Sulaymaniyah Leads Iraq in Investment and Employment, Governor Says

Sulaymaniyah Governorate's Media Office

Dr Haval Abubakir, Governor of Sulaymaniyah.

The Governor of Sulaymaniyah, Dr Haval Abubakir, has stated that the governorate ranks first in Iraq in terms of investment, which has contributed to it having the country’s lowest unemployment rate. He also praised the support of Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, describing him as a key supporter of Sulaymaniyah’s administration.

In an interview with GK Channel, Dr Abubakir said: “Sulaymaniyah has the lowest unemployment rate in Iraq, and as a result, the governorate is making significant progress across all sectors.”

Speaking on the support from Deputy Prime Minister Talabani, the governor added: “Qubad Talabani has always been a strong supporter and remains a major supporter of Sulaymaniyah’s administration.”

Dr Abubakir also urged journalists to focus on promoting the governorate’s true image rather than chasing social media likes and comments, emphasising the importance of accurately representing Sulaymaniyah’s achievements.

Furthermore, the Governor of Sulaymaniyah stated that the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) maintains a constructive and non-interventionist relationship with the governorate’s administration.

He noted that the region is governed by the PUK, which has succeeded in establishing a comprehensive relationship with the Sulaymaniyah administration without interfering in its internal affairs.

Looking ahead, he emphasised Sulaymaniyah’s ambition to build on its economic standing. “Sulaymaniyah ranked first in investment in 2022,” he said, “but our goal is to lead not only in investment, but also in services, market activity, currency circulation and the overall public life of our citizens, including the creation of job opportunities.”

Dr Abubakir explained that Sulaymaniyah has seen a significant diversification of investment, industry, and trade. “Previously, investors and goods in the region came largely from a single country. Today, major investments come from the United States, India, China, and Russia,” he said.

He also highlighted the city’s rapid expansion and educational achievements. “Until 2003, Sulaymaniyah covered 30 square kilometres. Today, the population has expanded to 480 square kilometres. In terms of infrastructure, the tallest tower in Iraq is located here.”

On education, he noted: “Sulaymaniyah is home to 16 universities and 52 colleges, many of which are connected with major institutions worldwide. Yet, as a local government, we are not fully satisfied and acknowledge there is still more to achieve.”

Regarding the province’s budgetary difficulties, Dr Abubakir revealed: “Since 2014, Sulaymaniyah has not received a budget from Baghdad or Erbil, nor has the local revenue been made available. Nevertheless, we have continued to work with all available resources, ensuring that all institutions serve the people, including those in Chamchamal.”



PUKMEDIA