Kurdistan Economy

[Anthea]

PM Barzani: Permanent Status

for Contract Civil Servants

In a major step toward improving job security for public sector employees, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani approved on Saturday the permanentization of all contract employees across the Region, following the Council of Ministers' Meeting No. 140 on September 25

This move grants permanent status to contract employees who meet the legal conditions and criteria established by the Iraqi federal government. The initiative is designed to enhance employment stability and ensure that eligible workers receive the same rights and benefits as permanent employees.

According to the decision, the financial allocation for these newly permanent employees will remain within the current budget approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Finance. Salaries for contract employees registered through the biometric system will be covered by the appointment budget, without adding financial strain on the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

Kurdistan Region Ministry of Finance and Economy has been assigned to oversee the implementation of this decision, ensuring all federal criteria are met. The regional ministry will coordinate with the federal ministry for the disbursement of funds.

This decision is a crucial step in improving the financial security of contract employees, aligning their employment conditions with those of permanent staff across the Kurdistan Region.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/863942

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South Korean consul proposes

Kurdistan economic institute

Korean Consul General Seungcheol Lim, in an exclusive interview with Rudaw, revealed his hopes to establish an institute in the Kurdistan Region that would help develop economic policy

Seungcheol Lim, the Korean Consul General to Erbil, told Rudaw’s Mohammed Sheikh Fatih last week that supporting the economic development of the Kurdistan Region is central to his mission.

“I work hard for enhancing your capability of public policy. So, now, I can see some results, and I have a plan for enhancing more and making some infrastructure for good public policy in your society,” Lim said.

He added that the Kurdistan Region can benefit from South Korea’s experience by establishing an economic institute that would help create better policies.

The consul referred to the Korea Development Institute (KDI), a prominent South Korean think tank affiliated with the government that has played a key role in shaping Seoul’s economic policies, driving growth, and managing economic crises.

“I am very confident to make this institute,” Lim said, explaining that he has shared the idea with officials, academics, and research centers, who have agreed with the concept.

In September, South Korea celebrated 20 years of ties with the Kurdistan Region. The occasion was marked with a ceremony in Erbil where Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani expressed his willingness to bolster its ties with Seoul. Lim said the event was a testimony to the strength of their collaboration.

In 2004, one year after the fall of the Baathist regime, thousands of Korean soldiers were stationed in the Kurdistan Region. They are called the Zaytun Division and are also part of the global coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS).

“You protect your community from ISIS very bravely,” Lim said, acknowledging the Kurdistan Region's efforts to combat the extremist group.

The Zaytun Division and the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have constructed more than 250 facilities in the Kurdistan Region, including 59 schools, 15 public health centers, the Zaytun hospital, the Zaytun library, and established the Kurdistan Institute of Public Administration (KIPA) and e-procurement system, according to an op-ed penned by former consul general Choi Kwang-Jin for Rudaw English in 2020.

A number of South Korean companies operate in the Kurdistan Region, including electronics giant LG, as well as Hyundai and Kia Motors in the automotive industry.

In 2016, South Korea upgraded its diplomatic mission in the Kurdistan Region from an embassy office to a consulate and since 2015 has provided funds for displaced persons and refugees.

When coronavirus spread in the Kurdistan Region in 2020, Seoul provided testing kits. The country has also trained 1,500 Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) officials in Korea.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/interview/24102024

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Tourism Revival in Kurdistan Linked to

Dams and Agricultural Initiatives

The spokesperson for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) General Board of Tourism stated that the construction of dams and ponds by the government has played a significant role in reviving the tourism sector in the region

Ibrahim Abdulmajid, spokesperson for the KRG's General Board of Tourism, told BasNews that the plans and programs implemented for tourism have successfully promoted the sector. He noted that all 12 types of the plan have been executed well, leading to an increase in tourists visiting the Kurdistan Region in all seasons.

"What we want to focus on more is agricultural tourism, which relies on nature and local products, and we aim to attract more foreign tourists to this sector," he stated.

