Erbil Governor Attributes Economic Progress to Stability of Kurdistan Region during Address at Tufts University
BOSTON, Mass — The governor of Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, addressed Tufts University regarding progress made in Erbil as a result of the Region’s strong security. Governor Nawzad Hadi briefed students and faculty at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy on the challenges and opportunities for redevelopment in Erbil.
“Tremendous development was not possible in Erbil without the strong-established security situation,” Governor Hadi said. “Unlike the rest of Iraq, the Kurdistan Region enjoys a very stable, calm and secure living environment.” To date no U.S. or coalition soldier or civilian has been killed in the Kurdistan Region as a result of hostile action.
Erbil has undergone a massive transformation since the liberation of Iraq in 2003 and in 2008 a master plan for development was drawn for the city, laying the groundwork for development over the next 25 years. The housing, education, health, electricity and water sectors have improved greatly. In fact, the Kurdistan Region now averages 21 hours of electricity, compared to Baghdad’s average of two to four hours, Governor Hadi said
Since 2004, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), the United States and South Korea, have all strongly contributed to the development of Erbil, with local and foreign investment totaling approximately $8 billion. The Kurdistan Region’s investment board works to streamline the process of setting up businesses and assists in implementing the Tax and Customs Exemption Law which exempts foreign investors from taxes on equipment, and materials.
Governor Hadi then visited Washington D.C. where, accompanied by the KRG Representative to the U.S., Qubad Talabani, he highlighted to Obama Administration officials, the Kurdistan Region’s economic development, as well as Erbil’s efforts to work with other provinces in Iraq to strengthen cultural and economic ties.
To view the governor’s remarks at Tufts, please go to these links:
Tagged in: Erbil, Iraqi economy, Iraqi Kurdistan, KRG, Kurdistan, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Nawzad Hadi
