Erbil will host a two-day Erbil economic summit this week. The event will bring together business leaders and government officials from the Kurdistan Region, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. Organizers aim to strengthen trade, investment, and industrial cooperation while expanding regional business ties.
The summit will attract between 250 and 300 business executives, investors, and senior officials from the three participants. According to Gailan Haji Saeed, President of the Erbil Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the gathering will focus on improving trade, logistics, and cross-border cooperation. It will also help create new partnerships between private companies.
Officials say Azerbaijan has shown growing interest in expanding economic relations with the Kurdistan Region. Therefore, the summit offers an opportunity to turn that interest into investment projects and long-term business agreements. Unlike political meetings, the event will focus on practical commercial opportunities.
Manufacturing and industry will be among the main topics. Participants will discuss ways to attract more foreign investment into productive sectors. The Kurdistan Regional Government continues to diversify the economy by supporting industries beyond oil and gas. Moreover, officials believe these investments can create jobs and encourage sustainable economic growth.
The Erbil economic summit includes meetings, networking sessions, and business presentations on the first day. On the second day, foreign delegations will visit factories, industrial facilities, and historical sites in Erbil. These visits will showcase the region’s manufacturing capacity, investment climate, and tourism potential.
The summit comes as investor confidence in Erbil continues to grow. Local authorities have issued 850 investment licenses, including nearly 50 licenses during the first half of 2026. Investment projects now cover 11 sectors, including industry, tourism, agriculture, healthcare, education, and commerce.
Officials expect the Erbil economic summit to attract more foreign investment and connect local businesses with regional markets. Stronger trade links with Turkey and Azerbaijan could improve exports, strengthen supply chains, and increase industrial cooperation. As regional economies continue to diversify, Erbil is strengthening its position as an important commercial hub connecting Iraq with neighboring countries.