He emphasized that the construction of dams and ponds, especially under the ninth cabinet of the KRG, will play a crucial role in reviving tourism and attracting visitors to these areas.

The government is working on building tourism projects and providing facilities and roads for the dams that serve tourists. By diversifying tourism offerings, they aim to enhance suitable experiences for visitors, with a particular focus on developing agricultural tourism. Courses for farmers have also been initiated.

Abdulmajid highlighted that the dams are important not only for agriculture and electricity but also for tourism.

Currently, there are 34 large, medium, and small dams in the region. Of these, 23 have been completed, with 11 more expected to be finished in the near future.

The government has completed the construction of six dams: Chamrga, Khans, Dewana, Turrajar, Aquban, and Shawger. Additionally, the Gomespan and Bastora dams, also completed under the ninth cabinet, have the capacity to hold over 150 million cubic meters of water.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/865326

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PM Barzani Thanks UAE Consul
as Diplomatic Ties Strengthen

Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met with UAE Consul General Ahmad Ibrahim Al Dhaheri in Erbil on Sunday, extending appreciation for his contributions to fostering Kurdistan-UAE ties as Al Dhaheri concludes his diplomatic duties

The two officials underscored the strong, strategic relations between the Kurdistan Region and the UAE, with Al Dhaheri expressing a commitment to deepen cooperation across various sectors.

“During the meeting, we discussed the close relationship between the Kurdistan Region and the UAE, and we expressed our gratitude to the Consul for his role in strengthening bilateral relations throughout his tenure,” Prime Minister Barzani said in a statement on his official Facebook page.

“The UAE Consul General described the relationship between his country and the Kurdistan Region as strategic, affirming the commitment to further strengthen coordination and bilateral cooperation across various fields,” the statement added.

The UAE is the second-largest investor in the Kurdistan Region, responsible for 25% of its foreign direct investment after China. Emirati companies have collectively invested over $2.5 billion in the Region, with bilateral trade valued at around $3 billion annually. Dana Gas, a major UAE company, produces up to 500 million cubic feet of natural gas per day in Kurdistan, powering domestic consumption and electricity generation.

Agricultural cooperation is also expanding, with the KRG exporting key crops like pomegranates, apples, grapes, and potatoes to the UAE. In a recent agreement, the Region expects to export 5,000 tons of potatoes annually, representing about 90% of its potato exports to the UAE, officials noted.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/865398

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KRG to launch Job Portal for private sector

Musa outlined that the portal would serve as a central platform for employers to post job vacancies, allowing job seekers to browse positions aligned with their skills and experience

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdistan Government’s (KRG) Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs is set to unveil a new online Job Portal on Sunday, designed to streamline the job search process and enhance access to employment opportunities for citizens across Kurdistan.

Deputy Director General of Labor and Social Security, Nazmi Musa, announced the launch, scheduled for 9:30 a.m. at the Erbil International Fair hall in Sami Abdulrahman Park.

Musa outlined that the portal would serve as a central platform for employers to post job vacancies, allowing job seekers to browse positions aligned with their skills and experience. Initially, the portal will feature openings exclusively from the private sector, with future hopes to expand to public sector job listings as well.

"We aim to make this portal a comprehensive resource for job seekers in Kurdistan,” Musa told Kurdistan24. “By collaborating with the Erbil Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we’ve introduced this platform to employers, facilitating job announcements and opportunities directly accessible to those seeking work."

The launch event will host approximately 50 private companies at the Erbil International Fair, where they will promote available positions on the portal. Attendees seeking employment will have the chance to interact with ministry representatives, who will be on-site to assist job seekers in creating free accounts to enable easy job searches.

The initiative reflects the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to enhancing employment accessibility and encouraging workforce development within the Kurdistan’s growing private sector.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/80 ... ortunities

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KRG Builds 70 Factories

The spokesperson for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Investment Board has announced that during the KRG’s ninth cabinet tenure, 70 large and small factories were built, creating thousands of jobs for graduates and unemployed youth across the Region

Bargasht Akrayi, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Region’s Investment Board, told BasNews on Tuesday that one of the government’s key goals is to increase domestic production in agriculture and industry.

