Chinese-run mall opens in Ramadi with hopes of future investment

ANBAR — A new Chinese-run mall has opened in Ramadi, giving traders and residents access to a wide range of imported goods without traveling abroad, local officials and shoppers said.

The mall features clothing, home appliances, bicycles, shoes, bags and other household items, along with an import-export office to facilitate trade between China and Iraq.

“We are happy to be here for the opening of this mall, to sell all products from clothes, home appliances, bicycles, shoes, bags, and everything needed for the home,” said Yan Jiahe, the mall’s owner. “There is also an office inside the mall for import and export from China to Iraq, in addition to a place to supply all Iraqi traders and business owners in this field.”

Jiahe said he chose Ramadi after seeing the city’s trade potential through relatives working in a gypsum board factory in Fallujah. “Through them I saw the trade movement in Ramadi and found that the people of Ramadi are very kind, so I chose this city,” he said.

He added that he hopes to expand his investment. “Our goal is to create trade and economic activity in the city and to help the labor force here, and also to open other fields that allow investment opportunities in factories or any other economic projects,” Jiahe said.

Local shoppers said the mall provides convenience and variety. “This is a beautiful and special initiative,” said Murtada Ismail, a customer. “As a citizen of Anbar, I notice they have a variety of goods at reasonable prices, and everything is available in one place. There is no need to go to several shops when you can shop in one. We hope other countries will also come to invest in our city.”