Kurdistan Economy

[Anthea]

Around 60 French companies
to invest in Kurdistan

Some 60 French companies are set to visit and invest in the Kurdistan Region in the coming days as part of efforts between Erbil and Paris to strengthen bilateral ties, a Kurdish official said on Monday

“Fifty to 60 French companies were supposed to visit the Kurdistan Region this month, but due to the Iran-Israel war and the instability of the regional airspace, it was postponed a bit. Now we are in contact with the French consulate [in Erbil] to determine an appropriate time,” Bargasht Akreyi, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Region’s Board of Investment, told Rudaw on Monday.

The initiative is expected to create thousands of job opportunities and pave the way for French brands to establish a presence in the Region.

Akreyi further stated that the expected investment of French companies in the Kurdistan Region "will lead to the creation of thousands of job opportunities."

The companies are from the agriculture, energy, technology, and tourism sectors, according to Akreyi. They are set to meet with local companies in the same fields to foster mutual understanding.

"Several famous French brands are set to open branches of their companies in the Kurdistan Region,” he noted.

Officials and business leaders from Iraq, the Kurdistan Region, and France met in Paris in May for a major forum to boost trade and investment, with Baghdad and Erbil pushing to expand international partnerships by presenting the country as stable, attractive destination for foreign companies.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has been stepping up efforts to diversify the economy by strengthening the private sector.

As of May 2024, French investments in the Kurdistan Region stood at around $3 billion across multiple sectors, according to France’s Consul General in Erbil Yann Braem.

The bond between France and the Kurdish people dates back to the 1980s, when Danielle Mitterrand, then First Lady of France, became a vocal advocate for Kurds oppressed under the regime of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

Mitterand played an instrumental role in the establishment of the no-fly zone over the Kurdistan Region after the 1991 Gulf War, providing protection that enabled Kurds to establish autonomy

She remains affectionately known as the “Mother of the Kurds” and inaugurated the first Kurdish parliament in 1992.

France was also among the first nations to open a consulate in Erbil after the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003, and played a critical role in supporting Kurdish and Iraqi forces during the war against the Islamic State (ISIS) that began in 2014.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/070720254

[Anthea]

KRG Expands Food Security
and Boosts Exports

The Kurdistan Government’s (KRG) ninth cabinet is significantly expanding the region’s food security and industrial capacity, laying the groundwork to strengthen domestic production and increase exports to international markets

As part of these efforts, the Kurdistan Region has begun exporting products including rice, sumac, tahini, pomegranates, honey, and apples to the UAE, Gulf countries, and Europe.

A key component of this strategy has been the construction of large-scale grain silos. The KRG has completed new silos in Qushtapa (Erbil province), Kalar (Sulaimani province), and Bardarash-Rovia (Duhok province), each with a storage capacity of 40,000 tons and costs ranging from 18 to 21 billion dinars.

Meanwhile, a silo project in Halabja province, with the same capacity, is 25% complete and estimated to cost 26 billion dinars. Together, these facilities provide a total storage capacity of 160,000 tons across the region.

In the industrial sector, 977 factories have received new operating licenses under the ninth cabinet, raising the total number of licensed factories in the Kurdistan Region to 4,547.

The region has also seen significant growth in commercial activity, with 7,227 local companies, 216 branches of foreign companies, and 358 branches of Baghdad-based firms now operating in Kurdistan, bringing the total number of commercial entities to 7,801.

Agricultural development has been another major focus. Over 30,000 greenhouses have been established, supporting 3,813 farmers, while 101 new cold storage facilities have been built to improve supply chain infrastructure.

Six factories for potato-based products and 11 other agricultural processing factories have also been re-activated.

As a result of these initiatives, agricultural investment in the Kurdistan Region has surged from 1.8% to 8%, bolstering both food self-sufficiency and export capacity.

