UK congratulates KRG, PM Barzani for successful export of pomegranates

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The United Kingdom congratulates the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani for the success they had earned in exporting the first batch of Kurdish pomegranates into the Gulf market, the country’s new envoy has recently told Kurdistan 24.

In an exclusive interview with Kurdistan 24 that is set to be aired next week, UK Consul General Rosy Cave, in her first appearance on Kurdish media, shed light on numerous subjects concerning Erbil-London bilateral relations, Britain’s support for the KRG reform program as well as security, education and economic cooperations.

“I would like to congratulate the KRG and Prime Minister [Masrour Barzani] himself for their success in exporting those pomegranates to the Gulf,” Cave told Kurdistan 24’s Hakim Farhad in the interview.

The government had previously said it is working to explore new markets in Europe for its products.

Asked whether the United Kingdom is willing to allow Kurdish produce to be sold in its markets, the diplomat said the subject had been raised with British officials.

“We are working very closely with relevant government departments back in the UK to find a way to make that possible,” Cave said on the possibility of allowing other Kurdish agricultural produce to enter Britain’s market. 

As part of a pilot project, the government began exporting local produce to the Gulf markets aimed at diversifying its hydrocarbons-reliant economy as well as finding new markets for local farmers.

At least four Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, have put the famed Kurdish pomegranates on the shelves of their market chains.

The government has undertaken media campaigns to promote locally-grown produces, including apples, grapes, and honey.