Kurdistan Economy

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Kurdish culture draws crowds

IZMIR, Turkey - The two-day Tourism Trade International Fair, which brought tourism professionals from all over the world to Turkey’s southwest, wraps up on Saturday

The event is the country’s largest international tourism platform with delegates from every Turkish city showing off what makes them unique in a bid to attract visitors.

One of the booths that drew the biggest crowds was that of Diyarbakir, the largest Kurdish-populated city in Turkey's southeast, where loud Kurdish music was played and traditional Kurdish dance was performed.

"Izmir is Diyarbakir of the west and Diyarbakir is Izmir of the east. Therefore, there is a very strong connection between Diyarbakir and Izmir," Izmir Mayor Tunc Soyer told Rudaw. "There is both a cultural connection and a social connection. Therefore, we will continue to maintain those links."

Many Kurds who live in Izmir visited the Diyarbakir booth.

"We see our culture and art here, in the Kurdish language... We are very happy with our Kurdish food, and Kurdish lifestyle," said visitor Aziz Dayan.

"We see our city, our country, our customs and are very happy," said Jalal Tatar, another Kurdish resident of Izmir.

Turks and foreigners were also amazed by the beauty of Diyarbakir's tourist attractions and its unique history, tradition, and culture.

"I am in love with their Kurdishness, their music, and everything they do," said Selma Canca, a resident of Izmir.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/people-places/09122023

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Budget Disputes Involving KRG

The European Parliament has recently disclosed parliamentary questions regarding ongoing budgetary disputes within Iraq, submitted on behalf of Kurdistan Region authorities

The questions, directed to the Vice-President of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, inquire whether the official is aware of the use of "decisions of the Iraqi Federal Courts as political leverage against the KRG [Kurdistan Regional Government]."

Additionally, they seek information on steps that can be taken to "improve dialogue and cooperation between Baghdad and the KRG."

The queries specifically reference an agreement signed in September between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Iraqi federal government concerning the Kurdish share of the budget.

The European Parliament is expected to provide answers to these questions no later than January 8, 2024. The terms of the agreement were subsequently incorporated into Iraq's budget law for the period from 2023 through 2025.

Earlier, on September 14, a senior KRG delegation led by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani visited Baghdad to address financial disputes. Subsequently, an agreement was reached concerning the salaries of the autonomous Kurdish region.

The Iraqi Council of Ministers then decided to disburse 700 billion dinars ($534.1 million) monthly, in the form of loans until November, to help the Region cover public expenses, including civil servant salaries.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/833128

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Baghdad's Policies and Salary Crisis

Kurdistan Government (KRG) Spokesperson Peshwa Hawramani provided insights into the ongoing challenges faced by the KRG and its strained relationship with the federal government in Baghdad

Hawramani pointed out that a KRG delegation had been set to visit Baghdad on December 13, but that it was postponed. However, he expressed optimism that after the New Year's holiday, the delegation would explore alternative approaches to address the pressing issues between the two regions.

Expressing concern over the current deal between Erbil and Baghdad, Hawramani asserted that the agreement “lacks compatibility with the constitution and lacks any foundation in religion, democratic principles, or human rights.” He criticized the federal government for showing a lack of strong intention to resolve the ongoing salary crisis in the Kurdistan Region, impacting citizens' livelihoods.

Acknowledging the wider impact of the Gaza war on the Middle East, Hawramani linked the recent attack on Erbil airport to the war and longstanding animosity against the Kurdistan Region. Despite these challenges, he commended the efforts of Kurdistan's institutions in safeguarding the region.

Moreover, the KRG spokesperson addressed the ongoing struggle to maintain educational continuity in the face of financial constraints imposed by Baghdad. Despite efforts to prevent disruptions, the spokesperson highlighted the limited stability in the government's ability to counteract Baghdad's “oppression”, especially concerning salary cuts for teachers and employees.

