Minister of Agriculture Heads to Iraq to Save the Apple Season

Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani is heading to Iraq on a quick 24-hour visit, accompanied by Director General of Agriculture Louis Lahoud, Lebanon's Ambassador to Iraq Mohammad Khalil, and two representatives from the Union of Fruit and Vegetable Exporters. This trip aims to complete the roadmap established by the ministry for marketing and exporting this year's Lebanese apple crop.

Hani is scheduled to meet with the Iraqi Minister of Agriculture and several senior importers of Lebanese agricultural products to discuss increasing apple exports to the Iraqi market, import requirements, and strengthening direct communication between exporters and importers. The visit comes as part of the ministry's efforts to secure additional markets for the crop, helping to sell it and improve returns for farmers.

Additionally, in coordination with Finance Minister Yassine Jaber, a meeting is expected to address difficulties related to financial transfers from Iraq to Lebanon and their impact on the regularity of commercial operations and the collection of exporters' dues.
The ministry confirms that despite its short duration, this visit aims to follow up on practical files affecting export movements, ultimately facilitating the access of Lebanese apples to the Iraqi market and ensuring the return of revenues to producers.