Political Risk and Investments in Kurdistan

Chairman of the Kurdistan Board of Investment Herish Muharam explains the political, regional and international risks facing Kurdistan and their impact on the foreign direct investments.

There are several risks that Iraqi Kurdistan faces.

The disputed territories like Mosul and Kirkuk – that have been historically a part of Kurdistan with a majority of Kurdish dwellers – but due to forced re-locations perpetrated by the Saddam Hussein’s regime as a part of a campaign against the Kurds – the ethnic balance has been shifted. The ongoing strife for the control of the disputed territories, rich in oil and gas, poses one of the most significant political risks Kurdistan is currently facing.

Another risk to Kurdistan is Turkey’s above-standard economic relationship with the Kurdistan region. Turkey’s change in foreign policy towards the region and the planned pipeline that would enable Kurds to export their oil and gas – thus give more bargaining power to Kurds with the central government in Baghdad – could be another cause of conflict.

Mr. Muharam explains the political and regional risks that Kurdistan faces.