Canada-Kurdistan-Iraq Business Council Launched

During the launch of the Canada-Kurdistan-Iraq Business Council in Erbil, the Chairman of the National Investment Commission (NIC), Dr. Haider Muhammad Makiyya, underscored the importance of expanding economic partnerships as a foundation for stable national economies.

Dr. Makiya revealed that Iraq had attracted over US$90 billion in investment over the past two years, including US$64.6 billion in foreign investment and US$25.3 billion from domestic sources. He attributed this to Iraq's deliberate economic openness and the NIC's focus on building a productive and sustainable investment environment through collaboration with local and international partners.

He emphasised the pivotal role of the private sector in driving this transformation, alongside the ongoing reforms aimed at improving Iraq's investment climate.

In a meeting with Dr. Mohammed Shukri, Chairman of the Kurdistan Region Board of Investment, Dr. Makiyya called for stronger integration between the federal and regional investment commissions. He noted that such coordination would enhance Iraq's unified investment map and contribute to balanced economic development across the country

Welcoming the launch of the new economic council, Dr. Makiya described it as a qualitative leap in Iraq-Canada relations and expressed hope for a similar initiative to be established in Baghdad soon.

He concluded by inviting Canadian investors and companies from the Kurdistan Region to participate in the Iraq Investment Forum, scheduled for mid-June in Baghdad. The forum will showcase major investment opportunities and foster future partnerships.