September 25, 2003	Thursday	Rajab 27, 1424

ISLAMABAD, Sept 24: Iraqi Trade Minister Ali Allawi has said that his country considers Pakistan as an important friend who can contribute significantly to the process of Iraq’s rebuilding.

According to a message received here on Wednesday from Dubai Mr. Ali Allawi and Dr. Shinam Shiblbl, governor of Iraqi central bank, called on Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz, on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the IMF and World Bank. SBP governor Dr. Ishrat Husain and other members of the Pakistan‘s delegation were also present on the occasion.

Mr. Allawi said the people of Iraq looked toward Pakistan for friendship and support. He pointed out that the trade regime in Iraq had been liberalized and now it would be undertaken mostly in the private sector.

He was of the view that while Pakistan can import oil and LPG from Iraq, it can export wheat, rice and building materials, particularly cement, to Iraq.

Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz, while welcoming the Iraqi delegation, conveyed the deepest regards and love of the people of Pakistan to Iraqi people and expressed the hope that the rebuilding process in Iraq would be completed early so that Iraq could play its due role in the comity of nations.

Mr Shaukat also indicated the desire of the government and the business community for resumption of economic ties between the two countries. He appreciated the recent measures adopted by Iraqi Interim Administration for creating a liberal economic environment in the country.