The Erbil Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with BrightCastle Motors on Monday. The bilateral agreement aims to strengthen commercial ties, expand investment, and empower private sector enterprises across the Kurdistan Region.
BrightCastle Motors serves as the sole authorized distributor of Mercedes-Benz vehicles and automotive operations across Iraq. Regional government leaders attended the formal signing ceremony in Erbil to endorse the commercial partnership.
Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw joined Erbil Chamber President Gailan Haji Saeed and Executive Director Bernhard Dolinek at the ceremony. Representatives from the Ministry of Trade and local commercial import companies also participated in the discussions.
Chamber leaders emphasized that stronger institutional coordination could help revitalize economic activity across the Kurdistan Region. The new strategic framework also creates opportunities for registered chamber members and small commercial enterprises.
Chamber Vice President Kamaran Salah Saeed Bajgr confirmed that the memorandum entered into legal force immediately after signing. He said small enterprises can now collaborate directly with global brand suppliers, particularly in automotive spare parts distribution.
Bajgr also highlighted that regional political stability continues to encourage international automotive companies to establish long-term operations in Erbil. Mercedes-Benz has maintained active commercial operations in the regional capital for nearly two decades.
Officials expect the partnership to create specialized employment opportunities for local technical and university graduates. Expanding private sector hiring could also help reduce long-term employment pressures on regional public institutions.
Under the agreement, both institutions will launch joint development initiatives and provide exclusive promotional offers to chamber members. They will also organize specialized technical workshops to exchange industry expertise and improve investment opportunities.
Looking ahead, regional business leaders are expected to pursue additional international partnerships to support economic diversification. Stronger private sector cooperation could strengthen commercial infrastructure and attract further foreign investment to the Kurdistan Region.