BAGHDAD, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi President Barham Salih on Monday called for addressing the obstacles and problems that hinder the development of the private sector in order to build a strong economy in the country, according to a statement released by the president's office.

Salih's comments came during his meeting with Abdul Razzaq al-Zuhairi, head of the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce, federation's members, and heads of chambers of commerce of Iraqi provinces at the presidential palace in Baghdad's Green Zone.

He stressed the importance of strengthening the role of the private sector and involving it in the process of building and reconstruction of the country through providing investment opportunities, the statement said.

"Iraq is a rich country with human capabilities and expertise as well as natural resources, which give wide horizons for the private sector," the statement quoted Salih as saying.

Salih called on the Iraqi private sector "to establish positive relations with its counterparts from brotherly and friendly countries as well as to benefit from their expertise in various fields," it said.

For his part, al-Zuhairi explained the activities of the provincial chambers of commerce and their contribution to the economic movement in the country, praising the president's support for the private sector to take its full role in the country's economy.