The Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) vision for economic growth, supported by peace and stability in the region, is drawing increased interest from international investors. Officials say Erbil is preparing for the arrival of up to 500 global companies following the success of a major investment exhibition last week.
The Erbil International Investment Exhibition welcomed 200 companies from across the world, representing a wide range of sectors. According to government officials and business leaders, these participants are expected to act as catalysts, attracting additional partner companies to establish operations in Kurdistan. Soon after the event, a high-level international delegation, particularly from the United States, arrived in Erbil to assess new business opportunities.
Experts stress that investors closely examine political and economic factors before entering a new market. The Kurdistan Region’s stability, combined with the KRG’s supportive policies, has created favorable conditions for investment—especially in contrast to Baghdad, which investors often criticize for imposing barriers.
Ali Rashid, head of the Erbil Provincial Council, underscored the scale of expectations:
“Erbil expects 500 global companies to invest across all sectors. The arrival of foreign investors brings not only capital but also technology and expertise, which strengthen international ties and create job opportunities for the people of Kurdistan.”
Rashid noted that Kurdistan’s labor laws are designed to ensure local participation in the growing economy. “By law, 76 percent of the workforce in any company must be local,” he explained. “This guarantees jobs for our citizens, increases competition, and pushes local companies to raise their standards as they compete with global firms.”
Najad Bapir, general manager of South Kurdistan Company, stressed that local businesses can match the performance of foreign investors. He pointed to a recent visit by American company representatives who toured the Erbil Rapid Water Emergency Project.
“This project demonstrated our capabilities,” he said. “It built confidence among foreign investors, showing them that Kurdistan offers not just security and stability, but also real expertise. The strong presence of international companies reflects the success of the KRG’s investment strategy.”
Bapir also highlighted the importance of the annual exhibition, which attracts about 200 local and foreign firms, particularly from the real estate sector. “For citizens, it is an opportunity to engage directly with companies, rather than relying on advertisements or social media. Families looking to buy homes can compare options face-to-face, which makes the process far more transparent.”
He emphasized that the companies attending are financially strong and experienced investors. “No local company here could easily go abroad and invest in another country,” Bapir explained. “But when these global firms choose Kurdistan, it demonstrates their confidence in the peace and security of our region.”
On the legal framework, Bapir praised Investment Law No. 4 of 2006, which was later updated with detailed guidelines to safeguard the rights of investors. “Foreign and local companies are treated equally under the law,” he said. “The Prime Minister, Masrour Barzani, has introduced several new measures through the Council of Ministers to simplify investment procedures. These steps, combined with residency permits for foreign property owners and long-term strategic planning by the Investment Board, have created one of the most attractive investment environments in the region.”
With international confidence growing and legal protections in place, the Kurdistan Region is positioning itself as a gateway for hundreds of global companies in the coming years.
