Iraqi trade ministry plans 2026 hypermarket expansion with private partners

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Trade Ministry said Saturday it is moving ahead with a plan to develop its hypermarket network and expand partnerships with the private sector, with new branches expected to open in several governorates in 2026.

Ministry spokesman Mohammed Hanoun said the government is working to build up “modern central markets (hypermarkets)” under a vision that seeks to reinforce “the state’s presence as a guarantor in the retail market” while backing local producers and offering “broad consumer options at competitive prices.”

He said the ministry is reviewing performance at existing outlets and drafting a roadmap “that includes strengthening twinning with the private sector, introducing modern electronic marketing systems, and updating government retail outlets to raise their efficiency in line with population growth rates and local market needs.”

On geographic expansion, Hanoun said the ministry’s investment plan includes “studying the opening of new hypermarket branches in several governorates during 2026, based on feasibility studies and infrastructure readiness, to ensure quality services for citizens outside the capital.”

He said the steps are tied to the government’s broader program “to achieve food security, protect local products, and create balance in the market through modern outlets that ensure the availability of essential goods with smooth supply and stable pricing.”

Officials say the supermarkets in various governorates are being rehabilitated and reorganized as government-backed retail outlets that offer a wide range of goods at prices roughly 20% lower than prevailing commercial markets.