Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani laid the foundation stone for a new smart device factory in Erbil. The project, known as Zerin 2, focuses on manufacturing smart mobile phones and tablets and aims to create hundreds of job opportunities for young people across the region.
The Kurdistan Regional Government continues to prioritize strong economic development. It also works to expand job opportunities and support the growth of the technology sector. This new step reflects the ninth cabinet’s strategy to build a modern industrial base that supports local production and reduces reliance on imports.
According to officials, the Zerin 2 factory represents the latest phase of a growing smart-device manufacturing initiative in the region. Last year, a Kurdish investor and a Chinese company partnered to launch the first locally produced mobile phones in Erbil. Buyers quickly increased demand for the devices, and several Arab countries now import the phones in growing numbers.
Because of this sharp rise in demand, the company decided to expand operations. The new factory uses advanced technology and follows modern production standards. Officials noted that no similar facility exists elsewhere in Iraq or the wider region, making the project unique in its scale and ambition.
The new factory will also highlight the skills of Kurdish youth. It will employ graduates from universities and technical institutes across Kurdistan, giving them opportunities in engineering, electronics, assembly, testing, and quality control. The project is expected to open nearly 400 new jobs once production begins.
Information from the Investment Board shows that the facility will produce more than 100,000 smart phones and tablets every month. This level of production will boost the region’s industrial capacity and strengthen economic growth. It will also strengthen Kurdistan’s emerging reputation as a center for technology manufacturing.
During the ceremony, officials also unveiled the newest version of the smart phone developed under the Zerin brand. The updated model was presented to Prime Minister Barzani as part of the event.
The foundation stone ceremony marks a major step forward for the Kurdistan Region’s technology sector. It also signals the government’s commitment to supporting local industries and empowering young professionals who want to work in advanced manufacturing.
