Approximately one-third of imports to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq are sourced from Iran, according to Mustafa Abdul Rahman, the President of the Kurdistan Region Exporters and Importers Union.
Speaking at a meeting with the chairman and other members of Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, Abdul Rahman said that Kurdistan imports around $20 billion annually, with Iran accounting for $6 billion of that total.
"Kurdistan has strong trade ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran, but we are eager to establish even stronger connections with Isfahan Province," he said.
Abdul Rahman revealed that three years ago, Kurdistan authorities proposed the launch of a direct flight between Isfahan and Sulaymaniyah and a sisterhood agreement between the two cities. "Unfortunately, these initiatives have not materialized," he noted.
In response, Amir Keshani, chairman of the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of establishing an air link to bolster trade and tourism. He said the chamber is prepared to host trade delegations from Kurdistan and facilitate visits from Isfahan business representatives to the region.
Isfahan offers expertise in textiles, steel, chemicals, polymers, mining, agriculture, and construction, presenting significant opportunities to aid the development of Kurdistan, particularly in the construction sector, Keshani added.