The spokesperson reiterated accusations of unjust treatment by the federal government towards the Kurdistan Region and its citizens. He emphasized the lack of implementation of agreements by the Iraqi side, warning that the patience of the Kurdistan Region is “wearing thin”.

Hawramani shed light on the internal income of the Kurdistan Region, noting that the government managed 300 billion dinars in November. However, he clarified that this does not translate to the entire amount being at the disposal of the government, as a significant portion is allocated for essential services such as health, electricity, water, and municipalities. Despite financial challenges, the KRG offered 320 billion dinars to Baghdad, intending to allocate the funds for salaries, administration, and other regional needs.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/833341

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BCF Donates Over 1,000 Stoves

The Kurdish Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF) on Monday announced they have donated more than 1,000 stoves to schools in the Kurdistan Region as winter approaches

In a statement the charity group released today, the BCF said they have dispatched more than 1,000 stoves to the Ministry of Education of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) for distribution to schools.

Based in the Kurdistan Region, the BCF serves as a vital local and regional charity, primarily dedicated to providing financial aid to disadvantaged families and offering humanitarian assistance during natural disasters and conflicts.

Additionally, the organization plays a crucial role in supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs) by delivering essential resources such as tents, blankets, medical supplies, educational materials, food packages, and financial aid.

Last week, the BCF distributed financial assistance to hundreds of orphans in the Yezidi hometown of Sinjar, where the charity group donated cash to 261 orphans in Sinjar, Duhok and Zummar IDP camps, with each orphan receiving $300 in financial aid.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/833776

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BCF Donates Fuel to Erbil IDPs

Amid Cold Winter Conditions

The Kurdish Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF) has distributed thousands of liters of heating oil to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Erbil province

In a collaborative endeavor with Iraq's Ministry of Migration and Displacement, the charity group distributed 76,450 liters of fuel to IDPs residing in Dibaga camp on the outskirts of the city of Erbil, the BCF said in a statement on Sunday. The charity effort benefited 1,143 IDP families.

Based in the Kurdistan Region, the BCF plays a crucial role as a charity organization with significant impact locally and regionally. Their main goal is to offer financial aid to disadvantaged families and provide humanitarian assistance and relief to those affected by natural disasters and conflicts.

Additionally, the charity group supplies IDPs with essential resources including tents, blankets, medical supplies, educational materials, food packages, financial support, and other necessary items.

On Friday, the BCF said its culture and development center delivered a music composition training course for the youth in the Kurdish city of Afrin in neighboring Syria.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/834960

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Kurdistan’s winter wonderland

RAWANDUZ, Kurdistan - Kurdistan’s Mount Korek is busy with visitors looking for a winter wonderland. The tourist attraction plans to expand as it attracts a growing number of tourists, mainly from southern and central Iraq

“This is our first time visiting the region. We saw that there was a trip to Kurdistan and decided to visit this beautiful place,” tourist Ranna Ahmad told Rudaw on Friday.

“Every year when it snows, I come here from Erbil with my family and friends,” said Mohammed Ismail, another tourist.

For Tolum Virgil, from the Philippines, this was his first time walking in snow.

Visitors to the mountain resort 60 kilometres northeast of Erbil had snowball fights and danced in the snow.

The resort welcomes 3,000 to 4,000 visitors daily and has plans to expand, according to Korek’s project manager Hussein Ali.

“We are preparing to hold a snow festival… and we are also building a new hotel to welcome our tourists,” Ali told Rudaw.

Mount Korek is the Kurdistan’s largest and most popular winter attraction. Tourists can ski, play other winter and adventure sports, and dance to stay warm. It was opened to the public in 2013 after three years of construction as part of the government’s plan to boost winter tourism.

With its relatively moderate temperature in comparison to the rest of the country and its tremendous nature, Kurdistan’s tourism sector is growing. Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) plans to attract 20 million tourists annually by 2030.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/13012024

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Security and Stability in Kurdistan

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Tuesday met with United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Davos during the ongoing World Economic Forum, according to a statement from the Kurdistan Government (KRG)

The Secretary stated at the beginning of the meeting that the attack on Erbil was a clear violation of Iraqi sovereignty. He expressed his country's condolences to the families of the victims.

