U.S. Trade Delegation Visits KRG Department of Information Technology to Explore Digital Transformation Opportunities

Erbil, Kurdistan Region (GOV.KRD) — The U.S. Trade Delegation engaged with the KRG Department of Information Technology to explore strategic avenues in Kurdistan’s digital transformation journey. The visit was organized with the support of Trifa Aziz, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Representative in the United States, and included a meeting with Mr. Hiwa Afandi, the Head of the Department, and technical team leaders.

Mr. Hiwa Afandi stressed the significance of leadership in driving digital transformation, noting that in the Kurdistan Region, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani has led this vision since the start of the 9th Cabinet.

Discussions focused on DIT’s flagship initiatives, which open avenues for U.S. technology and investment, foster cross-border innovation, and accelerate citizen-centric digital services, contributing to regional economic growth. Mr. Afandi further emphasized DIT’s strategic projects and the physical and digital infrastructure built to enable digital transformation across government institutions, as well as how DIT empowers the government to deliver services through platforms such as Project Runaki and MyAccount, among others.

During the meeting, guests asked questions and deliberated on KRGDIT’s infrastructure and its ability to meet international standards, reflecting the growing interest in the region’s digital transformation achievements.

The delegations included senior representatives from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, among them Anna Burress, Executive Director of the U.S.-Iraq Business Council; Dori Abouzeid, Vice Chairman; Julia Kelly; and Ollie Perkins.

The delegation spans sectors including technology, digital banking, agriculture, transportation, humanitarian work, healthcare, food services, real estate, petroleum, consultancy, investment, and security. Notably, leading U.S. tech giants—Google and IBM—were part of the delegation, with a strong emphasis on collaboration in digital innovation, infrastructure, and capacity building.

The visit reflects the mutual commitment of the KRG and U.S. companies to expand cooperation and build long-term partnerships that will support economic diversification, create new opportunities, and contribute to sustainable development in the Kurdistan Region.