Iraq and Turkey to Sign Development Road Project Agreement Important Read for IQD Investors
According to the Iraqi Ministry of Transport, Iraq and Turkey will sign bilateral agreements related to the Development Road on Sunday. August 21, 2023
An Iraqi delegation from the Transport Ministry visited the Turkish capital, Ankara, and held important discussions with officials of the Turkish Ministry of Transport regarding the Development Road project and its economic importance to Iraq, Turkey, the region, and the world, according to the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
The discussions are expected to pave the way for bilateral agreements under the supervision of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani.
Turkish plans to develop shipping and rail transport operations with Iraq and other countries were discussed during the meeting between the two sides.
Turkish officials confirmed their country's interest in the Development Road and expressed their desire to assist.
A presentation was given by the Iraqi delegation regarding the importance and main stages of the Development Road project and the capacity, operation, specifications, number, and types of stations, and communications system for the railway.
In order to connect Al-Faw Grad Port with Europe, the Turkish side has started building a 133-kilometer railway linking the Turkish railways with the Iraqi-Turkish border.
The Development Road is the name the Iraqi government gave to what was previously known as the dry canal that connected the Al-Faw Grand Port in southern Iraq with Turkish territories.
From Al-Faw port town in southern Iraq to Faysh Khabur town in Duhok governorate, it will extend for 1,200 kilometers.
Ten Iraqi governorates will pass through a railway on the Development Road.
The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, stated in a joint press conference in March with the Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, that the Development Road represents a global transport corridor.
This project includes a railway to transport goods, with a capacity of 3.5 million tons in its first phase, which will increase to 7.5 million tons in the second phase.
Besides the Al-Faw Grand Port and the industrial city, Al-Sudani further elaborated that the project will also include a highway for land transportation and pipelines for energy transportation.
As the Iraqi Premier noted, the project will provide many job opportunities for Iraq and the region, as well as opportunities for industries and businessmen, and the center will attract global trade.
