BAGHDAD, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani said on Wednesday that the country's annual imports total 70 billion U.S. dollars, and stressed the government's commitment to supporting the local private sector to reduce that figure.

Al-Sudani made the remarks during the inauguration of the "Taawon Hypermarket" in Baghdad, a shopping center selling subsidized food and other goods, his media office said. He also inaugurated five similar centers via video conference.

"Iraq imports goods and products worth 70 billion dollars annually, a figure that needs careful review," the statement quoted al-Sudani as saying. He added that the Ministry of Trade has a key role in creating the conditions for the private sector to reduce reliance on imports, which he said drain foreign currency reserves.

The Taawon Hypermarket projects aim to ensure that at least 60 percent of goods sold are locally produced, the statement said.

"We are fully committed to encouraging national industries and providing a business-friendly environment for the private sector," al-Sudani concluded. Enditem

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