The Kurdistan Region is expanding its investment partnership with Spain’s Murcia region. Officials hope the cooperation will attract new investment and transfer valuable knowledge to local businesses.
Speaking at the Kurdistan Region–Spain Economic Forum in Murcia, Mohammad Shukri, Chairman of the Kurdistan Region Investment Board, said the partnership focuses on long-term economic growth. He stressed that the Region wants to benefit from Spanish experience in several key sectors.
Shukri described heritage tourism as one of the biggest opportunities. He said the Kurdistan Region has many historical and cultural sites that can attract more international visitors. He added that Spanish tourism companies can help improve local skills and raise service standards.
Education is another priority. Shukri said many Kurdish students already study in Spain. They are pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees at Spanish universities. He hopes more students will study the Spanish language and culture in the future. He also encouraged Spanish students to visit Kurdistan for academic research.
Agriculture and food production offer another area for cooperation. Shukri said Spanish companies can introduce modern farming methods and advanced food-processing technologies. He believes this partnership will improve productivity and create new business opportunities.
Furthermore, he also highlighted progress in infrastructure, industry, dam construction, and manufacturing. He said more Spanish investment would accelerate development across these sectors.
The economic forum opened earlier this week in Murcia. More than 80 companies from the Kurdistan Region and Spain attended the event. Participants explored investment opportunities in tourism, healthcare, construction, urban development, industry, and other service sectors.
During the forum, the Kurdistan delegation presented the Region’s investment climate. Officials highlighted tax exemptions, legal protections, administrative support, and incentives available under the Kurdistan Region’s Investment Law.
Business leaders also held direct meetings throughout the event. They discussed future partnerships and commercial projects. Officials expect both sides to sign several memorandums of understanding and investment agreements in the coming months.
The forum reflects growing economic relations between the Kurdistan Region and Spain. Both sides aim to expand trade, attract more investment, and build stronger long-term business partnerships.
