From the shadows to supreme power: why Iran chose Ahmad Vahidi to lead its confrontation with the United States

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By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis Who Is Ahmad Vahidi? The Secretive IRGC Commander now shaping Iran's confrontation with the United States From the founding of the Quds Force to commanding the Revolutionary Guards, Ahmad Vahidi's rise signals a new era in Iran's military-led decision-making. As Tehran braces for a prolonged confrontation with Washington, one of Iran's most secretive and hardline military figures has emerged at the center of power—signaling a dramatic shift in how the Islamic Republic intends to wage its geopolitical struggle. Who is Ahmad Vahidi? Explore the rise of Iran's IRGC commander and how his growing influence could reshape Tehran's strategy toward the United States and the Middle East. For decades, Ahmad Vahidi remained largely behind the scenes, shaping Iran's military doctrine and regional strategy away from the public spotlight. Today, however, he stands at the heart of Iran's national security apparatus, overs...
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KRG launches second phase of Project Bloom to finance 100 agricultural and industrial Businesses



By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis

The KRG has launched the second phase of Project Bloom, providing loans of up to IQD 150 million to 100 agricultural and industrial SMEs to boost jobs and economic diversification.

New initiative offers loans of up to IQD 150 million to expand domestic production, create jobs, and accelerate economic diversification in the Kurdistan Region

The Kurdistan Regional Government has officially launched the second phase of Project Bloom (Gashanawa/Geshanewe), expanding one of its flagship economic initiatives to provide financial support for 100 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the agriculture and industrial sectors.

Under the new phase, eligible businesses will receive concessional financing ranging from IQD 1 million to IQD 150 million, as the government seeks to stimulate private-sector growth, increase domestic production, and create hundreds of new jobs across the Kurdistan Region.

The project forms part of the KRG's broader strategy to diversify the economy, reduce dependence on public-sector employment, and encourage entrepreneurship through accessible financing and partnerships with private banks.


Expanding Support for Small Businesses

Announcing the new phase, Kwestan Mohammed, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, described Project Bloom as one of the Ninth Cabinet's flagship initiatives.

"The Gashanawa Project is one of the Kurdistan Regional Government's key initiatives and is jointly administered by the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs," she said.

The minister noted that the project's financial support has been significantly expanded.

Under the second phase:

  • 100 SMEs will receive financing.
  • Loans will range from IQD 1 million to IQD 150 million per project.
  • Priority will be given to businesses operating in the agricultural and industrial sectors.

Officials said participating businesses will be required to expand their workforce as a condition for receiving financial assistance, ensuring that government support translates into new employment opportunities.

Building on a Successful First Phase

The expansion follows what the government describes as a highly successful pilot phase.

According to the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, the first phase provided financial support to 25 small and medium-sized businesses, with 24 successfully achieving their business objectives.

"This strong performance has given us greater confidence as we move forward with the second phase," Mohammed said.

The reported success rate has encouraged officials to broaden the program and support a larger number of entrepreneurs across the Kurdistan Region.

Three Core Objectives

The second phase of Project Bloom focuses on three strategic goals:

  • Creating employment opportunities by requiring participating businesses to hire additional workers.
  • Increasing domestic production to strengthen local supply chains and reduce reliance on imports.
  • Revitalizing agriculture and industry, two sectors identified by the KRG as central to long-term economic diversification.

Officials believe expanding SME activity in these sectors will strengthen economic resilience while supporting sustainable private-sector growth.

Reducing Dependence on the Public Sector

Project Bloom is one of the Ninth Cabinet's principal economic reform initiatives aimed at transforming the Kurdistan Region's economic model.

Rather than relying predominantly on government employment, the KRG is seeking to encourage young entrepreneurs, innovators, and business owners to establish productive enterprises capable of generating long-term employment and investment.

The initiative provides concessional loans and financial assistance through cooperation between the government and private banking institutions, creating easier access to capital for businesses that might otherwise struggle to obtain financing.

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's Vision

Project Bloom was originally launched on September 25, 2023, by Masrour Barzani during a ceremony attended by senior KRG officials, foreign diplomats, and representatives of the private banking sector.

At the launch, Barzani described the initiative as a historic step in strengthening the private sector.

He emphasized that small and medium-sized enterprises account for roughly 50% of economic activity and workforce participation in the Kurdistan Region, highlighting their importance in driving long-term economic development.

The prime minister also noted that, for the first time, the KRG was partnering with private banks to provide commercial financing directly to entrepreneurs, allowing businesses to expand on a more professional and sustainable basis.

Digital Applications and Financial Access

Oversight of Project Bloom remains with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.

Eligible entrepreneurs can submit applications through a dedicated online platform, where approved businesses may receive financing of up to IQD 150 million to support expansion, investment, and job creation.

Officials say the initiative reflects the Ninth Cabinet's continuing efforts to strengthen the banking sector, improve access to finance, and stimulate sustainable economic growth across the Kurdistan Region.

Analysis

The expansion of Project Bloom signals the KRG's continued emphasis on shifting the region toward a more diversified, private-sector-driven economy. By targeting agriculture and industry—two sectors with significant potential for import substitution and job creation—the government is attempting to reduce long-standing dependence on public-sector employment while encouraging entrepreneurship.

The requirement that participating businesses increase employment links financial assistance directly to job creation, making the initiative both an economic development program and a labor market policy. If the reported success of the first phase is replicated on a larger scale, Project Bloom could become one of the Kurdistan Region's most significant SME financing initiatives and an important component of its broader economic reform agenda.

#Kurdistan #KRG #Economy #SMEs #Agriculture

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