Economic Studies Unit- MIRS
The economic challenges facing the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) are no longer speculative; they are pressing realities. Among the most urgent solutions is the industrialization of the region’s energy sector. This necessity was first underscored in analyses by the Mediterranean Institute for Regional Studies (MIRS), which affirms that the role of scientific research centers goes beyond neutrality and academic rigor—they must also serve humanity and the planet. A notable example of this commitment is the “Integrated Fertilizer Complex Project,” a transformative initiative that not only benefits the Kurdistan Region and Iraq but also extends its impact across neighboring countries and beyond.
To delve deeper into this groundbreaking project and its regional implications, MIRS conducted an exclusive interview with Hussein AWDALL Zuber, CEO of Gross General and strategic partner of KPM in Iraq and the KRG.
Mr. HUSSEIN, the KPM Fertilizer Complex project has been introduced as one of the largest industrial investments in Iraq. Please explain to our readers what this project is and why it is important?
HUSSEIN ZUBER:
With great pleasure. The project designed by KPM is a huge and integrated fertilizer production complex in five regions of Iraq, with a final capacity of 44.7 million tons per year. The importance of this project lies in several dimensions: First, instead of selling raw materials such as gas, sulfur and phosphate, we will transform them into high-value-added products; Second, creating more than 105,000 direct jobs; and third, creating infrastructure such as power plants, housing, railways, and training local forces that form the foundation of sustainable development.
❖MIRS Economic Studies Unit:
Is the main goal only to supply the domestic market or is export also considered?
Hussein:
First, we will fully meet Iraq’s domestic needs, especially in the agricultural sector, which is in dire need of standard fertilizers. The surplus production will be exported to countries in the region and Europe. The Umm al-Qasr port will be developed as an export gateway in this project, and rail infrastructure is being built to connect it to central and northern Iraq.
❖ MIRS Economic Studies Unit:
Where will the primary resources of this project – such as gas, sulfur, and phosphate – come from?
HUSSEIN:
We will use Iraq’s domestic resources. Natural gas will be supplied from 9 gas blocks in the Kurdistan Region and 7 blocks in southern Iraq. Sulfur is extracted from the vast reserves of Mishraq and phosphate from the Akasht mines. We are committed to purchasing these resources at world prices from the relevant ministries. This policy is in the interest of both the government and the people.
❖ MIRS Economic Studies Unit:
You mentioned job creation. Are the job opportunities reserved for foreigners or for Iraqis?
HUSSEIN:
Our full focus is on the Iraqi workforce. More than 105,000 direct jobs will be created in different phases of the project, with monthly salaries ranging from $500 to $8,000. In addition, we have provided 95,000 housing units for employees and have prepared specialized training programs in Korea, Germany and the United States for them. Our goal is for Iraqi youth to not only be employed, but also to become specialized and empowered.
❖ MIRS Economic Studies Unit:
What is the environmental and clean energy role of this project?
HUSSEIN:
A very key role. We are developing solar and wind power plants with a capacity of 6,000 megawatts to power factories, railways and even some of the city's consumption. We also use this energy to produce green hydrogen, which is the future of the world's energy economy. Our project is the first in Iraq to combine heavy industry with clean energy.
❖ MIRS Economic Studies Unit:
Does the Iraqi government support this project?
HUSSEIN:
So far, the cooperation has been very constructive. Both the Ministry of Oil and the Ministry of Mineral Industries have been very supportive in terms of resource allocation, gas contracts and facilitating the investment process. We are implementing the project based on the BOO and BOT model, which allows the government to participate in the development without imposing a financial burden.
❖ MIRS Economic Studies Unit:
What is your vision for the future of this project and the Iraqi economy?
HUSSEIN:
I believe Iraq can transform from an economy dependent on crude oil to an industrial, export-oriented, knowledge-based economy. This project is a starting point for this historic transition. We are not just building factories, we are building a national value chain and a future with dignity for our people. My responsibility as an Iraqi-Kurdish leader is not just development, but building hope.
LAF) About the Orphans Support Program
❖ What is the main goal of this program and which groups does it cover?
➤ HUSSEIN:
Our goal with this program is to provide a decent life, standard education, and health and mental health care for orphaned children who often miss out on the natural cycle of growth and development. We are committed to not only supporting these children, but also preparing them for an independent and effective future.
❖ Why were these cities chosen?
➤ HUSSEIN:
The cities of Baghdad, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Mosul, and Basra were chosen due to their population density, high number of orphans, and capacity for local cooperation. The selection was made based on real need, developable infrastructure, and access to specialized human resources.
❖ What are the services provided in these centers?
➤ HUSSEIN:
Each center will include educational classes (from kindergarten to high school), dormitories, a computer learning center, a medical clinic, a playground, a library, and a sports hall. Daily feeding, clothing, psychological services and skills training will also be provided.
❖ Is it just physical construction or is there long-term operation as well?
➤ HUSSEIN:
This program is not just construction. KPM is committed to full operation for 20 years. We will cover all ongoing costs including teachers’ salaries, food, clothing, educational materials and management.
❖ What about investment and financial transparency?
➤ HUSSEIN:
The total budget of this project is $4.65 billion. All payments will be made in phases, transparently and from KPM’s own resources. The financial monitoring system will be implemented in cooperation with international institutions and the Iraqi government.
B) About the Widows Support Program
❖ What is the goal of this program?
➤ HUSSEIN:
The main goal is to strengthen the financial independence and human dignity of widows in Iraq. This program will remove them from dependence on limited aid and return them to the path of economic reconstruction.
❖ What is the monthly payment structure?
➤ HUSSEIN:
Each woman will be paid $800 per month for 36 months. This amount will be paid in the form of micro-finance schemes in 18 provinces and will be monitored by local KPM offices.
❖ Is there a repayment?
❖ HUSSEIN:
This is a grant; however, if the recipient wants to return the amount, the funds will be deposited in a special fund and will be used for new widows. This revolving model ensures the sustainability of the program.
❖ What is the implementation schedule?
➤ HUSSEIN:
The implementation phase will be completed within 24 months. Payments will start from the 25th month and will continue for three years.
c) About project management and your personal role
❖ What is your role in implementing these projects?
➤ HUSSEIN:
As the official representative of KPM in Iraq, I am responsible for strategic oversight, coordination with the government and local institutions, and ensuring the full and humane implementation of these projects.
❖ How is the cooperation with the government?
➤ HUSSEIN:
We work closely with the Ministries of Labor, Education, Health, and provincial authorities. These projects cannot succeed without the support of the government, and fortunately, the cooperation has been very positive so far.
❖ Are similar programs planned for other industrial projects?
➤ HUSSEIN:
Yes. The fertilizer complex project and KPM’s clean energy projects are also designed with educational, medical, and residential programs. This is a consistent policy of KPM around the world: profitability must be accompanied by social return.
❖ What are the most important challenges?
➤ HUSSEIN:
There are challenges such as the security of some areas, the lack of adequate infrastructure, and cultural and bureaucratic complexities. But with careful planning, local participation, and education, these obstacles can be managed.
❖ What is your final message to the Iraqi and KRG people?
➤ HUSSEIN:
My message is hope. At KPM, we believe that the Iraqi people deserve the best. These projects are designed to help empower families and build a brighter future for the next generation. We stand with you, Kurdistan remains like this.
"From raw material sales to Value-Added Production, this transformation is the future of the Iraqi-KRG economy from the perspective of a development-oriented manager"