The Kurdistan Region has attracted more than $46.4 billion in investment over the past 20 years, according to new figures from the Kurdistan Region Board of Investment.
According to statistics published in May 2026, total investment reached $46.484 billion across several sectors. These sectors include housing, tourism, energy, industry, agriculture, healthcare, transportation, telecommunications, logistics, and trade.
Currently, domestic projects make up the largest share of investment. In fact, they account for more than 77 percent of the total. Meanwhile, foreign and joint international investments represent nearly 23 percent.
After 2006, many projects focused mainly on housing and urban development. At that time, officials aimed to meet growing demand caused by population growth and reconstruction.
However, the Kurdistan Regional Government later expanded its economic strategy. In recent years, it has encouraged investment in agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, manufacturing, logistics, and industrial zones.
Notably, China remains the largest foreign investor in the Kurdistan Region. Chinese investments total about $4.6 billion. In particular, these projects focus on energy, infrastructure, telecommunications, and industrial development.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates ranks second with around $2.5 billion in investments. Emirati companies mainly invest in real estate, tourism, trade, and logistics.
Likewise, Lebanon follows with nearly $1 billion in investments. Lebanese projects are active in banking, commerce, and real estate.
In addition, Germany has invested almost $887 million since 2006. Its projects support engineering, industry, and energy. Similarly, Türkiye has invested around $651 million, mainly in construction, housing, transportation, infrastructure, and trade.
Moreover, agriculture is attracting more capital. Agriculture Minister Begard Talabani said sector investment rose from less than 2 percent to nearly 10 percent under the Ninth Cabinet.
Finally, the figures were released as Prime Minister Masrour Barzani visited Istanbul for meetings with senior Turkish officials. During those talks, both sides discussed trade cooperation and the Development Road project. As a result, officials expect stronger transport links and regional trade growth.
