Baghdad International Fair Emerges as Key Platform for Expanding Economic Partnership

The 49th Baghdad International Fair is continuing at the Baghdad International Fairgrounds, drawing broad participation from 36 countries and more than 1,100 local and international companies. The event highlights key sectors including technology, energy, trade, and a wide range of industrial activities, and will run until February 7.

During the first days of the exhibition, organizers adopted a structured schedule, allocating morning hours to business leaders and official delegations to encourage partnership-building and investment discussions, while opening the fair to the public in the evenings. From the third day onward, the exhibition became accessible to all visitors throughout the day.

Economic Indicator and Investment Gateway

Engineering expert Mohammed Ali told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that the fair serves as “a vital indicator of Iraq’s economic direction and a dynamic investment platform that brings together multiple sectors, creating real opportunities for communication between companies and investors.”

He added that visitors are increasingly seeking practical solutions related to pricing, product origin, and warranties—particularly for small-scale projects, packaging machinery, and raw materials. According to Ali, “the most successful pavilions were those that presented professional, market-ready solutions with the potential to develop into actual supply contracts.”

Healthy Competition Between Local and International Firms

Visitors also noted the strong presence of both Iraqi and foreign companies. Citizen Zainab Jassim told INA that one of the exhibition’s most distinctive features this year was the placement of local and international companies within the same halls, allowing visitors to directly compare quality, packaging, and marketing approaches.

She explained that food-sector pavilions attracted particularly large crowds, as Iraqi companies confidently showcased their products alongside imported goods, especially in dates, sweets, and canned foods. Jassim also highlighted the growing availability of healthy and sugar-free options, as well as product tastings that help visitors make more informed purchasing decisions.

Spotlight on the Marshes and Environmental Protection

In parallel, the Ministry of Water Resources drew attention through its participation at the Marshlands and Wetlands Revitalization Center pavilion, which focused on the environmental and social conditions of Iraq’s marshes.

Nasreen Ahmed Mustafa, Head of the Citizens’ Affairs Division and senior biologist, told INA that the ministry’s participation aims to offer city residents a direct insight into the reality of the marshes and to underline that their protection is closely linked to local livelihoods and ecological balance. She noted that the pavilion showcased biodiversity protection projects and water desalination initiatives in areas facing water scarcity.

Mustafa added that the exhibition also highlighted the cultural heritage of the marshes through traditional crafts and handicrafts, reinforcing the link between environmental preservation and cultural identity. She emphasized that the strong public turnout reflects growing awareness and interest in water and environmental issues across Iraq.