A delegation from the United States Kurdistan Business Council (USKBC) visited the Kurdistan Region in November to expand economic and commercial partnerships, identify new avenues for cooperation, and attend the Middle East Peace and Security forum (MEPS). The delegation included top international companies in the oil and gas sector, including HKN Energy, Hunt Oil, Western Zagros, Dana Gas, and Crescent Petroleum. The visit comes as U.S. companies increasingly view the Region as one of the most stable, secure, and business-friendly investment environments in Iraq and the broader Middle East.
President Nechirvan Barzani Reaffirms Full Support for U.S. Investment
Kurdistan Region President H.E. Nechirvan Barzani met with the USKBC delegation on November 17, underscoring the Kurdistan Region’s readiness to broaden economic and commercial partnerships with the United States. He emphasized that U.S. companies are essential partners in the Region’s long-term development strategy and affirmed that the KRG stands fully prepared to offer all necessary facilitation to help American firms establish and expand their activities.
Discussions also addressed Iraq’s post-election political landscape and the importance of maintaining strong federal–regional cooperation to support long-term stability and economic progress.
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani Highlights Reform Progress and Sectoral Opportunities
KRG Prime Minister H.E. Masrour Barzani received the delegation in Erbil, where he briefed members on recent political developments and ongoing initiatives under the ninth cabinet. He emphasized improvements in governance, transparency, and service delivery; advancements in energy and natural gas projects; and efforts to modernize the Region’s economic infrastructure.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the KRG’s commitment to enabling a significantly larger U.S. economic footprint, noting that American companies bring expertise, innovation, and long-term partnership that align with the Region’s development priorities.
Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani and Senior Cabinet Officials Welcome Further Cooperation
Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Qubad Talabani, as well as President of the Diwan of Council of Ministers Dr. Umed Sabah and Chairman of the Investment Board Dr. Mohammed Shukri, welcomed the delegation and offered their support for advancing oil and gas cooperation and broader economic engagement.
Discussions also explored opportunities in manufacturing, petrochemicals, and gas sector expansion.
Kurdistan Region’s Investor-Friendly Legal Framework Remains a Major Draw
The Kurdistan Region’s investment environment continues to attract U.S. and diaspora investors due to its uniquely supportive legal structure. Investment Law No. 4 of 2006 provides:
- 100% foreign ownership
- long-term land use rights
- broad tax exemptions
- full profit repatriation
- access to international arbitration standards
These incentives remain unmatched elsewhere in Iraq, enabling the Region to draw strong interest from American corporations as well as Assyrian, Chaldean, and Syriac diaspora investors pursuing ventures in education, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, and cultural preservation.
A Strengthening U.S.–Kurdistan Economic Partnership
The USKBC delegation’s visit underscores the historic commercial partnership between the Kurdistan Region and the United States. While MEPS 2025 provided a useful backdrop for regional dialogue, the delegation’s core objective centered on advancing concrete investment opportunities and strengthening long-term commercial ties.
With continuing reforms, growing investor confidence, and strong political relations with Washington, the Kurdistan Region is well positioned to deepen its role as a key destination for American business and a regional hub for diversified, sustainable economic development.
