Baghdad governor urges Erbil firms to invest in the capital

ERBIL — Baghdad Governor Atwan al-Atwani on Thursday urged companies in Erbil to invest in the Iraqi capital, saying Baghdad has become an attractive environment for investors and that no country can develop without the private sector.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw, al-Atwani praised the Kurdistan Region capital’s progress. “The country needs success in the investment sector, and what we are witnessing in Erbil is a clear success,” he said. “Investment and urban development are what we want to transfer from Erbil to Baghdad.” He called on “all companies in Erbil to move their work to Baghdad, as Baghdad has become a real and attractive environment for companies and investors.”

Al-Atwani said governorates needed to raise non-oil revenues to fund better services. “We must be wise in using the governorate’s resources and achieve other non-oil revenues,” he said. “No country can develop its capabilities without the private sector and legislation.” He noted the importance of holding the governors’ conference in Erbil to share experiences and achievements.

Khoshnaw said the two sides had held several meetings and that exchanges between Iraqi governorates were valuable. “The governorate is the first line in direct contact with citizens and in providing services to them,” he said, adding that discussions covered tourism, investment, art and culture. “Baghdad is very important to us, and we are ready to exchange experiences with one another and strengthen the brotherly relations between us.”