These strategic measures underscore the ninth cabinet’s commitment to advancing economic diversification and promoting Kurdistan as a hub for high-quality local products in international markets.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/888635

[Anthea]

Drone Attacks on Kurdistan
are Terrorist Acts

The Kurdistan Government’s (KRG) Interior Minister has stated that the primary target of recent drone attacks is the economic infrastructure of the Kurdistan Region, stressing that these terrorist acts must come to an end

Rebar Ahmad, the KRG Minister of Interior, responded to journalists’ questions regarding the drone attacks, saying: “It is very clear where the drones are directed — they consistently target the economic nerve of the Kurdistan Region.”

He described the drone attacks as acts of terrorism and emphasized that any party responsible will be condemned.

Ahmad also called on the federal government to take action to stop the drone attacks, urging that those behind them be identified and brought to justice.

“We are coordinating with the federal government to prevent these attacks and to protect the targeted sites,” he added.

In recent days, several oil facilities and oil fields have come under a series of drone attacks. No group has claimed responsibility for the incidents.

However, according to security sources, the drones were launched from areas under the control of the Iraqi security forces and the Hashd al-Shaabi militias.

Despite the frequency of the attacks, the Kurdistan Region’s authorities say the Iraqi federal government has yet to take any concrete security or military steps to prevent further incidents.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/889530

[Anthea]

KRG Project to Cut Poverty Rate
Already Less Than Half of Iraq's

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Region’s poverty rate stands at 8.6 percent, less than half of the 19.5 percent rate for Iraq as a whole, a top official announced Tuesday while launching a new, internationally-backed "Social Protection" project aimed at reducing poverty even further and improving citizens' living conditions

Speaking at a press conference during the project's announcement ceremony, Sirwan Mohammed, the Deputy Minister of Planning for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), outlined the multi-ministry initiative designed to create equal opportunities and ensure economic stability.

"The project was implemented under the supervision of the Ministry of Planning, in conjunction with the Ministry of Social Affairs, which is the primary beneficiary," Mohammed stated. He added that the Ministries of Trade, Education, the Department of Information Technology, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Health will also benefit from the program.

The strategy behind the project, he explained, is to create a framework for sustainable development. "The importance of the project's strategy is that it relies on the latest data and indicators available from the Ministry of Planning and other relevant ministries," he said. "Its aim is to create equal opportunities for the citizens of the Kurdistan Region to work, while ensuring that the economy continues to grow, and guaranteeing that growth within the framework of this strategy."

Mohammed highlighted the project's role as a tool to combat poverty, noting the Kurdistan Region's relative success. "The poverty rate in the Kurdistan Region is lower compared to other areas of Iraq," he said. "The rate in the Kurdistan Region was 8.6 percent in the latest survey by the Ministry of Planning, while in Iraq the rate was 19.5 percent."

Despite this, he stressed the need for continued effort: "We must work to reduce the poverty rate in the Kurdistan Region."

A key goal of the strategy is to build resilience, the deputy minister said. "The main pillar of the strategy is our ability to continue providing services to citizens during times of crisis."

The project has garnered significant international support. "The European Union has provided very good financial support for the project, with the participation of UN-affiliated organizations such as UNICEF, DFP, and UNCSHR, along with the representative of the World Bank," Mohammed noted.

He also confirmed that this is just the beginning of a larger effort, stating that only the first phase has been implemented so far and that they will work to implement the entire project in the future.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/85 ... f-of-iraqs

[Anthea]

Halabja to Host Weekly
Agricultural Products Market

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Star Mahmoud, General Director of Agriculture in Halabja province, on Tuesday announced exclusively to Kurdistan24 that the weekly agricultural produce market will commence this Friday in Halabja

Mahmoud said the market will be held every Friday throughout this month, operating from 4:00 PM until 11:00 PM.

He added that more than 100 local farmers will participate in the market, showcasing their homegrown products.

Star Mahmoud emphasized that this event is organized by the General Directorate of Agriculture in Halabja as a pilot initiative. If successful, the weekly market will continue regularly. He further noted that the main goal is to display the highest quality of local produce available during this season, highlighting its freshness, variety, and cleanliness.

Halabja, a city nestled in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, is renowned for its fertile lands and rich agricultural heritage. The region’s favorable climate, abundant water resources, and fertile soil create ideal conditions for cultivating a diverse range of crops, making agriculture a vital part of Halabja’s economy and cultural identity.

