China plans to introduce tourist visas for citizens of the Kurdistan Region as economic ties continue to expand. The move could strengthen tourism and people-to-people exchanges between the two sides.
Liu Jun, China’s Consul General in Erbil, said economic and investment relations remain strong and active. He also pointed to the growing presence of Chinese products in Kurdistan Region markets.
Liu said Chinese goods have expanded beyond electronic devices over the past two to three years. Chinese vehicles have also become more common across the region. In particular, new-energy and electric vehicles have gained greater attention among local consumers.
Liu highlighted stronger business links as another sign of growing cooperation. He said China has issued several thousand business visas to citizens of the Kurdistan Region this year.
The consul general also announced that China is working to launch tourist visas for Kurdish citizens. Under the current policy, China can issue tourist visas to groups of at least five people.
Tourism companies in the Kurdistan Region will need to coordinate with Chinese travel companies. Liu said China hopes to start issuing tourist visas fully within this year.
Education also remains an important part of the relationship. This year, 19 young people from the Kurdistan Region received Chinese government scholarships. They will travel to China to continue their studies.
Liu added that nearly 50 students from the Kurdistan Region have travelled to China for education during the past three years. He encouraged more young people to explore academic opportunities in China.
According to Liu, educational exchanges can help deepen relations between China and the Kurdistan Region. They can also create stronger links between young people and institutions.
China established its Consulate General in Erbil in 2014. Since then, Chinese diplomats and Kurdish officials have held regular high-level meetings.
Their discussions have covered regional security and stability. They have also focused on expanding trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
The planned tourist visa program could add another important dimension to these growing ties.
