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12•December 6, 2023

Business LANDSCAPE Magazine Issue 12

#Iraq#EQIQ#Business LANDSCAPE#Digital Economy Iraq#Digital transformation Iraq#Startup Ecosystem Iraq#Digital Payments Iraq#ICT Iraq#Entrepreneurship Iraq#Kurdistan Region Investment#Tourism & Hospitality Development Iraq#Kurdistan Board of Investment#Kurdistan Business scene#Kurdistan
December 6, 202312 Articles

Issue Overview

The 12th issue of Business LANDSCAPE Magazine focuses on digital transformation as a key driver of economic modernization in Iraq. This edition examines how technology is reshaping business models, improving operational efficiency, and enabling new growth opportunities across both the public and private sectors. The issue covers essential themes including enterprise digital transformation, technological innovation, digital entrepreneurship, and the evolution of Iraq’s digital infrastructure. It also addresses regulatory and technical challenges while highlighting the opportunities digital solutions offer to startups and small and medium-sized enterprises. Through expert analysis, case studies, and interviews with business and technology leaders, this edition provides a comprehensive perspective on leveraging digital transformation to enhance competitiveness, foster sustainable growth, and strengthen Iraq’s integration into the regional and global digital economy

Articles in this Issue

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Editorial XII: Business LANDSCAPE Kurdistan Special Edition

Introduces the Kurdistan-focused issue of Business LANDSCAPE. Frames Kurdistan as a hub for innovation and investment, highlighting BOI’s achievements ($67B capital), ICT sector growth (13%), digital transformation via DIT, education reforms, AUIS entrepreneurship role, and corporate stories like Cihan Group. Also previews interviews with top business leaders.

ArticleSafwa Salim – Executive Editor, Business LANDSCAPE5 min
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The Investment Scene in Kurdistan Region: How is Kurdistan Region Becoming More Investable?

Reviews KRI’s investment climate, BOI’s role since 2006, and $67B+ licensed projects. Covers legal framework (Investment Law No.4, equal treatment, tax breaks, repatriation), company registration portal, digital transformation (e-visa, gov.krd, business registration), infrastructure (airports, solar projects), and key sectors (agriculture, industry, tourism, ICT).

ArticleInvest Kurdistan5 min
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Navigating the Digital Frontier: The Role of the Department of Information Technology in the Transformation of Kurdistan

Reviews KRI’s investment climate, BOI’s role since 2006, and $67B+ licensed projects. Covers legal framework (Investment Law No.4, equal treatment, tax breaks, repatriation), company registration portal, digital transformation (e-visa, gov.krd, business registration), infrastructure (airports, solar projects), and key sectors (agriculture, industry, tourism, ICT).

ArticleHiwa Afandi5 min
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Shaping Tomorrow: Preparing Iraqi Youth for the Job Market

Explores the gap between Iraq’s education system and labor market needs. Critiques outdated curricula, exam-driven culture, and lack of entrepreneurship training. Proposes reforms: vocational education, private sector focus, NGO support, and youth skill development. Describes Rwanga Foundation’s initiatives (job fairs, training, grants, Rwanga Awards).

ArticleAbdulSalam Medeni7 min
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Pioneering University Roles: AUIS Leads the Charge for University Engagement in Iraq’s Entrepreneurial Evolution

Explains the concept of “entrepreneurial universities.” Highlights AUIS’s role in fostering entrepreneurship in Iraq via its AEIC, Takween Accelerator, and Innovation Awards. Discusses integrating entrepreneurship into academia, faculty development, startups, and partnerships with EU/France. Content: Full article text extracted.

ArticleDr. Hemin Latif (Director, AUIS Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center)7 min
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Transforming University Education in Kurdistan, Iraq: Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Positive Change

Mohammed Bajalan (Head of Computer Science, Cihan University-Erbil)

ArticleMohammed Bajalan (Head of Computer Science, Cihan University-Erbil)7 min
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Cihan Group: Weaving a Legacy of Innovation across a Multitude of Sectors

Chronicles the evolution of Cihan Group from textiles in 1947 to a diversified conglomerate with interests in trade, food, automotive (Toyota, Hino, Hertz franchise), education (Cihan University), banking, insurance, energy, and media. The group is presented as a key player in workforce development and economic progress in Kurdistan and Iraq.

ArticleCihan Group7 min
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The Information and Communications Technology in Kurdistan Region: An Overview of Digital Skills, Sectors, and Investment Opportunities

This research provides an overview of the ICT sector in KRI. It notes the presence of 500+ ICT companies, 4 million internet users, and a 13% annual growth rate. Key areas include telecom, internet services, broadcasting, fintech, and government digital services. Opportunities span data centers, apps, cloud servers, fintech solutions, and ICT zones.

ArticleKAPITA’s Research Team15 min
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Invest In Kurdistan: Overview of Priority Sectors

This report outlines priority sectors for investment in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), highlighting agriculture, industry, tourism, ICT, energy, and infrastructure. It emphasizes Kurdistan’s natural advantages (fertile land, young population, geographic position) and policy incentives such as land allocation, customs exemptions, and FDI-friendly laws. The document serves as a roadmap for international and local investors. Content: Full report text extracted.

ArticleInvest Kurdistan’s Team15 min
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Interview: Sheikh Fakhir Sheikh Tayeb (CEO, Qaiwan Group)

Sheikh Fakhir outlines Qaiwan’s rise from a small trading store (1993) to a major conglomerate in construction, real estate, hospitality, education, healthcare, and energy. Discusses the Qaiwan Solar Plant, climate change challenges, healthcare projects (Anwar Sheikh Hospital), education (Qaiwan International University), and Iraq’s booming real estate market. Emphasizes diversification and sustainability.

ArticleSheikh Fakhir Sheikh Tayeb7 min
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Interview: Dr. Akaam Kamal (Executive Director, Halabja Group)

Covers Halabja Group’s growth from trading in the 1980s to a multi-sector conglomerate (construction, telecom, energy, education, FMCG, agriculture). Highlights Garden City housing projects, Rasan Olive Oil Factory, goat farms, dairy complex, Halabja Telecom (HTS), and international offices in Dubai, Turkey, and China. Stresses workforce training, food security, and foreign investment for knowledge transfer.

ArticleDr. Akaam Kamal7 min
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Business LANDSCAPE Interview Dr. Muhammed Shukri

Dr. Muhammed Shukri, Chairman of the Kurdistan Board of Investment, highlights the region’s stability, resources, and incentives as strong enablers for attracting foreign and local investment. He emphasizes opportunities across sectors like agriculture, tourism, industry, and renewable energy, supported by strategic partnerships and reforms to boost investor confidence.

ArticleDr. Muhammed Shukri9 min

Issue Information

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Details

  • Issue:12
  • Published:December 6, 2023
  • Articles:12 Articles
  • Tags:14
  • Attachments:1 PDF

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