Blinken also stressed that the United States and President Joe Biden regard these attacks on the Kurdistan Region as a serious threat and will make necessary efforts to maintain security and stability in the region.

Moreover, he extended his greetings and appreciation to Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) President Masoud Barzani.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Barzani stressed that the missile attacks are unjustified and the international community must not stay silent in the face of aggression against the Kurds

Lastly, the two sides also discussed the importance of resolving the issues between the Kurdistan Region and the Iraqi and ensuring the constitutional rights of the Kurdish region.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/33 ... ish-region

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Global Outcry at Attack on Erbil

The international community has come together in condemning the deadly missile attack carried out by Iran in Erbil on Monday night, which claimed the lives of several civilians and left numerous others injured

In a statement, Matthew Miller, US State Department Spokesperson, expressed strong condemnation of Iran's actions, stating, "The United States strongly condemns Iran’s attacks in Erbil today and offers condolences to the families of those who were killed. We oppose Iran’s reckless missile strikes, which undermine Iraq’s stability. We support the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Government’s efforts to meet the aspirations of the Iraqi people."

US Ambassador to Iraq Alina Romanowski echoed this sentiment, condemning the attacks as clear violations of Iraq’s sovereignty. She offered condolences to the families of the victims and wounded, emphasizing the recklessness of Iran's actions.

Canadian Ambassador to Iraq Kathy Bunka joined the chorus of condemnation, stating, "I strongly condemn the attacks on Erbil overnight. On behalf of @CanadainIraq and @CanadainErbil, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and those injured in this senseless attack."

UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron, in a statement, decried the Iranian regime’s actions, calling them "unprovoked and unjustified." He emphasized the attacks as unacceptable violations of Iraq’s sovereignty, with thoughts directed to the families of the victims.

UK Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Hitchen expressed his condemnation and extended condolences, stating, "I condemn Iran’s act of aggression against Erbil, a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those killed in these attacks and express my support for the Kurdistan Government at this critical time."

The German Embassy in Baghdad also condemned the attacks, characterizing them as a violation of Iraq's territorial integrity, and expressed solidarity with the bereaved families.

Italy, in a statement by its embassy in Iraq, termed the attack as a "grave act capable of undermining the security and stability of Iraq." Italy extended sincere condolences to the victims' families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

France, through its foreign ministry, strongly condemned the attack, labeling it as a "blatant, unacceptable, and concerning violation of Iraq's sovereignty." Paris extended condolences to the victims and expressed solidarity with Iraqi federal authorities and the Kurdistan region.

The Iraqi federal government issued a stern statement denouncing the Iranian aggression on Erbil, describing it as a blatant assault on Iraq's sovereignty and security. The government affirmed its commitment to pursuing justice through legal actions, including filing a formal complaint with the UN Security Council.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani labeled the Revolutionary Guards' ballistic attack on Erbil as a hostile act against Iraq. He emphasized the dangerous nature of the incident, stating that it undermines the strong relations between Iraq and Iran. The Prime Minister announced the formation of a committee, led by the National Security Advisor, to investigate the attack and gather crucial information to enhance the government's legal stance internationally.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/836619

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Kurdistan's partnership with GCC countries

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a meeting with the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi in Switzerland’s Davos on Wednesday, Barzani said the Kurdistan Region’s partnership with members of the council continues to grow

“Our partnership with GCC member states continues to grow. This year, we opened new trade routes and strengthened political relationships,” Barzani wrote in a social media post shared on X platform, formerly Twitter.

The premier thanked the head of the council for standing with the people of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Barzani’s cabinet has exported numerous agricultural products to several GCC members in the past years, including to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain. They include apples, honey, and pomegranates, among other products that are expected to be sent.

About 2,000 tons of pomegranates, mostly from Halabja, were exported to the UAE and other Gulf countries since last year.

