Analysis of indicators of economic complexity and export structure in Iraq: addressing challenges and exploiting opportunities

Abstract

    This study highlights the analysis of the complexity of Iraq's economy and export structure given the challenges the country faces in its export diversification efforts. The aim of the study is to propose a conceptual framework for the theory of economic complexity and related concepts through understanding the concept of economic complexity and its indicators, to analyze the structure of exports and indicators of economic complexity in Iraq and the largest Challenges facing the country. Complexity and diversification of exports in Iraq. It also explores opportunities and potential measures that could help increase economic complexity and improve export patterns. This is achieved through a descriptive and analytical methodology to achieve the research objectives, drawing on data from the Atlas of Economic Complexity as well as data and information from various sources such as previous studies and research, official reports and reliable websites.The study shows that the Iraqi economy is one of the least complex economies according to the Economic Complexity Index and has not improved its cognitive and productive capabilities, especially in the last twenty years.In 2022, it ranked 104th by value (-0.9939). Specializing in less developed and less complex products, Iraq has a structure focused on the production and export of oil, gas and petroleum products, with weak links to other products, due to the country's inability to create new ones due to existing opportunities Making products promotes production. of alternative products. Crude oil is the world's least complex export product. Therefore, the study recommends thatrelevant authorities in the industrial sector in particular formulate industrial and trade policies aimed at increasing economic complexity and understanding its importance and impact on the Iraqi economy.This includes complicating current products to facilitate their transition to product lines that are geographically closer to Iraqi products, thereby enabling Iraq to produce new, highly complex goods where their production requires capabilities comparable to those currently produced .