Though Iraq was to stop importing Iranian cement as of 1 July 2013, the country will continue its import from Iran. The Chairman of the Association of Iranian Cement Exporters said that Iran has held talks with Iraq so that cement exports will resume. Iran has already exported cement to Iraq at $50 per tonne. The two sides have settled on a price increase of $5. Iran will also set up a cement factory in the next two years, with an annual production capacity of 2 million tonnes, in Iraq. This $245- million project will using Iranian expertise and technology. It has been agreed that the products will be exported under Iranian brand names. Iran is also planning to launch joint ventures with Iraq in the trade, transportation, and insurance sectors. It is expected that these collaborations will help meet the demands of the neighbouring countries in the industrial, mining, and agricultural sectors.