The Raparin Administration has become the first region in Kurdistan and Iraq to implement a regional development project designed to revitalize local economies and create job opportunities for youth outside crowded urban centers.

On April 2, 2026, at 11:30 AM, under the supervision of Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, the "Regional Development Board" convened to establish the Raparin Regional Development Agency (RRDA). This initiative is one of Talabani’s flagship projects and is being implemented for the first time at the national level in Iraq. Future phases will expand to Garmian and Halabja Governorate.

Strategic Goals

The RRDA’s mission is to promote self-sustaining local economies, expand employment opportunities, and encourage entrepreneurship in diverse districts. Project leaders aim to increase regional income and reduce disparities between major cities and smaller towns, emphasizing that these areas hold significant human and natural potential for growth.

Key Sectors

The project focuses on:

• Agriculture
• Youth initiatives
• Small business loans
• Industrial development
• Market access for local products

The RRDA will act as a coordination hub, linking stakeholders and resources to stimulate commercial growth.

Why Raparin Was Chosen

Raparin was selected for the first phase due to several factors:

• A large youth workforce, estimated at 420,000 young people
• Fertile agricultural land
• Expansive tourism potential
• Emerging industrial base

Partnerships

The project is being implemented by Foundation Hub, in cooperation with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the UK Foreign Office. It introduces a new model where the private sector leads development, focusing on practical outcomes and workforce specialization.

Broader Vision

The initiative reflects a new philosophy of balanced development, ensuring that smaller towns and rural areas are not neglected in favor of capital cities. This model, referred to as the “New Rural Economy,” aims to transform Raparin from a marginalized region into a vital economic and commercial hub capable of meeting its own needs and contributing to wider markets.