The Peace Proses in Turkey Will Revitalize Trade with the Kurdistan Region
Diyarbakir industry chief eyes post-peace trade boom with Kurdistan Region, urges diaspora investors to return. $161M trade in 2024 could grow as Türkiye's new commission advances reconciliation.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Mustafa Fidan, President of the Organized Industrial Zone in Diyarbakir, voiced optimism about a new chapter of cooperation and prosperity between Türkiye’s southeast (Northern Kurdistan) and the Kurdistan Region, emphasizing that "with the end of war, trade with the Kurdistan Region will flourish."
Speaking to Kurdistan24, Fidan stressed that peace and regional stability will unlock enormous potential for economic growth. He also issued a heartfelt call to entrepreneurs from Türkiye’s Kurdish-majority southeast—especially those originally from the area but currently working in western Türkiye —to return and reinvest in their homeland.
Fidan’s comments come amid renewed discussions in Türkiye around “a new phase” aimed at resolving longstanding issues and reviving local economies. He expressed confidence that the establishment of a new parliamentary commission in Ankara will play a crucial role in advancing this process, provided that practical steps are taken swiftly.
"We hope the commission will act quickly. In humanitarian matters, all sides should act without delay," Fidan said, underscoring the importance of time-sensitive action.
Fidan highlighted the current scale of trade between Türkiye and the Kurdistan Region, stating that in 2024 alone, the Kurdistan Region imported goods worth $161 million from Türkiye. Of this amount, $103 million came from Diyarbakir alone.
"Our goal is to expand this trade volume further through the new phase," he said. "We are hopeful, and we believe success is within reach."
Fidan called on entrepreneurs from the region who are now based in other Turkish cities to return to their roots.
"To those investors who are originally from our region but are working in western Türkiye, I say: come back to your land. Invest here again," he urged.
He concluded by highlighting the core message underpinning his vision:
"What matters most is that war and death must come to an end."
The remarks reflect growing anticipation that the normalization of political and security conditions in the region could serve as a catalyst for a powerful economic revival—centered on deeper cross-border trade with the Kurdistan Region.
