Diyala provincial council says 99% of investments go to housing, retail

DIYALA, Iraq — The head of Diyala's provincial council investment commission said roughly 99% of investments in the province are concentrated in housing compounds and commercial projects, leaving industrial, agricultural and livestock sectors outside the investment map. Speaking to local media, Evas al-Mahdawi said Diyala's needs call for factories, industrial facilities and agricultural and livestock projects instead of the current focus on residential and retail development. He added that the near-total concentration in housing and trade has fallen short of diversifying the local economy or generating employment. Al-Mahdawi said El-Meraa company filed an investment application in Diyala four years ago for a 2,000-donum plot but withdrew because suitable land could not be allocated. He said talks are continuing to bring the company back to the province, arguing that industrial, agricultural and livestock investments would reduce unemployment, revive production sectors and support food security. The commission head said attracting such projects would also reduce young people's dependence on public-sector employment. No further details on the El-Meraa talks or on potential alternative sites were immediately available.