Marketing and exporting domestic products are a core agenda goal for the Ninth Cabinet, its officials regularly say.

The vast majority of Kurdish potatoes are sought by Gulf countries and their international fast-food chains, such as KFC, McDonald’s, and Hardee's, which view both the quality and price of the product as unrivaled.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/33 ... PM-Barzani

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Kurdistan’s story of resilience in Davos
By Wladimir van Wilgenburg

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Thursday underlined that this year the Kurdish delegation in Davos told the story of Kurdistan's perseverance

This year at #wef24, we upped our game.

We shared Kurdistan’s story of resilience,

introduced local companies to the global conversation,

deepened our partnerships,

and exposed the disinformation used to target innocent civilians.

We'll be back next year, stronger -mb. pic.twitter.com/bt6z0UsTZE
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) January 18, 2024

"This year at #wef24 (World Economic Forum 2024), we upped our game," he posted on X.

"We shared Kurdistan’s story of resilience, introduced local companies to the global conversation, deepened our partnerships, and exposed the disinformation used to target innocent civilians. We'll be back next year, stronger," Barzani concluded.

The Kurdish leader's visit to Davos and the gathering of numerous world leaders at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland coincided with a late-night missile attack by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Erbil on Jan. 15, 2024, resulting in the death of four civilians and injuries to six others.

Many countries worldwide reaffirmed their support and solidarity with the Kurdistan Region, and conveyed their condolences to Prime Minister Barzani.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/33 ... ur-Barzani

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KRG Aims for 35% Financial Inclusion

As part of the ongoing reform process by the Kurdistan Parliament’s (KRG) Ninth Cabinet, the region has planned to increase financial inclusion from nearly 5% to 35% this year

“Financial inclusion in the Kurdistan Region will grow from less than 5% today to 35% by the end of 2024,” Prime Minister Masrour Barzani wrote on X.

“That’s why the ATM network, a critical piece of the journey, has nearly doubled in size through our partnerships with private banks,” the prime minister added.

Prime Minister Barzani, soon after taking office in 2019, began implementing the reform agenda of his cabinet, with the main focus being on finding alternatives for the oil sector to diversify the Region’s economy.

In early July 2023, the KRG Department of Media and Information released a report detailing the accomplishments of this cabinet as well as the challenges faced. During the cabinet of Prime Minister Barzani, the Kurdistan Region witnessed continued economic and investment activities despite economic challenges, including the recent stoppage of crude exports.

The MyAccount initiative is a crucial element of ongoing efforts to broaden options for citizens with diverse preferences. Beneficiaries can choose their preferred bank and gain transparent insights into all fees, products, and services.

Numerous banks have recently joined the initiative, as reported by the media department. On October 11, Prime Minister Barzani disclosed that 65,000 civil servants have enrolled in the MyAccount.

The initiative aims to promote healthy competition among banks, aligning with citizens' needs. It ensures that KRG beneficiaries can choose their preferred bank and obtain transparent insights into all banking charges, products, and services.

Earlier this month, the National Bank of Iraq (NBI) announced its participation in the My Account initiative, launched by Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in February. This inclusion emphasizes the KRG's strong confidence in the bank's high-quality banking services.

The NBI is acknowledged for its deep understanding of the needs of individual and corporate customers, showcasing continuous efforts to provide an exceptional banking experience and contribute to sustainable development in the country.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/837438

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Attacks on Kurdistan attempt to harm structure

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Friday released a statement regarding recent attacks in the Kurdistan Region, according to a statement from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)

“The attacks targeting Kurdistan are deliberate attempts by our enemies, opponents, and traitors to dismantle its structure. Their objective is to weaken Kurdistan through sustained aggression and pressure, with the hope that it will eventually collapse,” the statement read.

The Prime Minister also said that the resilient and patriotic Kurdish people, along with the KRG, have the strength to resist conspiracy and oppression

“We appreciate the sympathy and support of friendly countries who have consistently condemned these attacks. However, it is important to note that statements and condemnations alone will not suffice in ending these unjust attacks and preventing their recurrence,” he added.

