The Development Road project expansion continues to reshape Iraq’s infrastructure and economy. The Iraqi government revealed significant updates following a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. This meeting brought together key figures from the Ministry of Transport, coordination committees, and economic consultants, including representatives from Oliver Wyman.
From the start, officials emphasized the strategic importance of this project. Discussions focused on logistics, planning, and timelines. A key priority is the formation of a specialized committee to finalize the route between Iraq and Turkey. This route will be based on both technical and economic standards.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister urged all ministries to eliminate delays and meet established deadlines. Oliver Wyman presented a detailed economic and financial model for the project. This model followed months of consultation and is now close to final approval for global investment proposals.
At present, Iraq has completed the preliminary design phase. Meanwhile, the detailed planning stage is well underway. In the next phase, authorities plan to divide the project into several competitive sections. Through this method, the approach will attract top-tier international firms that meet global standards.
The Development Road project expansion has already gained broad international support. Turkey, Qatar, and the UAE signed official cooperation agreements. In Europe, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Serbia joined efforts to expand the project’s reach. Additionally, the Ministry of Transport hosted economic delegations from China, Australia, and France, signaling worldwide interest.
The initiative also includes significant air transport upgrades. It will connect six airports—three existing (Baghdad, Basra, and Najaf) and three new ones (Mosul, Karbala, and Nasiriyah). Moreover, the project will link 15 industrial cities, expanding its impact far beyond transport.
Importantly, this project promises thousands of new jobs for Iraqis. Local governments, ministries, and businesses will all participate in implementation. By focusing on industrial links and logistics, the Development Road project expansionaims to fully integrate Iraq’s economy with global markets.
Furthermore, this integrated strategy supports long-term development by using local resources, creating investment zones, and boosting economic output. Clearly, Iraq’s leadership sees this project as a cornerstone of regional growth.
As Iraq progresses, the Development Road project expansion stands out as a symbol of transformation, opportunity, and connectivity for the country and the entire region.