Among Halabja’s most celebrated agricultural products is its iconic pomegranate. The Halabja pomegranate is widely recognized for its exceptional sweetness, vibrant color, and juiciness, distinguishing it from varieties grown elsewhere.

This fruit has long been a symbol of the region’s agricultural excellence, admired both locally and internationally. Farmers in Halabja have perfected traditional cultivation methods passed down through generations, ensuring that their pomegranates maintain high quality and flavor.

In recent years, the fame of Halabja pomegranates has extended well beyond Iraq’s borders. The fruit has found lucrative markets in Dubai and other parts of the United Arab Emirates, as well as in various European countries.

Exporters have capitalized on the growing global demand for premium, naturally grown fruits, positioning Halabja pomegranates as a sought-after delicacy in international markets. This export success has not only boosted local farmers’ incomes but also helped promote the Kurdistan Region’s agricultural products on the world stage.

To celebrate and promote its unique agricultural heritage, Halabja hosts annual agricultural festivals that draw farmers, traders, and visitors from across the region and beyond. These festivals showcase the best of Halabja’s produce, including pomegranates, apples, cherries, and various vegetables and herbs.

The events provide a platform for local producers to display their goods, exchange knowledge, and foster partnerships. Cultural activities and traditional performances often accompany the festivals, highlighting the deep connection between agriculture and the community’s social fabric.

Through these festivals and ongoing export efforts, Halabja continues to strengthen its reputation as a center of agricultural excellence, preserving its traditions while embracing new economic opportunities in the global marketplace.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/85 ... his-friday

[Anthea]

Kurdistan Sees Rise in Tourists

The Kurdistan Region is witnessing a steady increase in tourism, with multiple projects underway and thousands of visitors arriving from southern and central Iraq, Kurdistan’s (KRG) Board of Tourism said on Wednesday

Ibrahim Abdulmajid, spokesperson for the Board, told Kurdistan 24 that water shortages in some tourist areas have not significantly affected the flow of visitors, pointing instead to the Region’s favorable climate, variety of destinations, and overall appeal.

"As temperatures rise, the arrival of tourists from southern and central Iraq increases, because the Kurdistan Region is the first choice for Iraqi tourists," he said.

Abdulmajid noted that a tourism master plan for the Soran Independent Administration is in development and will support the growth of the sector. Several projects across the Region are currently in the implementation phase, aimed at improving infrastructure and expanding services.

To improve future planning, the Board is also working on restructuring its data collection system to record the number of tourists, their gender, nationality, and destinations visited. While official numbers for this year are not yet finalized, the general trend shows a growing influx of visitors.

Tourism in the Kurdistan Region has seen consistent growth in recent years, particularly in the summer months, when families from across Iraq seek relief from the heat. The Region’s cooler weather, security stability, cultural diversity, and school breaks have made it a popular domestic destination.

France and Germany remain among the few European countries actively promoting tourism ties with the Region. In past years, the KRG has signed agreements with travel agencies and tourism bodies abroad to attract more foreign visitors, though most arrivals are still from within Iraq.

The KRG’s long-term tourism strategy includes diversifying attractions beyond natural scenery to include cultural, historical, and religious sites, particularly in areas like Amedi, Akre, Rawanduz, and Halabja.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/891355

[Anthea]

Tourists Flock to Hawraman as
Mountain Escapes Gain Popularity

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - As the summer heat intensifies across the region, the mountainous landscapes of the Kurdistan Region are increasingly serving as a vital and sought-after sanctuary for a diverse array of visitors seeking refuge from the high temperatures and hectic pace of urban life

The scenic Hawraman area, in particular, has become a focal point for tourists—both local and from other parts of Iraq, as well as international visitors—who regard its cooler climes and breathtaking beauty as an ideal escape, providing not just physical comfort but also a profound sense of mental and spiritual rejuvenation.

The appeal of these natural resorts lies in the stark contrast they offer to the demanding environment of the city. Tourists gather in areas like Hawraman specifically to enjoy pleasant evenings away from the congestion that defines modern urban living, where temperatures are notably cooler.

