BAGHDAD, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani said here on Wednesday that his country welcomes investment and diverse forms of economic cooperation.

       Al-Sudani made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 47th session of the Baghdad International Fair in the Iraqi capital Baghdad.

       He said the fair represented "an aspect of the relationship between Iraq and friendly countries."

       Mohammed Hannon, spokesman for the Iraqi Trade Ministry, said the fair aimed to promote cooperation between Iraqi and foreign private sectors.

       More than 800 Iraqi and foreign companies from about 20 countries participated the event, which will last until Jan. 19.