The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has launched the second phase of the Gashanawa [Shine] Project, which will provide financial support of between IQD 1 million ($763) and IQD 150 million ($114,500) to 100 small and medium-sized enterprises in the agricultural and industrial sectors. According to the KRG's Department of Media and Information, the project uses concessional loans and other forms of financial support to help entrepreneurs and young people establish productive businesses, with participating enterprises required to increase their workforce. Kwestan Mohamad, KRG Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, said the strong performance had given the government greater confidence in proceeding with the second phase. Increase domestic production: Participating enterprises will be encouraged to increase local production. (Source: Kurdistan Regional Government)