ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – The Kurdistan Region is seeking to become a “center” for industrial development in the region, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said on Sunday at the launch of several industrial and tourism projects in Zakho. 

“We hope that these projects will become a great start for the industry sector in the Kurdistan Region,” Barzani said at the launch ceremony, explaining his vision for the Kurdistan Region to become a regional “center” for industry. 

Barzani headed to the Zakho Independent Administration on Sunday to inaugurate and lay the foundation for several important projects, including the main branch of major Japanese automaker Nissan. 

During his visit, the prime minister laid the foundation for Motorplex Iraq, a newly launched $15 million sports and tourism megaproject that is expected to generate many jobs for the local population. 

The Nissan branch, in Zakho’s Batel subdistrict, will generate some 400 jobs. 

"I am proud to say that the Batel subdistrict has become the only subdistrict in all of Iraq and Kurdistan where the unemployment rate has reached zero percent," Barzani said. 

"The KRG will continue to support the private sector in every way for the advancement of the economy.” 

Nissan has maintained a presence in the Kurdistan Region for over a decade. In October 2023, Nissan signed a distribution agreement with Al-Sour, a subsidiary of Iraq's Muhanad Group, formally announcing the partnership in April 2024 as part of plans to expand its network of showrooms, maintenance centers, and spare-parts facilities across Iraq.

A Nissan showroom and service center was inaugurated in Zakho in April 2025. 

Gohdar Shekho, supervisor of the Zakho Independent Administration, said during the ceremony that nearly 140 factories have been opened in Zakho during the past five years.