The devastating effects of the 2003 Iraqi War, subsequent sectarian violence and struggles for power have complicated efforts to promote foreign investment, economic growth and reconstruction efforts in the country thought to hold the “cradle of civilization”. There is, however, a city in Iraq that has managed to not only encourage investment by the private sector, but has made it the heart of its economic ambitions. Since its harsh economic sanctions were lifted, the northern, semi-autonomous Kurdish region of Iraq has declared itself open for business, enticing foreign enterprises with generous investment laws and a relatively secure business environment. Welcome to Erbil.