Syria is looking to neighbouring Iraq to help improve its economic prospects and is hoping to increase its bilateral trade with the country far beyond its current annual level of $800 million (£488 million).

The Wall Street Journal reports that prior to the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, Syrian exports to Iraq totalled $2 billion.

Looking to re-establish this regional partnership, the countries have already agreed to reopen the Kirkuk-Banias pipeline, allowing for the flow of oil from Iraq's northern fields.

Iraq also last week announced that it would begin exporting oil from the north of the country in order to promote economic growth in the region and support its development framework.

In its budget for the year, the country has set aside large sums for the growth of infrastructure, health and education and training facilities.

Last week, Aswat al-Iraq reported that a group of professors is lobbying the government to improve relations with regional actors to improve Iraq's higher-level educational facilities to help domestic workers into jobs in the oil and gas industry and other key sectors.

Global Education and Training event: Getenergy for Iraq