Sulaymaniyah has officially signed a sister city agreement with Yiwu, one of China’s biggest trade hubs. The deal aims to deepen economic, cultural, educational, and agricultural cooperation between the two cities. The memorandum of understanding was signed by Sulaymaniyah Governor Haval Abubakir and senior officials from Yiwu during the 6th Zhejiang International Friendship Cities Exchange Exhibition.
Chen Huidong, Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of Zhejiang Province, highlighted Yiwu’s interest in stronger ties with Iraq under the Belt and Road Initiative. He said China places high value on its partnership with Iraq. He also encouraged closer cooperation between business communities in both regions.
Huidong noted that Yiwu wants to import more Iraqi products. He welcomed Kurdish and Iraqi buyers to the city’s large trading markets. He added that Yiwu plans to sign similar agreements with other Iraqi provinces to expand commercial links.
Therefore, signing ceremony took place one day before Sulaymaniyah celebrated the 241st anniversary of its founding.
Additionally, Yiwu operates the International Trade City, the world’s largest wholesale market for small commodities. The city is a major global supply chain hub.
Governor Abubakir described Yiwu as “the capital of the world economy.” He said the agreement shows Sulaymaniyah’s rising status as an economic center. He explained that over the past eight years, local authorities have supported small and medium-sized enterprises and strengthened the city’s financial and human capacity. They also upgraded infrastructure to attract more international partners.
Furthermore, he added that Yiwu selected Sulaymaniyah because the city maintains direct connections with nearly 700 cities worldwide. He said Sulaymaniyah benefits from a strong Kurdish diaspora that promotes the Kurdistan Region abroad. Abubakir confirmed that a Yiwu delegation will soon visit the Kurdistan Region to explore new cooperation opportunities.
Kamil Ahmed, head of the Kurdish trade center in Yiwu, said the sister city agreement will boost economic activity and support national trade.
China and Iraq currently conduct $55 billion in annual trade, making China one of Iraq’s largest commercial partners.