By implementing these plans, the Region aims to reduce its reliance on foreign products.

He added that 70 factories have been established across various sectors, with some of their products being exported to other Iraqi cities.

"In addition, these factories have created thousands of job opportunities for citizens, especially graduates, unemployed individuals, and youth," Akrayi explained.

"The factories include those producing iron and steel, electrical wires, dairy products, mobile phones, and many other goods," he stated.

Furthermore, Akrayi noted that there are plans to establish even more factories in the future. Currently, they are working on issuing licenses and providing land and resources to address the challenges of low domestic production and high unemployment.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/865722

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Economic Investment Talks in Russia

A delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) will travel to Russia next week to participate in an economic conference and exhibition in St. Petersburg, aiming to strengthen ties and attract Russian investment to the Region

Bargit Akrai, spokesperson for the KRG Board of Investments, told Kurdistan 24 that the delegation, led by Dr. Mohammad Shukri, Chairman of the Board of Investment, will include 15 to 20 investors and business representatives from various cities in the Kurdistan Region.

"The Kurdistan Region has received an official invitation to this significant economic event," Akrai said. "Our goal is to increase Russian investments in the Kurdistan Region and establish agreements with foreign investors."

During the four-day visit, the delegation will attend key meetings and discussions with Russian business leaders and other international participants. Akrai emphasized the importance of these engagements in fostering economic cooperation and bringing back valuable agreements to bolster the Region's economy.

The visit highlights the KRG's ongoing efforts to diversify its economic partnerships and attract international investments to drive growth and development

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/866822

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Revival of winter tourism in Kurdistan

Erbil (Kurdistan24) - The Kurdistan Region stands as a favored winter tourist destination, attracting visitors from within Iraq, Arab countries, and worldwide

The snow-covered mountain peaks, accompanied by its diverse geography of mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, archaeological sites, and favorable climate have attracted a growing number of tourists on a yearly basis.

In response to increasing tourist numbers and the sector's growing importance, the region has made considerable efforts to improve its winter tourism infrastructure.

Some areas are particularly popular among snow enthusiasts, with certain locations maintaining snow coverage throughout the year.

The tourism sector's development is reinforced by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and local communities, who are known for their hospitality and welcoming attitude toward both international and local tourists.

Hundreds of tourist attractions can be found across Kurdistan, with many located in the independent Soran administration.

Faisal Sadiq, Director General of Tourism in Soran, told Kurdistan24, "A large number of tourists visit Soran's attractions through travel agencies, and our hotels can accommodate more than 2,000 people."

Shin Dara, a tourism company manager, told Kurdistan24, "As a well-known tourism company in Sulaimani, we offer year-round tours across Kurdistan cities. During winter, most of our packages focus on snow-rich areas, with Mount Korek being a prime destination for daily tourist visits."

The Tourism Director General added that they have addressed accommodation needs, noticing the opening of a five-star "Radisson Blu" hotel atop Mount Korek, which has attracted more international tourists.

As stated by Soran's General Directorate of Tourism forecasts, the area is arranging to accommodate 4,000 tourists for New Year's celebrations.

Ibrahim Abdul Majeed, the Kurdistan Tourism Board spokesperson, told Kurdistan24 that preparations for the New Year are being made.

He specified two levels of preparation: public sector coordination between the Tourism Board and relevant KRG authorities, including security forces and entry checkpoints, and the formation of various committees across Kurdistan's general directorates.

These committees will provide maps and guidance at entry points, monitor celebration venues, and control market prices. A hotline will be available for tourist' emergencies.

The spokesperson announced that mid-month will see the launch of various activities, including artistic, cultural, and intellectual events, along with local festivals showcasing Kurdistan's traditional products and handicrafts.

