The private sector has become a major driver of job creation in the Kurdistan Region, generating 161,000 direct employment opportunities in 2025, according to regional officials.
Dr. Mohammed Shukri, Chairman of the Kurdistan Board of Investment, announced the figure during a press conference in Erbil. He said the data reflects a successful shift toward a government-supported, private-sector-led economic model.
Shukri explained that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) now treats the private sector as a “true partner” in economic development. This approach aims to attract sustainable investment and reduce dependence on public-sector employment.
Therefore, to support this strategy, the KRG introduced major facilitations for investors. Authorities streamlined licensing procedures and reduced bureaucratic barriers to accelerate business operations and capital inflows.
“So far, the private sector has created 161,000 direct job opportunities for the people of Kurdistan,” Shukri said. He added that thousands of additional jobs have emerged indirectly through related industries and services.
moreover, the focus on direct employment highlights the government’s effort to absorb the growing workforce into non-government roles and build a more resilient economy.
In 2025, the Board of Investment intensified its international engagement to promote the Kurdistan Region as an investment destination. Shukri highlighted the Board’s active participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
A key achievement was the establishment of the “Kurdistan House” at the forum. The venue hosted high-level meetings with global investors, business leaders, and policymakers, helping position the region within global economic discussions.
Beyond Davos, the Board pursued targeted agreements to support technology transfer and sectoral growth. In cooperation with the KRG’s Department of Foreign Relations, the Board signed agricultural contracts with Dutch producers. These agreements aim to introduce advanced European farming techniques and improve productivity.
In addition, the KRG signed a major tourism and infrastructure contract with Italian companies. The project focuses on redeveloping Gali Ali Bag, a major natural attraction, and includes the construction of a cable car system. Shukri confirmed that the project has already entered the implementation phase.
The year also marked new milestones for Kurdistan’s agricultural exports. For the first time, local producers participated in the world’s largest agricultural exhibition in Paris. The event allowed Kurdistan companies to showcase their products and explore new European markets.
Meanwhile, the Board maintained a strong presence at the agricultural exhibition in Istanbul, strengthening trade ties with regional partners.
The investment push extended to the Gulf region as well. Shukri cited active participation in the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum and the Dubai Gulf Exhibition. At the same time, the Kurdistan Region welcomed hundreds of foreign trade and economic delegations seeking investment and production opportunities.
Domestically, the Board of Investment launched several large-scale industrial projects to boost local manufacturing and reduce imports.
Shukri announced the start of construction on what he described as Iraq’s largest brick factory. The project aims to expand domestic production of essential building materials.
In parallel, the region is developing an iron roll manufacturing plant. Shukri said the factory will begin operations soon and will serve both domestic demand and export markets.
The Board also approved the establishment of the largest construction materials factory in the region. Officials consider the project vital to meeting ongoing infrastructure needs in both the Kurdistan Region and federal Iraq.
Food security remains a key priority. Shukri highlighted the Megal project, which focuses on meat and dairy production, as a strategic initiative. The project has already created 500 jobs and plays a growing role in strengthening the local food supply chain.
Overall, Shukri described 2025 as a year of execution rather than planning. Through international outreach and domestic industrial development, the KRG aims to position the private sector as the main engine of economic growth.
The creation of 161,000 jobs, officials say, stands as the clearest indicator of this shift and a cornerstone of the Kurdistan Region’s long-term economic strategy.
