Kurdistan Economy

[Anthea]

Kurdistan prepares to welcome
tourists for Eid al-Adha

Kurdistan’s four provinces are preparing to receive a large number of tourists, mostly from central and southern Iraq, for the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, with the majority of hotels fully booked ahead of the holidays

A large number of tourists from central and southern Iraq have arrived in Kurdistan, according to tourism authorities. In Erbil province, 90 percent of its 445 hotels have been booked by tourists, Shukir Aziz, deputy head of the Kurdistan Restaurant and Guesthouse Association’s Erbil branch, told Rudaw on Thursday.

“For all the holiday days, all hotels, motels, and tourist sites will be open to welcome tourists,” Aziz said.

Mahmood Tofiq, head of the association’s Sulaimani branch, told Rudaw that much like in Erbil, “all preparations have been made” to welcome tourists.

“Many tourists have come, and a large portion of tourists have booked hotels and will arrive from today onward,” he said.

The association’s head for Duhok province also said that restaurants and other tourist sites will be open during the holidays.

“Hotels are full of tourists, most of which were pre-booked by companies,” said Sheikh Ihsan Issa.

Halabja, recently recognized as a province by the federal Iraqi government, is also preparing to welcome tourists, especially to the summer resorts of Hawraman near the border with Iran.

“In Halabja city center and Tawela district, hotels have been opened and are ready to welcome tourists. There are also cabins, motels, and tourist lodges that welcome tourists,” said Hawraman Jalal, director of information and relations for Halabja tourism.

Amal Jalal, the head of Kurdistan’s tourism board, told Rudaw that preparations are in place to ensure the provision of services and security in cooperation with the provinces’ tourism departments.

“The preparations are based on providing services, ensuring the tourists’ security and safety, and rules and regulations for protecting the tourists,” Jalal said.

Kurdistan is considered Iraq’s main tourist hub. With its moderate summer weather and cold winters, the Region welcomes Iraqi tourists throughout the year

The bulk of holidaymakers visiting the Kurdistan Region come from Iraq’s central and southern provinces, while the remaining tourists come from abroad.

The Kurdistan Government (KRG) plans to attract 20 million tourists per year by 2030.

“We are in the process of preparing a tourism package for people from outside the Kurdistan Region so that they can get to know the Kurdistan Region better,” Jalal added.

Eid al-Adha is one of the two main Muslim holidays, which will begin on Friday and continue for four days.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/050620251

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BCF Submits UN Report on
Iraq’s Salary Cuts to Kurdistan

The Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF) is submitting a special report to the United Nations Human Rights Council, highlighting the humanitarian consequences of the federal government’s repeated salary cuts and delays affecting public employees in the Kurdistan Region

In its report, the foundation — a member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 2016 — expresses grave concern over the continued use of salaries as a political tool, warning that such practices are pushing the humanitarian situation in the Kurdistan Region to critical levels.

“The decision to cut and suspend the salaries of civil service employees, pensioners, and public sector workers is not only politically motivated, but it also deeply affects women, children, and the elderly — the most vulnerable groups in society,” the foundation stated

The BCF pointed out that since late 2013, Baghdad has regularly delayed or withheld budget transfers and salary payments to the Kurdistan Region, even as other federal territories receive funds without disruption.

The report describes this as a form of “psychological warfare against civilians,” noting that financial insecurity has left many families unable to meet basic daily needs and has caused a rise in poverty, anxiety, and despair — particularly among elderly citizens and households led by women.

“This situation is leading families into deep poverty and subjecting children to a future of uncertainty and darkness,” the foundation warned.

The salary dispute stems from long-standing disagreements over oil exports, revenue sharing, and the Kurdistan Region’s share of the federal budget. Under Iraq’s budget law, the KRG is entitled to a percentage of the national budget, but transfers from Baghdad have frequently been delayed or reduced amid disputes over the KRG’s oil sales.

Although temporary agreements have occasionally been reached, the issue has remained unresolved, leading to repeated disruptions in salary disbursements for civil servants in the region.

In recent months, tensions escalated again after Baghdad transferred only partial payments for salaries, citing non-compliance by the KRG with budget conditions. The Kurdistan Regional Government has denied the accusations and criticized the federal government for politicizing the issue and causing widespread hardship.