One local tourist, reflecting on this essential weekly ritual, articulated a widely shared sentiment. “Though the cities are crowded, full of traffic, and people are preoccupied with their routines, when they get the chance to escape to nature on weekends, it’s truly a beautiful experience,” the visitor said. “We all need to take a day to recuperate and refresh our minds.”

This need for a temporary retreat is a powerful driver of the steady flow of people into the mountains, transforming these areas into hubs of relaxation and tranquility.

This phenomenon is well understood by those who facilitate these excursions.

Mohammed, a seasoned tour guide who has been organizing trips into Kurdistan’s natural landscapes for several years, shared his perspective with Kurdistan24. He described the restorative power of nature not just as an observer but as a personal experience. He stated that each journey leaves him feeling more refreshed and serene, a feeling he often sees reflected in his clients.

“After the exhausting routines of daily life, even for just one day, we all need time to relax and reconnect with nature,” Mohammed explained. He emphasized that this connection is a fundamental aspect of self-care, a responsibility that ultimately lies with the individual. “I believe people should take better care of themselves and spend more time in nature like this,” he added.

Furthermore, Mohammed highlighted the inclusive and social dimension of these nature excursions. The experience, he noted, transcends social and economic divides, bringing people together from all corners of society.

“What we experience here in these resorts is not exclusive to any particular social group—we have people from all walks of life joining our tours,” he said. This creates a unique environment for fellowship and community. “We come together, socialize, and meet new people.”

This social aspect adds another layer to the experience, complementing the personal introspection and relaxation. Ultimately, Mohammed concluded, the choice to seek out this balance rests with each person. “Individuals are responsible for their well-being, and only they can decide how much they need to disconnect and return to nature,” he stated.

The vivid scenes in the heart of these mountains paint a clear picture of this appeal. In the scenic Hawraman area, a group of young Kurdish tourists could be seen fully immersed in the experience, listening to classic Kurdish songs that echo through the valleys as they took in the breathtaking beauty of their surroundings and enjoyed the fresh mountain air. This combination of cultural resonance, stunning vistas, and a refreshing climate encapsulates the holistic appeal of Kurdistan's highlands.

The region’s natural advantages ensure that its allure is not confined to a single season. Kurdistan’s nature offers four distinct seasons, a characteristic that establishes it as a viable and attractive year-round destination for tourism. While the summer months draw crowds seeking to escape the heat, the other seasons offer their own unique charms. Throughout the year, Hawraman remains one of the region’s most popular attractions, consistently drawing visitors from near and far who come to witness its enduring and ever-changing beauty.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/85 ... al-respite

[Anthea]

Kurdistan Doubles Dairy Output

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Kurdistan Government’s (KRG) ninth cabinet has significantly expanded milk production projects across the Region, with current annual output reaching 285,000 tons, though the domestic market requires 500,000 tons, according to agriculture officials

On Wednesday, Firas Sadiq, Director of Livestock Resources at the KRG Ministry of Agriculture, told Kurdistan24 that six years ago, there were only 73 licensed dairy farm projects producing milk, with a total of 8,000 cows. That number has since risen to 93 projects, with 16,000 dairy cows currently in production—representing a 100 percent increase.

Sadiq explained that these projects are spread across all areas of the Kurdistan Region and have been launched during the tenure of the ninth cabinet. “The milk we now obtain from farms and villages amounts to 285,000 tons annually,” he said, adding that projections indicate the Kurdistan Region could fully meet domestic demand within four years if the newly licensed projects enter production, bringing total output closer to the required 500,000 tons.

The livestock director highlighted that one of the Region’s greatest strengths lies in its self-sufficiency potential. “Citizens are increasingly seeking local natural products with high quality, because the best product is the one produced locally,” he noted.

He further emphasized that the ninth cabinet has attached great importance to the agricultural sector, a priority expected to continue under the upcoming tenth cabinet.

In addition, Sadiq pointed out that the current KRG administration has exempted domestic production materials from customs duties, allowing dairy farmers to import necessary equipment tax-free for establishing barns and factories.

