On June 11, 2025, Shene Ekhtiyar, Vice President of the Sulaymaniyah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with Sabir Amin and Aram Baban, members of the Chamber’s Administrative Board, welcomed a delegation of Kurds residing in Germany. The visit aimed to discuss establishing a Kurdish-German university in Germany.
The German Kurds explained that the goal of founding the university is to promote Kurdish identity and showcase Kurdish capabilities and competencies in innovation and scientific advancement globally.
Shene Ekhtiyar, Vice President of the Sulaymaniyah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, extended a warm welcome on behalf of the Chamber’s President and Board members, stating: “We do not view this step as a mere visit, but rather as a significant symbol of the precious relationship between academia and commerce. Our Chamber stands in a unique and strong position, representing vital private sectors while serving as a bridge connecting scientific perspectives.”
He added: “We believe the future of our economy, youth, and society hinges on a crucial partnership that merges (science and knowledge) with opportunities, turning ideas into action. Our mission at the Chamber is to strengthen domestic trade, attract international investment, and create sustainable opportunities for the people of Sulaymaniyah and Iraq at large.”
He further noted: “We recognize that the progress of any nation depends on education and research, and the ability to leverage these assets globally and commercially. Sulaymaniyah is a historical city of enlightenment and openness, but above all, it is a city built on mutual support and cooperation. We believe we can transform Sulaymaniyah into an epicenter of economic growth and innovation by integrating academia and commerce—serving not only Sulaymaniyah and the Kurdistan Region but all of Iraq.”
Concluding, he emphasized: “We operate with a unified vision; Sulaymaniyah’s future is bright, and its achievements limitless. We warmly welcome you once more and hope this visit marks the beginning of a lasting relationship between your university and our Chamber, so we may build a better, more prosperous future together.”