He concluded by noting that while Kurdistan received 200,000 tourists last year during the New Year period, they expect to exceed that number this year.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/81 ... tan-region

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KRG Exports 10 Agricultural Products

Local Industries Flourish

The Kurdistan Region has achieved self-sufficiency in several sectors and successfully exported 10 types of agricultural products to international markets, an official stated on Wednesday

Mustafa Sheikh Abdulrahman, president of the Kurdistan Region’s Importers and Exporters Union, attributed this progress to the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) support for local industries, noting that 183 licenses were granted this year for the establishment of strategic factories. He noted that 2,293 factories are currently under construction across the Region.

“Construction factories now fully meet local demand for materials like bars and cement, while agricultural factories, particularly in dairy production, cover 50% of local needs,” Abdulrahman added.

He emphasized the KRG’s focus on agriculture as a key economic pillar, with over 3,000 agricultural projects implemented in the past four years. These initiatives have enabled the export of products such as pomegranates, honey, apples, potatoes, figs, grapes, sumac, and walnuts to countries including France, Britain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Italy, Sweden, and Jordan.

Since taking office in 2019, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani has prioritized economic diversification to reduce reliance on oil revenues. Under his leadership, the KRG’s ninth cabinet has facilitated significant investments.

In October, Mohammad Shukri, chairman of the Kurdistan Region Investment Board, reported that the ninth cabinet had overseen $17 billion in investment projects since its formation. From July 2019 to October 2024, investment licenses were granted for 419 projects, with over 1,612 projects approved.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/870536

[Anthea]

New Year tourism surge begins

The surge in tourism comes at a time when the Kurdistan Region continues to confirm itself as a leading tourist destination, offering a mixture of historical sites, natural attractions, and modern entertainment facilities

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - Hotels and motels across the Kurdistan Region are expecting full occupancy rates during the New Year holiday period as tourist groups start to arrive in large numbers to the region's popular destinations.

"We have made all preparations for welcoming tourists in coordination with the Tourism Board and Erbil Tourism Directorate," Shukur Aziz, Deputy Chairman of Erbil Hotels and Restaurants Association, told Kurdistan24 on Saturday.

"We have issued instructions to all hotels and motels to provide the best possible service to visitors," he added.

Erbil, the regional capital, currently contains nearly 500 hotels, motels, and accommodation facilities.

According to Aziz, several joint committees have been established to monitor these establishments during the peak tourist season.

"The governorate of Erbil, in coordination with administrative units, has begun various festivals and artistic and cultural activities to attract more tourists," Aziz added, predicting that the city's accommodations will be filled with domestic tourists from central and southern Iraq and international visitors through the New Year celebrations.

Ibrahim Abdulmajid, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Regional Government's Tourism Board, previously told Kurdistan24 that the region anticipates about 200,000 tourists to visit various cities and towns across the Kurdistan Region during the New Year holiday period.

The surge in tourism comes at a time when the Kurdistan Region continues to confirm itself as a leading tourist destination, offering a mixture of historical sites, natural attractions, and modern entertainment facilities.

The region's stability and developing infrastructure have contributed to its increasing popularity among both international and domestic tourists.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/81 ... rge-begins

[Anthea]

Kurdistan exported potatoes to Liberia

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdistan Region has made a significant breakthrough in agricultural exports, with the first shipment of locally grown potatoes delivered to Liberia. Haji Hussein Osman, a prominent Kurdish businessman and owner of Reef Kirkuk for Agricultural Products, announced on Sunday that the initial consignment was sent on December 24, marking the start of a new trade agreement

Osman confirmed to Kurdistan24 that the deal involves monthly exporting 100 tons of potatoes to Liberia. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has played a crucial role in facilitating the process and providing comprehensive support regarding health and export procedures.

"The potatoes were transported to Mersin, Turkey, before being shipped from the port to Liberia. After 34 days, the shipment successfully arrived," Osman explained.

In efforts to expand market reach for the Kurdistan Region's agricultural products, Osman revealed plans to visit several African countries in mid-January 2025. This initiative aims to promote onion products from the region.

Despite initial delays in shipment due to legal formalities, Osman highlighted the favorable reception of the Kurdistan Region's potatoes. "We sent 100 nets of potatoes to Liberia's Prime Minister, and he praised the quality and taste," Osman stated.

