"1,900 companies active, trade volume between Iraq-Turkey reaches $9.6 billion", says Erbil Chamber of Commerce

The companies operate across various sectors, including agriculture and livestock, clothing, food, furniture and plastics, foreign trade, minerals and fuel, tourism, transportation, healthcare, household appliances, and construction.

Press Conference by Erbil Chamber of Commerce. (Photo: Kurdistan24)
Press Conference by Erbil Chamber of Commerce. (Photo: Kurdistan24)

Nov. 28, 2024

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Deputy Chairman of the Erbil Chamber of Commerce announced on Thursday that 1,900 Turkish companies are currently operating and investing in the Kurdistan Region, with trade exchange between Iraq and Turkey reaching $9.6 billion in the past 10 months, of which 30% was with the Kurdistan Region.

During a press conference, Kamaran Bajger, Deputy Chairman of the Erbil Chamber of Commerce, announced that a large delegation of Van province businessmen visited the Erbil Chamber of Commerce and Industry to enhance trade relations.

"We have requested facilitation of civilian movement. While tourism channels have opened, truck transportation still lacks proper facilitation," Bajger stated.

He added, "We maintain strong trade relations with Turkey, which has a robust economy. Currently, 1,900 Turkish companies are operating and investing in the Kurdistan Region. In the past 10 months alone, trade exchange between Iraq and Turkey reached $9.6 billion, with the Kurdistan Region accounting for 30% of this volume."

The companies operate across various sectors, including agriculture and livestock, clothing, food, furniture and plastics, foreign trade, minerals and fuel, tourism, transportation, healthcare, household appliances, and construction.

Necdet Takva, Chairman of the Van Chamber of Commerce, stated, "Today, I came to Erbil representing 13 different sectors, and we had productive meetings. We aim to advance cooperation between Erbil and Van to facilitate business interactions."

He added, "This is my fourth visit to Erbil, and during each visit, I've emphasized the importance of maintaining these meetings. Given the proximity between Erbil and Van, we want to overcome any infrastructure-related challenges."

The Kurdistan Region has emerged as a significant trading partner for Turkey in recent years, with bilateral relations expanding across multiple sectors.

The region's strategic location and relatively stable business environment have made it an attractive destination for Turkish investment, particularly in construction, retail, and manufacturing sectors.