The Erbil Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) has highlighted the ongoing import of specialized French products into the Kurdistan Region, notably including cosmetics, perfumes, and agricultural machinery. According to ECCI, these imports are part of a broader, evolving trade relationship between the Kurdistan Region and France, which remains at a developmental stage.
In the previous year, French exports to Iraq reached a total value of $420 million, encompassing food products, agricultural tools, as well as cosmetic and fragrance items. A significant share of these goods has entered the Kurdistan Region, with several local merchants securing exclusive distribution agreements for French perfumes and related cosmetic products.
Additionally, approximately 30 French enterprises are currently engaged in commercial activities within the Kurdistan Region. These firms are involved in the import and distribution of a range of goods, including automobiles, fashion apparel, and women’s beauty products. There is also a growing interest in supporting rural development initiatives, particularly in the agricultural sector.
From an international trade perspective, officials have underscored the importance of strengthening Kurdistan’s presence in European markets. Participation in major agricultural exhibitions in France, which attract between eight to ten million visitors annually, represents a strategic effort to introduce Middle Eastern agricultural goods to European consumers. However, due to limited familiarity with such products, gaining traction in European markets remains more challenging compared to neighboring regions in the Middle East.