Peregraf
Sulaymaniyah Governor Haval Abubakr stated on Monday that the city accounts for the largest share of trade activity in Iraq, positioning it as a key economic hub.
Speaking at the Delphi Economic Forum—held for the first time in Sulaymaniyah—Abubakr underscored the city’s expanding role in Iraq’s economy and its appeal to investors. "There are many opportunities in Sulaymaniyah, and we are working continuously to develop the city," he said, addressing regional and international participants.
He called on foreign delegations and investors attending the forum to consider Sulaymaniyah for future projects, citing the region’s significant energy capacity and agricultural potential. "We have strong prospects in energy. Most of Iraq’s arable land, including surface and groundwater resources, is in Sulaymaniyah," he added.
Abubakr also pointed to the province’s stability and diversified investment landscape. "Sulaymaniyah has the lowest unemployment rate in Iraq and the highest variety of investments across sectors," he noted.
The Delphi Economic Forum, which concludes today, serves as a platform for high-level discussions on economic development, security, and regional cooperation. It has brought together officials, investors, and policy experts from around the world.
In remarks delivered yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani apparently reaffirmed the Kurdistan Regional Government’s commitment to structural reforms and economic diversification. "We will implement reforms to create opportunities, especially for youth and women," he said. "Our goal is to attract long-term investments across sectors such as energy, tourism, agriculture, and technology."
Talabani who personally supervises Delphi Forum praised the forum as a "source of pride" for both Sulaymaniyah and the broader Kurdistan Region, emphasizing its role in showcasing the region’s openness to global partnerships for sustainable development.
He also highlighted the Kurdistan Region’s emerging geopolitical role: "We are becoming a bridge between international and regional actors and are contributing to addressing wider challenges."
The forum marks a significant step in positioning Sulaymaniyah as a regional hub for investment and international dialogue.