HELSINKI, Finland – In a significant move to bolster bilateral ties, Ambassador Mohammed Hussein Bahr Aluloom, Undersecretary of the Iraqi Foreign Ministry for Bilateral Relations, met with Finland’s Under-Secretary of State for International Trade, Jarno Syrjälä, in Helsinki this week. The discussions centered on expanding economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the two nations, with Iraq positioning itself as an emerging hub for foreign ventures.
Iraq’s Economic Revival in Focus
Ambassador Bahr Aluloom underscored Iraq’s recent strides in economic reform, highlighting improved security stability and a revitalized business environment as key drivers attracting international investors. He pointed to the United Kingdom’s recent decision to downgrade its travel advisories for Iraq as evidence of growing global confidence in the country’s progress. “Iraq is committed to creating a competitive investment climate, and we invite Finnish businesses to engage in strategic sectors such as the Development Road infrastructure corridor and energy projects,” he stated, referencing Iraq’s ambitious $17 billion transport and trade megaproject linking Asia to Europe.
Finnish Interest in Re-Engaging with Iraq
Under-Secretary Syrjälä welcomed Iraq’s reforms, acknowledging their role in fostering trust among foreign investors. He noted that Finnish companies—historically active in Iraq’s telecommunications and engineering sectors—are keen to return to the market. “Finland recognizes Iraq’s potential and is eager to support sustainable development through technology and expertise,” Syrjälä said, signaling alignment with Iraq’s diversification goals.
Roadmap for Collaboration
Both sides agreed to establish concrete mechanisms to deepen cooperation, including organizing a Finnish trade and investment delegation to visit Iraq in the coming months. Priority sectors identified include renewable energy, electricity infrastructure, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence—areas where Finnish firms excel globally.
Strategic Implications
The talks reflect Iraq’s broader strategy to reintegrate into the global economy following decades of conflict and isolation. By partnering with Finland—a leader in clean energy and innovation—Iraq aims to modernize critical sectors while addressing climate-linked energy transitions. The Development Road project, in particular, offers opportunities for Finnish expertise in logistics and smart infrastructure.
Next Steps
The Iraqi Foreign Ministry confirmed that follow-up technical meetings will be scheduled to finalize collaboration frameworks. The planned Finnish business delegation is expected to explore joint ventures and partnerships, with a focus on long-term, high-impact projects.
As Iraq continues to court international investors, its engagement with Finland marks a pivotal step in bridging economic recovery with cutting-edge technological partnerships, positioning both nations to capitalize on evolving global trade dynamics.
(Source: Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)