The Kurdistan Importers and Exporters Union has released its official data for 2025. The figures show strong growth in factories, jobs, and business activity across the Kurdistan Region.
According to the union, authorities licensed 206 new factories during 2025. These factories created more than 2,500 new jobs. At the same time, over 41,000 national and foreign companies continue to operate across the region.
Mustafa Abdulrahman, president of the Kurdistan Importers and Exporters Union, spoke about the findings. He said the total number of factories in the Kurdistan Region has now reached 4,863.
Of the 206 factories licensed in 2025, Erbil received the largest share. Authorities licensed 125 factories in Erbil. Sulaymaniyah and Halabja recorded 36 new factories. Duhok and Zakho added 35 factories during the year.
Employment growth also remained strong. Abdulrahman said factories across Kurdistan have created 51,854 jobs since 2010. In 2025 alone, factories added 2,502 new jobs. Erbil gained 679 jobs. Sulaymaniyah and Halabja added 471 jobs. Duhok and Zakho recorded the highest increase with 1,402 jobs.
Domestic production continues to expand. Abdulrahman said 150 locally made products can now meet between 50 and 100 percent of domestic demand. This growth helps reduce reliance on imports and supports local industry.
Business registrations also increased in 2025. Authorities licensed 2,170 new companies during the year. In total, 37,456 national companies and 3,662 foreign companies now operate in Kurdistan.
Turkish companies lead foreign investment, accounting for 44 percent of foreign firms. Iranian companies follow with 10 percent. American companies represent six percent. British firms account for five percent. Jordanian and Emirati companies each hold four percent. Saudi and Qatari companies represent three percent, while 28 percent come from other countries.
Trade activity remained high in 2025. Authorities issued 2,955 import licenses at border points. They also granted 115 export licenses. In addition, 183,537 vehicles entered the Kurdistan Region during the year.
Officials say these figures reflect continued economic activity and investor confidence across Kurdistan.
