Kermanshah calls for turning Iraq border into gateway for technology and investment

Authorities in Iran’s western Kermanshah Province have called for expanding economic cooperation with Iraq by transforming the shared border into a platform for technology and knowledge transfer, expertise exchange and investment, rather than limiting bilateral trade to traditional goods and commodities.

The proposal was put forward by Amir Ali Nourniya, Director General of Communications and Information Technology in Kermanshah, during a specialized forum focused on prospects for cooperation in digital economy and technology, attended by an official ministerial delegation from Iraq.

Nourniya said the nearly 1,600-kilometer border between Iran and Iraq represents a strategic corridor linking Iran’s border provinces with their Iraqi counterparts. He noted that cross-border movement and trade offer significant opportunities to develop the digital economy and expand joint investment.

The Iranian official outlined four main areas for strengthening bilateral cooperation in communications and technology: establishing a joint coordination mechanism involving government bodies, the private sector and universities; organizing specialized trade and technology exhibitions in Iraq to facilitate partnerships and skills transfer; providing legal and financial incentives to reduce investment risks; and expanding joint training and expertise-exchange programs between universities and technology centers.

Kermanshah is considered one of Iran’s key provinces in trade with Iraq. It shares around 371 kilometers of border with Iraq and hosts several active crossings and commercial markets, while its population exceeds two million.