Iraq and Iran are discussing the development of trade exchange through the Zarbaatiya crossing and the establishment of the Al-Shahabi crossing.

On Thursday, the province of Wasit discussed with a government delegation from Ilam province in Iran the development of trade exchange and strengthening economic cooperation through the Zarbatiah border crossing, in addition to the project of establishing the Al-Shahabi crossing in Sheikh Saad district.
The official government agency stated that "the province of Wasit received an Iranian government delegation headed by Ilam Governor Ahmad Karami to discuss the prospects for developing trade exchange and enhancing economic cooperation between the two sides, especially through the Zarbatiah border crossing."
It added that "the discussions addressed ways to facilitate the procedures for the entry of goods, increase the smoothness of transport movement, and activate commercial movement, which contributes to expanding the horizons of economic cooperation and achieving common interests between Iraq and Iran."
For his part, Governor Ahmad Karami of Ilam emphasized "the importance of strengthening joint cooperation between the two provinces," pointing out that "the discussions included the project of establishing the Al-Shahabi crossing in Sheikh Saad district east of Wasit province, due to its significance in expanding commercial crossings and opening new horizons for economic and tourist exchange between Iraq and Iran."