Iraq’s Kurdistan Region continues to strengthen global partnerships as around 60 French companies plan to invest in the Region. These companies aim to expand economic cooperation between Erbil and Paris while opening new opportunities across several sectors.
According to a senior official from the Kurdistan Region’s Board of Investment, the upcoming visit will include companies from agriculture, tourism, energy, and technology. These firms intend to meet with local businesses in the Kurdistan Region to build strong, long-term connections.
French companies in Kurdistan will bring major opportunities to the Region’s labor market. The investment initiative is expected to generate thousands of jobs, particularly in sectors that need international support. The visit was originally scheduled for earlier, but regional instability caused a short delay. However, officials from Erbil and the French consulate remain in close contact to set a new date.
Several well-known French brands have already expressed interest in opening branches in cities across Kurdistan. These companies see strong economic potential in the Region. Moreover, they consider the business environment favorable for international expansion.
Earlier this year, government officials and business leaders from France, Iraq, and Kurdistan gathered in Paris to promote trade and investment. During the event, Baghdad and Erbil presented the Region as a stable and promising destination for global investors.
The Kurdistan Regional Government continues to prioritize economic diversification. Leaders have launched a range of reforms to boost the private sector and reduce dependence on oil revenues. French companies in Kurdistan will support this vision by introducing new technologies and management approaches.
France already holds around $3 billion in investments in the Kurdistan Region. These investments spread across energy, construction, manufacturing, and retail sectors. The French Consul General in Erbil recently confirmed France’s ongoing commitment to expanding economic ties.
Beyond economics, France and the Kurdish people share a long history. In the 1980s, Danielle Mitterrand, then First Lady of France, strongly supported Kurdish rights during Saddam Hussein’s dictatorship. Her advocacy helped create the no-fly zone that protected Kurdish civilians and enabled the establishment of Kurdish self-rule.
France also played a major role in the fight against ISIS, working closely with Kurdish and Iraqi forces. After the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime, France was among the first countries to open a consulate in Erbil.
As Erbil and Paris continue to cooperate, French companies in Kurdistan are expected to deepen bilateral ties and reshape key sectors of the economy.