Kurdistan seeks more investment from Gulf countries
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…
Kurdistan Region seeks to attract more investment from Gulf countries, with President Nechirvan Barzani increasing diplomatic efforts. The region boasts an $80 billion pipeline of licensed investment projects since 2006, and is looking to diversify beyond its traditional sectors into infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture, logistics and tourism.
President Barzani participated in the Antalya Leaders' Summit, hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to highlight the region's economic ambitions. His meetings with European, Turkish, Syrian and UN officials focused on strengthening regional and international partnerships. Over 1,650 projects worth about $80 billion in licensed capital have been recorded, with Gulf investors active in manufacturing, real estate, tourism, trade and agriculture.
The region's strategic location offers Gulf businesses access to Iraq's market and links to Türkiye and Europe. Water security and agriculture are emerging as key investment sectors, with projects like Gomaspan and Dwin dams aiming to improve water management and agricultural production. Renewable energy and environmental initiatives are also gaining attention, with talks on climate change and environmental protection during Barzani's meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Economic ties with Turkey remain vital due to the country's role as a trade partner and transport route to Europe. Discussions with Turkish National Intelligence Organisation head Ibrahim Kalın covered security coordination and regional stability, important factors for cross-border trade, energy infrastructure and transport connectivity.
Barzani met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to explore greater cooperation between Syria, Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, inviting the Syrian leader to Erbil and Baghdad for future trade discussions. A stable relationship between the Kurdistan Regional Government and Iraq's federal government is crucial for attracting sustained foreign investment, according to Barzani's meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