The expansion of milk production projects is part of a broader KRG policy aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing reliance on oil revenues. The KRG has introduced initiatives to strengthen nonoil sectors such as agriculture, livestock, tourism, and small-to-medium industries. These programs are designed not only to meet domestic needs but also to create new opportunities for export and investment.

In agriculture and food industries, the KRG has supported projects that make use of locally produced raw materials. Farmers have been encouraged to supply products such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy for processing in local factories, which in turn produce canned food and packaged goods for Kurdistan’s markets. This strategy helps reduce imports, generate local jobs, and support rural economies.

Similarly, the livestock sector has been prioritized as part of the Region’s food security strategy. By expanding dairy farms and meat production projects, the government aims to ensure stable supplies of essential goods while protecting consumers from price fluctuations linked to imports.

Tourism is another pillar of the nonoil diversification policy. The KRG has invested in infrastructure to attract visitors to the Region’s mountains, historic sites, and cultural attractions, creating a parallel source of revenue and employment outside the energy sector.

Together, these initiatives reflect the government’s long-term vision to build a sustainable and balanced economy, where locally produced goods and services play a central role in meeting the population’s needs and boosting economic independence.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/85 ... d-security

[Anthea]

Red Gold of Kurdistan:
Exports on the Rise

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Hailed by agricultural officials as the new "red gold of Kurdistan," sumac production in the region has surged by 20 percent this year, with a projected harvest of nearly 7,500 tons and hundreds of tons already exported to Türkiye

This success, however, is tempered by the reality that plans for two dedicated processing factories remain stalled due to a financial crisis, highlighting both the immense potential and the lingering infrastructure challenges within the Kurdistan Region's burgeoning agricultural sector.

In a statement to the Kurdistan24 website on Wednesday, Ahmed Jamil, the Director General of Duhok Agriculture, announced that the area planted with sumac has reached 12,550 donums of land, with this year's total production expected to reach 7,480 tons.

The high market value of the crop has been a key driver of this growth. Mr. Jamil indicated that the price for white sumac, one of three main types produced in the region, reaches approximately seven thousand dinars per kilogram, while red sumac sells for about five thousand dinars and baliki sumac fetches between five and a half to six thousand dinars.

This strong domestic demand is complemented by growing international interest, as he confirmed that the Kurdistan Region has so far exported 665 tons of sumac to Türkiye this season.

Despite this clear success in cultivation and initial exports, the full potential of the sector remains unrealized.

Jamil noted that a decision had previously been made to build two sumac factories within the borders of Duhok and Akre provinces. However, these crucial infrastructure projects, which would allow for value-added processing and greater market stability, have not yet been implemented due to financial constraints.

This stands in contrast to developments in other parts of Duhok’s agricultural landscape, where similar challenges have been overcome.

The focused development of sumac is part of a broader, region-wide agricultural revival driven by the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) ninth cabinet under Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.

The administration has prioritized agricultural reform to diversify an economy historically dependent on oil revenues. This strategy has been particularly visible in Duhok province, which is also Iraq’s top grape producer.

As previously reported by Kurdistan24, officials there are anticipating a 60,000-ton grape harvest this year, with the long-standing problem of selling surplus produce now being solved by the establishment of new processing factories. Mr. Jamil confirmed that a juice factory in the Mangesh area is now complete, providing farmers with a stable market for a product that once overwhelmed local demand.

The successful export of sumac fits into a larger pattern of the KRG expanding its agricultural footprint beyond its borders.

According to Hemin Sayed Murad, Director General of Agriculture in Erbil, the Kurdistan Region is exporting more than 3,000 tons of local produce daily, including tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers, to markets in federal Iraq and beyond.

This export drive is a core component of the KRG’s economic diversification plan, which has also seen initiatives like the Kurdistan Agriculture Export Initiative (KAEI) successfully send pomegranates, apples, and honey to Gulf and European markets.

While the thriving sumac fields demonstrate the success of boosting cultivation and finding export channels, the stalled factories serve as a critical reminder that developing robust, local processing infrastructure is the essential next step to fully capitalizing on Kurdistan's agricultural wealth.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/86 ... n-the-rise