Kurdistan Economy

Inside lraq’s Cash Economy: Fully Reserved Banking in a Monetary Dystopia

pmatay@marcopolis.net (Peter Matay) — Mon, 02 May 2016 13:08:00 +0000

As is the case in many conflict and post-conflict economies, in Iraq the private sector is primarily cash-based. Bank financing is unavailable for all but the largest companies and even then is limited mainly to overdraft facilities.

Iraqi Kurdistan Economic Report 2016: Kurdistan's Great Recession

pmatay@marcopolis.net (Peter Matay) — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 13:08:35 +0000

Not long ago, the future looked bright for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Long an oasis of peace in an otherwise unstable region, by 2013 the three Kurdish provinces of Erbil, Sulaimaniyah, and Dohuk had become the most prosperous part of the country. Not only were they developing their own oil and gas resources but they were also diversifying into non-oil sectors such as cement, tourism, and real estate. In the major cities consumers were flush with cash—business was booming at shopping malls, car dealerships, gold shops, hotels, and restaurants. Iraq’s tallest apartment and office buildings were under construction. The region’s dream of becoming the “next Dubai” seemed to be fast becoming a reality.

Economic Development of Iraqi Kurdistan and Investment Opportunities

editor@marcopolis.net (Jacques Yétérian) — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 13:53:02 +0000

Seven billion dollars was invested in the city of Erbil in the last eight years. The effect of this investment can be seen in the infrastructure and construction of the city. Furthermore, about 65% of an $18 billion investment to support the private sector was spent on Erbil.

Iraqi Market: General Economic Overview by Mark DeWeaver

editor@marcopolis.net (Jacques Yétérian) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 12:51:08 +0000

Mark DeWeaver, co-founder of Quantrarian Capital Management - a DC-based emerging markets hedge fund - and author of Animal Spirits with Chinese Characteristics: Investment Booms and Busts in the World's Emerging Economic Giant, discusses the general economic overview of Iraq.