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Iraqi entrepreneurs strike it rich reselling goods on Facebook

Iraqi entrepreneurs have launched Facebook pages selling US and European products to Iraqis, who usually do not have access to international goods.
Iraqi Shi'ite youths use computers at an internet cafe in Sadr City in Baghdad May 3, 2014. Iraq is now gripped by its worst violence since the heights of its 2005-2008 sectarian war, and Sunni Islamist insurgents who target Shi'ites have been regaining ground in the country over the past year. But despite the instability, daily life continues in poor Shi'ite neighbourhoods of Baghdad such as Al-Fdhiliya and Sadr City - a sprawling slum marred by poor infrastructure and overcrowding. Picture taken May 3, 20
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After the rise in Iraq's per capita income, Iraqi families are now looking for products other than those available in the local market, which are often imported from China, Turkey and Iran. Due to the country's security situation, most American and European companies do not have branches in Iraq. Added to this is the bureaucracy in state institutions that obstructs companies from obtaining the necessary approvals to open branches.

Responding to this demand for commodities, several young Iraqis have created ways to connect Iraqi customers with the global market by launching Facebook pages promoting European and American goods. All the customers have to do is log on to Amazon and choose their product, and then send the link to the page administrator who sends them the total cost including shipping and customs fees.

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