ERBIL () - Zakho marked the fifth anniversary of becoming an independent administration on Monday with the opening of an international trade fair and a series of events highlighting five years of infrastructure, education, health and public-service projects.
The Second Zakho International Trade Fair opened at the University of Zakho under the supervision of the Zakho Independent Administration and in cooperation with the Zakho Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
correspondent Mehvan Majid, reporting from Zakho, said more than 100 companies are participating in the event across the food, construction, technology and automotive sectors.
Foreign companies from 20 countries account for 60% of participating businesses, while local companies make up the remaining 40%.
The fair, which runs through Sept. 24, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Organizers say one of its principal aims is to create employment opportunities while strengthening commercial links between local and international companies.
That objective reflects Zakho's position as a major commercial gateway connecting Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with Türkiye and European markets.
Five Years of Independent Administration
The trade event coincides with the fifth anniversary of Zakho receiving independent administrative status during the Kurdistan Regional Government's Ninth Cabinet.
Official figures show that 355 projects have been completed across the administration during the past five years, while nine others remain under construction.
Road infrastructure has been one of the areas of expansion. Asphalt paving has increased by 65%, bringing overall asphalt coverage in Zakho to 95%, according to the figures.
Water infrastructure has also been expanded, with 38 wells drilled to meet drinking-water needs across residential neighborhoods.
Education projects have included the construction of 12 new schools and the renovation of another 73 schools in central Zakho.
Health services have also expanded. Zakho's first children's hospital has been established, while an early cancer-detection center has been prepared inside Zakho Hospital and is expected to open officially soon.
Green Space and Public Facilities
The administration has also invested in public spaces, establishing 18 parks over the five-year period.
According to the figures, green space has increased from 1% to 12% of the area.
Anniversary events will also include the reopening of the Haji Ibrahim Mosque at 4:30 p.m. in the second phase of Zakho's Corniche.
The mosque had previously been at risk of collapse but was renovated through a joint effort involving benefactors and the government. It is now set to reopen to worshippers following its reconstruction in a modern style.
The combination of the trade fair, infrastructure projects and public ceremonies is intended to mark the administrative milestone while drawing attention to Zakho's expanding economic and service role.
Five years after gaining independent administrative status, the figures presented for the anniversary point to changes across roads, water, education, health care and recreation, while the international trade fair places a parallel emphasis on employment and stronger commercial ties.
For Zakho, the anniversary therefore serves not only as a ceremonial occasion but also as a review of development carried out since the administrative change, alongside efforts to strengthen its position as a regional center for trade and cross-border commerce.
