Iraq welcomed a series of new investment agreements totaling over $1 billion. Officials celebrated the Iraq investment deals as a milestone for energy, infrastructure, and housing development.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank’s private-sector arm, signed seven contracts with local authorities. The largest deal, worth $500 million, targets gas capture and facility upgrades at the port of Umm Qasr. Another $250 million will fund a new teaching hospital, while $125 million will expand container handling and storage capacity at the same port.
Beyond these projects, agreements also include cement and lubricants production, agribusiness initiatives, a green housing scheme in Sulaymaniyah, and credit lines for small businesses. Together, these deals demonstrate the Kurdistan Region, Iraq’s growing appeal to international investors.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani emphasized that these Iraq investment deals build on ongoing reforms. He noted that previous efforts already attracted more than $100 billion in foreign investment, highlighting the region’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and economic diversification.
Investment experts praised the deals, noting that IFC-backed projects bring both capital and expertise. They stressed that sustained implementation will improve infrastructure, expand public services, and create thousands of jobs across the region.
The IFC agreements also illustrate a broader shift in regional development strategy. Authorities aim to reduce reliance on hydrocarbons by promoting agriculture, housing, and industrial projects. This approach aligns with international standards and encourages long-term sustainable growth.
Observers noted that the focus on infrastructure, particularly ports and energy facilities, will strengthen trade links with international partners. By modernizing critical facilities, the Kurdistan Region, Iraq can attract additional foreign businesses and improve its competitiveness in regional markets.
Furthermore, the agreements signal confidence in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq’s political stability. Investors remain cautious in neighboring areas due to ongoing unrest, but these contracts show that the region has created a safer, more predictable business environment.
As work begins on these projects, officials stressed that careful oversight and monitoring will ensure that funds reach their intended purposes. Authorities promised to maintain clear communication with investors and local communities to ensure efficient execution and maximum impact.
These new IFC-backed deals represent a major step toward a diversified economy. They bring financial resources, technical knowledge, and renewed optimism for the Kurdistan Region, Iraq’s future.