TPCI launches India-Kurdistan Business Council

The Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Department of Commerce, Government of India, and with the support of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Government of Kurdistan, has officially launched the India–Kurdistan Business Council. This initiative is designed to strengthen bilateral trade ties and promote meaningful engagement between Indian manufacturers, exporters, and importers and their counterparts in the Kurdistan region.

As part of this initiative, TPCI led a high-level delegation of prominent Indian business leaders across key sectors such as surface transport, healthcare, renewable energy, FMCG, IT/telecom, and BFSI. The delegation engaged in focused B2G and B2B meetings with senior government officials and leading industry representatives in Kurdistan, paving the way for new partnerships and collaborative opportunities.

Trade Promotion Council of India, with the joint efforts of Ministry of External Affairs and Department of Commerce, Government of India, along with the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Government of Kurdistan,  launched the India-Kurdistan Business Council, aimed at fostering bilateral business relations between Indian manufacturers, exporters, and importers with their counterparts in Kurdistan.

The launch event, organised on April 7, 2025 a Erbil, Kurdistan, was honored by the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including H.E. Shri Suomen Bagchi, Hon’ble Ambassador of India to Iraq as Chief Guest; H.E. Sarwar Kamal Hawari, Hon’ble Deputy Minister of Trade Issues, Ministry of Trade and Industries, Regional Government of Kurdistan, as Guest of Honor, Madan Gopal, Hon’ble Consul General of India to Erbil; Fatmi Al Mudaris, Advisor, Ministry of Trade and Industries, Regional Government of Kurdistan; Mohit Singla, Chairman, Trade Promotion Council of India, Omar Farhad Abdullah, CEO, KRD Holding and Daban Hamid, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, KRD Holding L.L.C-FZ.

Another landmark outcome of the event was the signing of an MoU between TPCI and KRD Holdings, aimed at maintaining and further promoting cooperation and association towards promoting trade & industry and enriching business relation between India and Iraq, including Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

TPCI also took a delegation of prominent Indian business leaders representing diverse sectors including surface transport, healthcare, renewable energy, FMCG, IT/telecom; Banking, Financial services & Insurance (BFSI) and aviation. These companies participated in exclusive B2G/B2B meetings with esteeemed government representatives/industry counterparts in Kurdistan.

During the launch event, Mr Singla commented, “Amidst the dynamic global landscape, Kurdistan stands out as a unique zone of opportunity. With its strong push towards economic diversification, openness to international collaboration, and strategic location linking the Middle East, Central Asia, and Europe — the region offers immense promise. The India-Kurdistan Business Council will serve as a dedicated platform to translate this potential into performance. It will facilitate dialogue between business communities, promote investment and joint ventures, and act as a platform for information, trust, and opportunity.” He further added that the newly launched council will work closely with governments, chambers of commerce, and trade institutions to support policy-level engagement and unlock new areas of cooperation across sectors.

Kurdistan’s government has envisioned a major transformation for its economy, with a focus on sectors like surface transportation, healthcare, clean energy, education, digital infrastructure, and aviation. This vision aligns powerfully with India’s strengths in affordable technology, quality manufacturing, digital solutions, and human capital. Mr Singla added, “The Council will synergise closely with this exemplary vision of the Kurdistan Government. At its core, this Council is not just about boosting trade — it is about building a resilient economic bridge that benefits both economies and brings our people closer together.”