PM Masrour Barzani: Kurdistan Aspires to Be a Regional Leader in Development and Sustainability
“I see Kurdistan as a new name on the map of developed countries. With the support of our partners, we will build a Kurdistan that is a safe and prosperous destination for investors, businesses, and residents alike,” PM Barzani
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, speaking at the World Governments Summit (WGS) in Dubai, underscored Kurdistan’s commitment to economic diversification, investment opportunities, and sustainable energy solutions.
He emphasized the region’s ambition to emerge as a leading player in economic growth and technological transformation while strengthening partnerships with global investors, particularly from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
A Platform for Global Cooperation
During an interview with Dubai TV, Barzani hailed the WGS as a vital platform for dialogue, bringing together world leaders to address pressing global challenges. He expressed gratitude to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid for their leadership in organizing the event, emphasizing the Kurdistan Region's commitment to learning from successful governance models like that of the UAE.
“This is my fourth time attending the summit, and it’s an important opportunity to meet with leaders, exchange views, and explore solutions to shared challenges,” Barzani said. “We are keen to learn from the UAE’s experience in economic development and investment, and we seek to establish joint companies and partnerships in various sectors.”
Driving Economic Diversification
Barzani stressed that Kurdistan is actively working to diversify its economy beyond oil and gas, investing in key industries such as renewable energy, infrastructure, tourism, healthcare, and education. He highlighted digitization as a major focus of his government, with efforts to modernize public and private sector services through technology.
“We have already made progress in many areas, but we have greater ambitions,” he stated. “We want to digitize services, enhance infrastructure, and create a business-friendly environment that attracts global investors.”
Kurdistan’s Sustainable Energy Vision
Addressing renewable energy and climate change, Barzani emphasized the Kurdistan Region’s proactive approach to capturing and utilizing gas emissions from oil wells to generate electricity. He also outlined initiatives in solar and hydroelectric power, including dam construction to manage water resources for energy production and agricultural irrigation.
“We were the first in the region to capture gas emissions and convert them into energy,” he noted. “But this is just the beginning—we are committed to expanding our renewable energy sector and ensuring environmental sustainability.”
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Barzani expressed his confidence that Kurdistan would continue its trajectory toward becoming a regional hub for economic prosperity and security.
“I see Kurdistan as a new name on the map of developed countries,” he said. “With the support of our partners, we will build a Kurdistan that is a safe and prosperous destination for investors, businesses, and residents alike.”
Kurdistan and the World Governments Summit
The World Governments Summit is an annual high-level gathering in Dubai that brings together leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the future of governance, economy, and technology. Kurdistan has maintained strong ties with the UAE, particularly in the investment, infrastructure, and energy sectors, as part of its broader strategy to integrate with the global economy.
Under Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s leadership, Kurdistan has advanced policies focused on economic resilience, foreign investment, and modernization, making it one of the most promising regions for development in the Middle East.