New online tools let Iraqi small businesses navigate export rules

As Iraq's trade landscape evolves, particularly through its WTO accession process, small businesses are under increasing pressure to meet international quality requirements. Competing in global markets requires not only high-quality products but also a deep understanding of legal regulations, standards, and market preferences. 

The new Iraq Quality for Trade Platform offers valuable resources that help businesses navigate complex quality requirements, so they can access more markets and achieve long-term growth. The platform includes three connected tools. 

• Quality Compass identifies key quality-related requirements, such as sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and technical barriers to trade, standards and market preferences for priority sectors – including one of Iraq’s hallmark exports, dates. 

• Quality Connect links small businesses with institutional and individual experts, offering tailored services and showcasing the expertise of Quality Champions developed under the SAAVI project. 

• Quality Success shares stories of entrepreneurs who successfully addressed quality hurdles. This inspires others by highlighting the practical benefits of quality compliance. 

These tools together help Iraqi small businesses meet international quality requirements, improve productivity, and boost their presence in competitive markets. The platform, currently focused on dates, also plays a critical role in the Iraq Quality Champions Programme, offering ongoing access to information and expanding the reach of local quality experts. 

The platform was created by an EU-funded project, Strengthening the Agriculture and Agri-Food Value Chain and Improving Trade Policy (SAAVI). 

The launch event brought together government ministries, trade associations, quality and standards organizations, and entrepreneurs. They explored the platform’s practical applications, fostering collaboration between businesses and experts, helping small businesses overcome quality-related challenges, and connecting with a wider network of quality service providers. 

The Iraq Quality for Trade Platform is poised to enhance Iraq’s market access, support sustainable economic growth, and contribute to the country’s long-term development. 

About SAAVI 

The Strengthening the Agriculture and Agri-Food Value Chain and Improving Trade Policy (SAAVI) project, funded by the European Union, focuses on the development and implementation of sector strategies for high-potential products, as well as on defining market-oriented policies to improve predictability and efficiency in the business environment. SAAVI also helps enhance Iraq’s trade policy and supports the country in its WTO accession process.  

SAAVI is implemented under the leadership of the Government of Iraq through the Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Trade. 

The project forms part of the overall European Union Special measure for supporting employment creation and improving economic governance in Iraq.