Trade in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq continues to grow, with Turkey topping the list as number one importer to the Region. Turkish Consul General Mehmet Aydin Selcen estimates Turkey's investment in the Region at $9 billion.
Approximately 80 percent of total goods sold in the Kurdistan Region come from Turkey, according to the Financial Times. Turkey also accounts for 55 percent of foreign companies registered in the Region.
"We want that the relations between both parties improve and that the Region becomes more peaceful," General Mehmet Aydin Selcen said. "On this way we want to make this border Region a centre for trade and transport," he added.
Already a strong economic relationship with Turkey in place, the Kurdistan Regional Government is now seeking additional opportunities outside the Middle East to further develop the economy.
"We have planned to expand our trade relationships with the European industrial states and U.S. companies to import goods and equipments due to high qualities of their goods," Kurdistan Import and Export Association Chief Mustafa Abdul Raman said.
The Kurdistan Import and Export Association also intends to send a delegation to France to negotiate deals for selling French products in the Kurdistan Region.
