Trade and industry remain central to economic growth in the Kurdistan Region, which has continued to strengthen its position on regional and international markets despite political and economic challenges. In this context, the Erbil Chamber of Commerce and Industry has intensified its activities to support merchants, expand external partnerships, and prepare a strategic plan for 2026.
In an interview with Kurdish Globe, Kamaran Mohammed Salih, a member of the Erbil Chamber of Commerce and Industry, outlined the chamber’s recent initiatives and future priorities.
Salih said the chamber’s work is proceeding in an organized and systematic manner following a series of meetings held in 2025. He noted that a comprehensive plan for 2026 has been prepared, accompanied by the formation of specialized committees covering sectors such as industry, agriculture, and food production. These committees are tasked with daily follow up on the needs and challenges faced by traders in order to provide timely support and help resolve obstacles affecting their work.
Salih also highlighted the chamber’s recent visit to the United Arab Emirates, describing the country as a key economic partner in the region. He said the delegation held extensive meetings with the chambers of commerce in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah. During the visit, the memorandum of understanding with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce was renewed, and discussions focused on strengthening cooperation with Ras Al Khaimah, which hosts more than 68,000 registered companies. Official invitations were extended for Emirati delegations to visit Erbil to further enhance bilateral economic relations.
A major focus of the visit was commercial arbitration. Salih said the delegation met with arbitration centers in Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, and Ajman to study their structures and operating mechanisms. The aim, he explained, is to establish a similar arbitration center in Erbil in the near future to help resolve commercial disputes and facilitate business activity.
As a concrete outcome of these meetings, the Erbil Chamber of Commerce signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ras Al Khaimah Arbitration Center. The delegation also visited the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, where members reviewed advanced technologies and innovation models. Salih expressed hope that Erbil could develop a similar center dedicated to technology and innovation.
Salih emphasized that the success of the visit was strongly supported by the close relations between Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and UAE authorities. He said the warm reception of the delegation reflected the positive impact of strong political ties on economic and social cooperation between the Kurdistan Region and the UAE.
By Frsat Said Shkur