The Kurdistan Region will move forward with a major economic initiative as preparations continue for the Kurdistan – Spain investment forum, set to take place in Madrid next April. The Kurdistan Region’s Investment Board confirmed that teams have already begun organizing the event.
The forum aims to create new economic links between the two sides. It will bring together investors from the Kurdistan Region and Spain in one exclusive platform. The Investment Board noted that the event will focus on generating direct agreements, expanding cooperation and exchanging expertise. Spanish companies already have a strong presence in several sectors in the region. These include industry, agriculture and a variety of commercial projects.
Bergesh Akreyi, spokesperson for the Investment Board, said that planning is underway and moving quickly. He stated that the forum will be exclusive to investors from both sides. No investors from other countries will join this round. He also noted that nearly 60 local investors from the Kurdistan Region are preparing to take part.
During the forum, officials expect several agreements in the fields of industry and agriculture. Local companies hope to build partnerships with experienced Spanish firms. Many Kurdish investors view Spain as an important gateway to the European market.
Spanish interest has grown in recent years. Last year, a Spanish company submitted a proposal to establish a railway line in the Kurdistan Region. This proposal reflected Madrid’s rising attention toward long-term infrastructure opportunities.
Moreover, economic ties between the Kurdistan Region and Spain have steadily expanded over the past decade. Spanish companies have explored projects in renewable energy, agriculture, transportation and vocational training. Their presence has become more visible in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah.
In both 2023 and 2024, Spanish delegations visited the Kurdistan Region to assess new investment paths. They focused on sectors such as transportation, agro-industry and sustainable development. At the same time, Kurdish officials continued to encourage European partners to diversify their investments. They highlighted the region’s stability, strong market demand and untapped natural potential.
The upcoming Kurdistan–Spain investment forum aligns with the Kurdistan Regional Government’s strategy to attract foreign investment. The KRG seeks to deepen its cooperation with EU member states and to strengthen long-term economic partnerships. This strategy includes promoting bilateral investment forums that highlight opportunities inside the region.
Previously, the KRG organized similar investment forums with the UK, Germany and Italy. These forums aimed to speed up economic development and increase international trade. The Kurdistan–Spain investment forum now marks another major step toward expanding regional partnerships and opening new doors for business growth.