Additionally, the Premier noted that the Iraqi Government must take practical measures to eliminate the threat posed by the attackers and ensure the security of not only the Kurdish region but the entirety of Iraq.

Moreover, he urged “friendly countries” to take substantial measures and offer them on-the-ground support in order to safeguard the security of the Kurdish people, their economic stability, and political harmony in the Region.

“I urge the Kurdish people to confront these conspiracies through resistance and to maintain their strong sense of patriotism,” he stressed.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/33 ... PM-Barzani

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Seven Million Tourists Visited Kurdistan in 2023

The head of the Tourism Board in Kurdistan, Amal Jalal, announced on Monday that the Region welcomed an impressive seven million tourists over the past year

"The number of tourists who visited the Kurdistan Region in 2021 was 4 million, and in 2022, it reached 6 million. However, in 2023, the number of tourists soared to 7 million and 279 thousand. Additionally, 2.5 million Kurdish citizens engaged in travel and tourism within the region,” Jalal told reporters.

Highlighting the substantial growth in tourism-related investments since the formation of the Ninth Cabinet, the KRG official noted that over the past four years, the tourism sector has attracted a total investment of $7.387 billion, making it the leading contributor to regional revenues.

"The projects that received approval and were initiated by ministerial orders in 2023 amounted to 27 projects, with a total value exceeding $1.5 billion. Furthermore, 66 projects were leased, generating over 100,000 job opportunities across our various tourist destinations,” she added.

The Kurdistan Region, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and historical sites, continues to position itself as an increasingly popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/836480

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KRG, KOICA $12 million-worth projects

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Education on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding with the South Korean development agency known as KOICA in Erbil to implement a $12 million project in the education sector

The Kurdistan Government (KRG) Minister of Education Alan Hama Saeed along with other senior Kurdish officials attended the signing ceremony along with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Resident Representative in Erbil Ko HeeSeok and the Asian country’s envoy to the Kurdish capital Seungcheol Lim.

The projects will include renovating 20 schools in Erbil along with building a training center for teachers, Minister Hama Saeed said, adding the budget that has been provided by KOICA for the education projects is estimated to be $11 million.

Another million dollars will be dedicated to projects for the KRG Ministry of Culture and Youth.

“We will continue providing ongoing support and collaboration for the prosperity and development of the KRG,” HeeSeok said in his remarks.

The Kurdish education minister and head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations Safeen Dizayee similarly extended their gratitude to the Republic of Korea for its continued support for the Kurdistan Region following the 2003 ouster of Saddam Hussein’s regime.

In late January, the South Korean agency inked another memorandum of understanding with the KRG Ministry of Health to conduct a project on early cancer diagnosis.

The KOICA has undertaken several other development projects in the Kurdistan Region.

The relations Korean government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) started when the former dispatched the Korean military's Zaytun Division to the autonomous region in 2004. That division was tasked with rebuilding and economically developing the Kurdistan Region during the Iraq War, a former consul general of the country in Erbil told Kurdistan24 in 2021.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/33 ... h-projects

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PM Barzani attending World Government Summit

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Sunday headed to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to attend the World Government Summit, according to a statement

Barzani is leading a Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) delegation to the annual summit, according to a press release from the premier’s office.

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE vice president, prime minister, and ruler of Dubai, has invited the premier to attend the conference, the press release added.

Barzani is set to deliver a speech at the summit, where government and business leaders are set to attend. He will hold several meetings with the participating delegations.

The annual World Government Summit is set to take place in Dubai, starting on Feb. 12. This year's theme is 'Shaping Future Governments' that will continue until Feb. 14.

More than 200 speakers are set to deliver remarks at the gathering, in which 120 government delegations are participating.

Prime Minister Barzani attended the summit in 2023 and 2022.

The Kurdistan Region and the UAE enjoy close diplomatic relations.

Several Emarati companies are currently working in the Kurdish region in various sectors, including energy.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/34 ... ent-Summit