Kurdistan Region exports first shipment of potatoes to Liberia

Osman confirmed to Kurdistan24 that the deal involves monthly exporting 100 tons of potatoes to Liberia.

Growing potatoes in Kurdistan Region. (Photo: Kurdistan24)
Growing potatoes in Kurdistan Region. (Photo: Kurdistan24)

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdistan Region has made a significant breakthrough in agricultural exports, with the first shipment of locally grown potatoes delivered to Liberia. Haji Hussein Osman, a prominent Kurdish businessman and owner of Reef Kirkuk for Agricultural Products, announced on Sunday that the initial consignment was sent on December 24, marking the start of a new trade agreement.

Osman confirmed to Kurdistan24 that the deal involves monthly exporting 100 tons of potatoes to Liberia. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has played a crucial role in facilitating the process and providing comprehensive support regarding health and export procedures.

"The potatoes were transported to Mersin, Turkey, before being shipped from the port to Liberia. After 34 days, the shipment successfully arrived," Osman explained.

In efforts to expand market reach for the Kurdistan Region's agricultural products, Osman revealed plans to visit several African countries in mid-January 2025. This initiative aims to promote onion products from the region.

Despite initial delays in shipment due to legal formalities, Osman highlighted the favorable reception of the Kurdistan Region's potatoes. "We sent 100 nets of potatoes to Liberia's Prime Minister, and he praised the quality and taste," Osman stated.

Liberia has traditionally relied on Lebanese imports for potatoes. However, the recent shipment signals a potential shift, with the Kurdistan Region emerging as a strong competitor capable of meeting Liberia’s domestic demand.

The ninth cabinet of the KRG, led by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, has prioritized the diversification of financial resources by enhancing the agricultural sector and seeking foreign markets. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to boost agricultural exports, with products like pomegranates, honey, and apples already reaching international markets.

In 2023, over 13,000 tons of potatoes were exported to the UAE and Saudi Arabia for the first time. In August 2024, an additional 600 tons of potatoes from the Nawkur Plain in Duhok province were exported to Hasakah and Qamishli, Syria, via 25 trucks through the Semalka border crossing.

The expansion of agricultural exports reflects the KRG's commitment to strengthening the region's economic stability and positioning the Kurdistan Region as a key player in global agricultural trade.