Exploring opportunities in the agricultural sector in the Kurdistan region of Iraq
The agricultural sector in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq provides an ideal mix of fertile ground, underutilized potential, and government policy to further expand the agricultural sector. Furthermore, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq is the ideal stepping stone for doing business in Iraq as a whole, and there is a clear interest in Dutch agricultural knowledge and expertise.
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Already some years ago, the Kurdistan regional government has identified agriculture as a priority sector in its economic diversification strategy, with the goal of reducing reliance on oil and fostering broader economic development. Moreover, Invest Kurdistan proactively promotes investment opportunities in KRI.
In a recent video, the newly appointed Dutch Consul General in Erbil Adriaan IJsselstein welcomed Dutch entrepreneurs to explore business opportunities in the KRI.
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Bestand downloaden: https://www.rovid.nl/ezk/dco/2025/ezk-dco-20250306-idcx8bvn6-web-hd.mp4“As a consulate we are obviously here to support both Dutch citizens and Dutch companies. We want to do business,” said the Consul General of the Netherlands in Erbil. “There are great opportunities in the agricultural sector.”
“Building on the success story of developing the potato sub-sector through bringing in seed potatoes, supporting farmers, and improving the value chain, we now want to expand to other areas, from greenhouses to open field horticulture, fruit growing, poultry, and sustainable dairy production,” the Agricultural Advisor at the Netherlands consulate added.
Netherlands in Kurdistan Region on X: "This is the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Are you a Dutch entrepreneur and interested in doing business here? Do contact us!"
Opportunities in horticulture and dairy
A recent desk study on horticulture sector in Iraq and KRI has identified potential for Dutch companies and experts. The report highlights promising opportunities for trade and services in genetic materials, protected horticulture, specialized agriculture equipment, and post-harvest facilities. Read more: Iraqi horticulture sector offers opportunities for Dutch investment
More information
Read more: Diving into Iraq's dairy sector: sector scan, market figures and promising opportunities
Over the past few years, several small to medium-sized collaborative projects have been established by Kurdish and Dutch companies. In addition, several large Kurdish companies have decided to enter the dairy industry.
Iraq’s major agrifood event
Given the continuous growth in the agriculture sector in KRI, international entrepreneurs will have opportunity to explore the market, meet key contacts, and showcase their innovations at the AgroPack Fair, which will take place in Erbil at the end of November.
Agro-Pack Erbil is Iraq’s leading agri- and food packaging fair. Last year, the event attracted 320 international exhibitors from 47 countries showcasing their innovative products and solutions to more than 10,000 visitors from Iraq and the entire region. Dutch companies looking to expand into Iraqi market can explore and participate, to showcase their products and services.
