks succeed, both sides will approve the final agreement. They will then move quickly into full implementation.
Ultimately, the system could strengthen economic cooperation between Erbil and Baghdad and create a more transparent national trade framework.