The BCF, in its report, urges the United Nations and international organizations to pressure the Iraqi federal government to stop using salary payments as leverage in political disputes and to uphold the principle of equal treatment for all Iraqi citizens

The foundation emphasized that while political and constitutional disagreements between Erbil and Baghdad persist, the humanitarian cost should not be borne by the people. “Ordinary citizens must not be used as bargaining chips,” the report concluded.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/885761

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Kurdistan Factories Export 25 Products
Despite Iraqi Trade Barriers

More than 3,500 factories have been officially registered in the Kurdistan Region, exporting over 25 different types of products to markets across Iraq and abroad, according to the latest statistics from the Kurdistan Government’s (KRG) Ministry of Trade and Industry

Despite the growing demand for Kurdish-made products, particularly in countries like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Palestine, several factory owners say they are facing obstacles from the Iraqi federal government when attempting to export goods overland through Iraqi territory.

Azad Jalal, owner of a factory in Erbil that produces tile grout and polystyrene, said his products have passed international quality control inspections and are in high demand.

“Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Palestine have requested our products, but the Iraqi government creates obstacles for us and does not grant us permits to get our products to those countries,” Jalal told Kurdistan 24.

While more than 50 factories in the Kurdistan Region are already exporting products to international markets, others are limited to supplying Iraq’s central and southern provinces due to Baghdad’s restrictions on exports from Kurdistan

The KRG is stepping up efforts to support industrial development and increase exports. According to Tayb Kazho, Director of Erbil Industrial Development, authorities are working to resolve the challenges faced by local factories.

“According to existing law, we are coordinating with the relevant bodies in the industrial sector to address these issues and enable more exports,” Kazho said.

Officials say the KRG is continuing to facilitate the establishment of new factories aimed at both meeting local demand and expanding export capacity, despite the roadblocks imposed by federal authorities.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/885844

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KRG Investment Opportunities

Kurdistan’s (KRG) Board of Investment has organized the Kurdistan–Netherlands Economic Forum in The Hague, taking place from June 9 to 13, to present key investment opportunities in the Kurdistan Region to international businesses

In a post on LinkedIn, the Board of Investment stated: “The Kurdistan–Netherlands Economic Forum established new frameworks for economic cooperation, with a strategic focus on agribusiness development, water infrastructure modernization, and clean energy solutions.”

The delegation, consisting of the Chairman of the Board of Investment, Mohammed Shukri, and the Minister of Agriculture, Begard Talabani, is set to highlight major investment opportunities in the Kurdistan Region, with a strong emphasis on industry and agriculture. The visit reflects the KRG’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment amid shifting regional dynamics.

Speaking to Kurdistan 24, Shukri confirmed that the KRG is accompanied by 20 companies from across the Region. “We want to introduce the Kurdistan Region to international companies and attract investors, especially in the fields of industry, food, and agriculture,” he stated.

Kurdistan’s economy has long depended on oil exports, but regional officials have repeatedly emphasized the need for economic reform and diversification, particularly following disruptions caused by falling oil prices and delays in budget transfers from Baghdad. The delegation’s presence in the Netherlands aims to promote sectors with untapped potential, such as agribusiness, light manufacturing, and renewable energy.

Shukri stressed the importance of reducing reliance on oil revenues and creating sustainable economic alternatives. The two-day forum will also highlight potential growth areas in tourism, higher education, healthcare, technology, and water management—sectors where Dutch expertise is especially relevant.

The Netherlands is one of Europe’s leaders in agricultural innovation, water technology, and food processing, making it an attractive partner for the KRG’s development goals. The KRG plans to collaborate with Dutch experts to introduce new agricultural products in the Region. The goal is to enhance domestic production and develop the food industry to meet local needs while expanding exports of Kurdish food abroad.

In recent years, the Kurdistan Region has positioned itself as a gateway to Iraq and a stable environment for foreign investors. Initiatives such as streamlined investment procedures and incentives for international companies are part of broader reforms aimed at fostering long-term economic partnerships.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/885909

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Erbil Welcomes 89,000 Tourists

Erbil province announced the successful implementation of its security and service plans during Eid al-Adha, confirming stable conditions with no major disruptions

According to a statement from Governor’s office on Monday, the province successfully managed a significant influx of visitors during Eid al-Adha, stating that 89,301 tourists visited Erbil province over the holiday period and tourism activities proceeded smoothly under a pre-set plan.