Liberia has traditionally relied on Lebanese imports for potatoes. However, the recent shipment signals a potential shift, with the Kurdistan Region emerging as a strong competitor capable of meeting Liberia’s domestic demand.

The ninth cabinet of the KRG, led by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, has prioritized the diversification of financial resources by enhancing the agricultural sector and seeking foreign markets. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to boost agricultural exports, with products like pomegranates, honey, and apples already reaching international markets.

In 2023, over 13,000 tons of potatoes were exported to the UAE and Saudi Arabia for the first time. In August 2024, an additional 600 tons of potatoes from the Nawkur Plain in Duhok province were exported to Hasakah and Qamishli, Syria, via 25 trucks through the Semalka border crossing.

The expansion of agricultural exports reflects the KRG's commitment to strengthening the region's economic stability and positioning the Kurdistan Region as a key player in global agricultural trade.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/81 ... to-liberia

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Over one million tons exported

An Iranian border official on Monday said over one million tons of goods were exported in 2024 through the Tamarchin-Haji Omaran border which crosses into the Kurdistan Region’s Erbil province, marking a 120% increase compared to last year

“This year, 1.400.000 tons of goods worth more than $570 million were exported from this customs,” Ali Akbar Ashrafi, director general of Tamarchin Piranshahr customs, told the state IRNA news agency.

The Tamarchin border is located 15 kilometers from Piranshahr in West Azerbaijan and borders Haji Omaran in the Kurdistan Region’s Erbil province.

“Given the very short land distance to the pristine market and demand for various goods in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq on the one hand… the Piranshahr Tamarchin border has a very good future and prospects for the development of economic relations,” Ashrafi added.

The Haji Omaran border in the Kurdistan Region serves as one of Iran's closest routes to the Eastern Mediterranean.

Iran and the Kurdistan Region enjoy good economic relations, sharing several border crossings. A large number of Iranian companies work in the Region’s various sectors.

Iran is also a major trading partner for Iraq. Since the overthrow of the regime of Saddam Hussein in 2003, Iraq and the Kurdistan Region have become two important destinations for Iranian goods.

The mountainous border between Iran and the Kurdistan Region stretches several hundred kilometres. It has four official border crossings - Haji Omaran in Erbil province, Bashmakh in Sulaimani province, Parvizkhan in the Garmiyan administration, and Shushme in Halabja. There are also many unofficial border points.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iran/301220241

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75% local employment in Kurdistan tourism projects

This policy signifies a strategic move to boost domestic workforce participation in one of the region's flourishing economic sectors

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – On Tuesday, the Tourism Board spokesperson Ibrahim Abdul-Majid announced that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is implementing an important labor policy intended to boost local employment in the tourism sector.

This policy signifies a strategic move to boost domestic workforce participation in one of the region's flourishing economic sectors.

Speaking to Kurdistan24, Abdul-Majid clarified that the Tourism Board is actively implementing the Council of Ministers' directive requiring 75% local workforce participation across all sectors, including tourism

This policy, originally ratified in 2023, marks a considerable commitment to prioritizing local employment opportunities.

The implementation process has already started, though the spokesperson recognized some initial challenges in data collection.

"While we have begun practical implementation, we currently don't have exact figures for local workforce beneficiaries in tourism projects," Abdul-Majid noted, attributing this to ongoing processes of license renewals and new company registrations.

However, he highlighted that new guidelines are being provided to businesses, which they ought to follow.

The Tourism Board is taking a firm stance on implementing this Council of Ministers' decision, showcasing the government's commitment to generating meaningful employment opportunities for local residents.

This initiative is principally noteworthy for the tourism sector, which has usually depended on a mix of local and foreign workers.

This policy aligns with broader economic development objectives by ensuring that the region's tourism growth directly aids local communities through employment opportunities.

The 75% local employment requirement represents a balanced approach that maintains space for specialized international expertise while prioritizing local workforce development.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/81 ... m-projects