Title: BUSINESS FREEDOM IN THE KURDISTAN REGION OF IRAQ: ENVIRONMENT AND CHALLENGES
Author: Nijdar Khalid
Place of publication: Jordan
Publisher: Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom
Release date: 2023

Amidst the challenges faced by businesses in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) stands as a unique case. In a region plagued by political instability and bureaucratic hurdles, the KRI has shown promise in fostering a favorable business environment. However, recent years have witnessed a decline in business activity, with rising unemployment and mounting public debt. In her comprehensive analysis, Nijdar Khalid explores the current state of business freedom in the KRI, delving into the economic, political, and social factors that shape its environment. By utilizing the Doing Business indicators, this study sheds light on the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and provides crucial insights for policymakers.

From a critical examination of the business sector's past and present to a detailed analysis of the ninth cabinet of the Kurdistan Region Government (KRG), this publication uncovers the roadblocks hindering business growth and offers a roadmap for reform. Discover the untapped potential and impending challenges in the quest for business freedom in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.[1]