The Erbil Chamber of Commerce and Industry says reopening the Rabia border crossing will not significantly affect trade in the Kurdistan Region. However, a Baghdad trade official believes the move could reshape regional trade routes and reduce commercial activity linked to Kurdistan.
Rashid Saadi, a member of the Baghdad Chamber of Commerce board, said that the Rabia crossing between Iraq and Syria will influence trade flows. He said Iraq may shift part of its trade with Turkey through this route. As a result, he expects a decline in trade passing through the Kurdistan Region.
He described the impact as negative for regional commerce. He also said the change could reduce the overall volume of trade with Kurdistan.
The Rabia crossing in Nineveh province recently received the first Turkish freight convoy after reopening. The route links Iraq with Syria through the western border area.
In response, Gelan Haji Saeed, head of the Erbil Chamber of Commerce and Industry, rejected claims of major economic harm. He called the reports exaggerated and said they aim to create political pressure on the Kurdistan Region.
He stressed that Rabia will not replace key trade routes. Additionally, he pointed especially to the Ibrahim Khalil crossing, which remains the main gateway for trade between Kurdistan and Turkey.
Saeed said most traders will avoid the Syrian route. He cited security risks and logistical challenges as major reasons.
He added that only a small number of traders may use the new route. Because of this, he expects limited economic impact overall.
Saadi said the opening still matters for Iraq. He explained that Iraq needs more trade routes after past disruptions in regional transport.
He also referred to earlier instability in key shipping corridors that affected Iraqi oil exports. At one point, export volumes fell sharply during regional tensions.
Officials in Turkey estimate annual trade with Iraq at 16 to 17 billion dollars. They aim to increase it to 30 billion dollars in the coming years. Saadi said this goal is possible but requires strong government coordination and better trade policies.
The Rabia crossing lies about 120 kilometers west of Mosul in Nineveh province.
