Dubai: Iraq’s Kurdistan Region is seeking to attract greater investment from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries as President Nechirvan Barzani steps up diplomatic engagement to position the region as a major trade and economic gateway connecting the Gulf, Iraq, Türkiye and Europe.
With approximately $80 billion in licensed investment projects recorded since 2006, the region is looking to expand beyond its traditional economic sectors and attract international capital into infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture, logistics and tourism.
President Barzani’s participation in the Antalya Leaders’ Summit during COP31, at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has brought renewed attention to the Kurdistan Region’s economic ambitions and its efforts to strengthen partnerships with regional and international players.
His meetings with senior European, Turkish, Syrian and United Nations officials focused on regional cooperation, stability and economic relationships that could help create new opportunities for international investors.
$80 billion investment portfolio
According to the Kurdistan Region’s Board of Investment, more than 1,650 projects worth approximately $80 billion in licensed capital have been recorded since 2006.
Foreign investment and joint ventures account for around $14 billion, with investors from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Europe and the United States participating in sectors including manufacturing, real estate, tourism, trade and agriculture.
