Sulaimani and China’s Yiwu become sister cities

Sulaimani and China’s Yiwu become sister cities to strengthen economic and cultural cooperation

Sulaimani and the Chinese city of Yiwu have officially entered a sister-city partnership, signing a memorandum of understanding on Thursday aimed at expanding cooperation in trade, culture, education, agriculture, and other key sectors. The agreement was signed by Sulaimani Governor Haval Abubakir and representatives from Yiwu’s local administration.

Chen Huidong, deputy director of the Foreign Affairs Office in Zhejiang province, emphasized Yiwu’s interest in deepening relations with both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. He described Iraq as an important partner within China’s Belt and Road Initiative and expressed hope that businesses from both sides will develop closer ties.

Yiwu seeks increased trade with Iraq

Huidong stated that Yiwu aims to attract more Iraqi products to its markets while also encouraging Kurdish and Iraqi businesses to engage with Yiwu’s massive commercial network. He noted that the city plans to establish similar sister-city partnerships with other regions across Iraq to broaden economic cooperation.

The agreement was signed during the 6th Zhejiang International Friendship Cities Exchange Exhibition, held one day before Sulaimani marked the 241st anniversary of its founding.

Yiwu: A global trade hub

Yiwu, located in eastern China’s Zhejiang province, is internationally known for its International Trade City, regarded as the largest wholesale market for small commodities in the world. Businesses from across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe source goods from Yiwu’s sprawling commercial zones.

Sulaimani highlights its economic strengths

Governor Haval Abubakir praised Yiwu as “the capital of the world economy,” noting that Sulaimani’s development over the past eight years has attracted growing international attention. He said the province’s investment in small and medium-sized businesses, combined with strong human resources and financial infrastructure, helped convince Yiwu to pursue the sister-city partnership.

Abubakir added that Sulaimani maintains direct connections with nearly 700 cities worldwide and emphasized the significance of the Kurdish diaspora in strengthening global ties. He also revealed that a delegation from Yiwu’s local authorities will soon visit the Kurdistan Region.

Agreement expected to boost Kurdistan and Iraq’s economy

Kamil Ahmed, head of the Kurdish trade center in Yiwu, said he believes the new partnership will significantly support the Kurdistan Region’s and Iraq’s economy. China and Iraq currently conduct an estimated $55 billion in annual trade, making China one of Iraq’s most important economic partners.

Officials on both sides expect the sister-city cooperation to pave the way for increased investment, business exchanges, and long-term economic collaboration.