Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani concluded his participation in the 53rd World Economic Forum, held from January 16-20 in Davos, Switzerland. The international forum, themed “Cooperation in a fragmented world,” served as a platform for global leaders to engage in discussions on pressing issues and explore avenues for collaboration.
In a video message shared on X, Prime Minister Barzani expressed his satisfaction with the forum. “There were many topics we discussed that are important for Kurdistan as well as how Kurdistan can play a positive role in this,” he stated. Emphasizing the importance of the discussions, he highlighted a range of reforms being pursued by the Kurdistan Region, including initiatives in agricultural exports and banking.
The primary focus of Prime Minister Barzani’s visit was to boost exports, expand trade relations, and diversify the Kurdistan Region’s economy, which has been traditionally reliant on oil. In a proactive approach to economic development, Prime Minister Barzani underscored the significance of reforms aimed at increasing agricultural exports and modernizing the banking sector. Optimistic about the future, he expressed hope for positive outcomes in the near term.
During his visit, Prime Minister Barzani engaged in several meetings with officials from Europe, the United States, and Arab nations, representing both the public and private sectors. A major topic of discussion was the export of local Kurdish produce to European and Gulf markets, reflecting the region’s commitment to economic growth and global market integration.
Responding to questions from Kurdish media, Prime Minister Barzani revealed that his discussions in Davos extended beyond economic matters to encompass issues of climate change, food security, renewable energy, and security. These broader considerations underscored the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to addressing global challenges and contributing to international efforts.
Highlighting the Kurdistan Region’s role in combating terrorism and fostering regional stability, Barzani showcased the region’s effectiveness in these critical areas. He took the opportunity to invite international partners to invest in the Kurdistan Region, emphasizing ongoing banking reforms as a key facet of the government’s commitment to creating an economic environment conducive for entrepreneurial ventures and commercial initiatives.
Robin Bell is a specialist in marketing, logistics and supply chains with experience in over 35 countries – mainly developing markets. CEO of consultancy Graydon Lloyd, he is an Advisor to Valuechain, UK (Cloud based Network & Supply Chain Portals) and Kadme (Big Data & AI specialists), Norway.
