Masrour Barzani: Kurdistan Region’s Location Is a Key Factor in Boosting Trade

ARK News.. Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said the Region’s strategic geographical location is a decisive factor in stimulating trade, attracting investment, and connecting major international companies with local and regional markets.

Barzani made the remarks during a ceremony marking the opening and groundbreaking of several investment and commercial projects in the Zakho Independent Administration.

Below is the full text of the Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s speech:

“I warmly welcome you all, especially the Japanese consul, the director of the Chinese consulate, and the representative of Jetour, who are joining us today. You are all most welcome.

“I am very pleased to visit the Zakho Independent Administration, particularly the Batil subdistrict, today, where we are delighted and proud to participate in the opening and launch of three important projects in the industrial sector, specifically in the automotive industry and trade.

“I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Muhannad Group, particularly our brothers Ahmed Musheer and Ahmed Rekani, for their contributions and investments in these projects in partnership with Chinese and Japanese companies. This cooperation will undoubtedly provide significant support and contribute greatly to the development of the industrial sector across the Kurdistan Region.

“In addition to the progress these projects will bring to the sector, they will create numerous job opportunities for people in this area and for the people of Kurdistan in general. Developing the industrial sector has been a key objective of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s program, alongside diversifying income sources and broadening the Region’s economic base. We have therefore been keen to give greater attention to industry.

“I also commend the head of the Zakho Independent Administration for all the facilities and support provided to advance the industrial sector within the administration. I thank you all.

“As we have seen, significant achievements and facilities are being established here. Nissan will serve as a distributor for all vehicles imported into Iraq, which will then be transported from here and distributed to cities and governorates across the country. This will create additional job opportunities for the people of Kurdistan, particularly those in this area, while enabling our citizens to acquire advanced skills and experience in the private sector.

“Recently, we opened a similar Toyota project in Duhok, and before that, comparable projects were launched in Erbil. We hope, God willing, that this step will mark an excellent beginning for strengthening the industrial sector in all cities, governorates, and areas of the Kurdistan Region.

“The Kurdistan Region enjoys a highly strategic geographical location linking numerous Middle Eastern markets. This provides a foundation for us to play an active and influential role in developing the region’s economy and for Kurdistan to become an economic hub that attracts international companies seeking to expand their businesses and benefit from available opportunities.

“From this platform, I call on investors in Kurdistan to think more broadly about how they can direct their investments within the Region and, where necessary, establish joint ventures with foreign companies. This would help stimulate Kurdistan’s economy and introduce modern scientific methods and technologies into the industrial sector.

“We have witnessed tremendous talent and capabilities among our young people. They represent an enormous human resource for building and advancing Kurdistan across all fields. Transferring expertise and knowledge from abroad will also make a significant contribution to improving efficiency and development in the Region.

“As I understand it, thousands of jobs have been created for our people in recent years. This has been, and remains, a key objective of the Kurdistan Regional Government: to create employment by diversifying the economy. In the past, we gave considerable attention to agriculture. We are now pursuing the same approach in the industrial sector, while tourism is also receiving substantial attention. Together, these sectors can strengthen stability, create jobs, and improve Kurdistan’s economy.

“I was particularly pleased to hear that Batil is the only subdistrict in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region to have reached a ‘zero per cent’ unemployment rate. This is an achievement worthy of pride. I congratulate Batil, the Zakho Independent Administration, and all of Kurdistan on this success.

“Unless someone is unwilling to work, job opportunities are so plentiful that people from other areas are coming to this subdistrict in search of employment. This deserves praise and recognition. I hope all cities and areas of Kurdistan will make further progress in stimulating the economy and supporting the private sector, which is a genuine pillar of the government’s efforts.

“The government, for its part, must use all its capabilities to provide facilities and support to the private sector so that, together, we can take the Kurdistan Region’s economy towards broader horizons.”

34