The plan, orchestrated by the province's Security Committee, aimed to maintain peace and security while facilitating a positive experience for both residents and visitors during the festive celebration.

The Erbil Security Directorate reported the full implementation of its security plan without any violations. Security forces remained on high alert throughout the holiday, the statement said.

Erbil Police recorded 42 crimes, solving 41. One case remains under investigation.

Traffic authorities reported 17 accidents, mostly caused by speeding and ignoring traffic rules. These incidents resulted in nine injuries and one fatality.

Civil Defense units across Erbil remained on active duty throughout the Eid. They responded effectively to 16 fire incidents, successfully controlling all situations and preventing any loss of life or injuries; damages were reported as solely material.

Healthcare services operated at full capacity. Hospitals and medical teams within the Erbil Governorate attended to 6,575 citizens and a total of 71 new babies were born over the four days of Eid.

Public parks welcomed about 108,000 visitors, with Sami Abdul Rahman Park alone receiving 30,000 people, the statement added.

The Erbil Governor’s office highlighted the successful coordination and execution of its multifaceted plan, ensuring a generally safe and secure Eid al-Adha celebration while effectively managing the large influx of tourists and addressing health service demands and isolated incidents.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/885902

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PM Barzani to CNN:
We Plan to Diversify our Economy

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In an exclusive interview with CNN released on Tuesday, Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani stated that the Kurdistan Region plans to diversify its economy

“Actually, it’s our plan to diversify our economy — to make sure that we have different sources of revenue and do not rely solely on oil. We’ve looked at how we can invest in agriculture, industrialize Kurdistan, and promote tourism,” Prime Minister Barzani told CNN.

Regarding the Kurdistan Region’s entity within Iraq, the Prime Minister stated that it has better conditions than Iraq. “We definitely have better conditions. We have better security, we have better infrastructure — and maybe we started a little earlier than the rest of Iraq. We’re heavily focused on making sure that we tackle corruption.”

He also added that “We make sure that things are done in the right way, and that’s why I believe Kurdistan is in a better place. But that doesn’t mean Kurdistan cannot be a gateway for the rest of Iraq. So, whoever wants to come and invest in Kurdistan will have an opportunity to look at the rest of Iraq.”

Concerning the number of foreign investments in the Kurdistan Region, Barzani revealed that there are not too many foreign investors in the region. “Unfortunately, we don’t have many foreign investments coming in, and that’s the reason why we’re changing the investment law to be more attractive to foreign investors.”

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/84 ... ur-economy

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Kurdistan Launches ‘Visit Kurdistan’ Initiative
to Attract 20 Million Tourists by 2035

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Tuesday will officially launch the “Visit Kurdistan” initiative, a tourism-focused foundation aimed at transforming the autonomous region into a global travel destination, with a target of hosting over 20 million tourists by 2035

The “Visit Kurdistan” foundation is a non-governmental organization established more than a year ago, working under the umbrella of the tourism sector. According to the campaign’s spokesperson, Halmet Kestaei, the foundation's core mission is to showcase Kurdistan’s natural beauty and promote international tourism across its diverse landscapes.

“Our goal is to advance the tourism sector and attract international tourists to the Kurdistan Region,” Kestaei told Kurdistan24. “We aim to bring more than 20 million tourists to the Region by 2035. The initiative will also create over 500 job opportunities.”

Kestaei highlighted the organization’s broader vision, which includes developing essential tourism infrastructure, providing digital services for booking hotels, accommodations, and travel tickets through an integrated online platform designed for international visitors.

One of the flagship projects under the “Visit Kurdistan” initiative is a 10-kilometer-long cable car project in the town of Soran, expected to be completed by 2027. The project will feature 10 stations and include hotels, cafés, and other recreational facilities.

The Kurdistan Region of Iraq has long been viewed as a relatively safe and picturesque destination in the Middle East, boasting mountainous landscapes, historical landmarks, and cultural heritage

The launch of the “Visit Kurdistan” initiative comes at a time when the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) seeks to diversify its economy and reduce dependency on oil revenues by investing in alternative sectors like tourism, agriculture, and the manufacturing industry. The involvement of Prime Minister Barzani underscores the government’s commitment to developing tourism as a strategic economic pillar.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/84 ... ts-by-2035