As we kick off the new year with our first newsletter, we extend a heartfelt appreciation to all our contributors, with a special acknowledgment to our Expert Bloggers, Ahmed Mousa Jiyad and Ahmed Tabaqchali (AFC Iraq Fund), who have generously shared their wisdom and observations with us over the past twelve months. We eagerly anticipate […]
By John Lee. Iraq's Minister of Transport, Razzaq Muhibis Al-Saadawi, has announced progress on the Development Road Project, emphasizing that following the completion of detailed designs, the project will be presented to major international companies for investment opportunities. Key Progress Milestones: Completion of Preliminary Designs: The Ministry has finalized 100% of the preliminary designs for […]
By John Lee. Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu (pictured) has reportedly said that the Turkish leg of the Development Road Project, connecting Asia and Europe through Turkey and Iraq, will cost $19.9 billion. Anadolu Agency quotes him as saying that the railway component will amount to $17.9 billion, and involve the construction of 1,028 miles […]
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met with representatives from Oliver Wyman to review key principles of the economic model for the Development Road Project. Discussions highlighted competitive advantages and governance strategies, focusing on both short-term and long-term frameworks. The meeting emphasized aligning the project with global advancements in governance and Iraq's vision […]
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met the Turkish Minister of Trade, Mr. Omer Bolat, in Baghdad on Monday. The Minister is visiting Iraq with a delegation of approximately 150 businesspeople from the Turkish Exporters Assembly and the Turkish Contractors Association. The visit includes stops in Baghdad and Basra as part of a […]
By John Lee. In a ceremony at Iraq's giant Al Faw Grand Port in Basra on Thursday, South Korea's Daewoo has handed over five new berths to the Iraqi state. The port is a key part of the planned Development Road project, which will connect the Persian Gulf with the Mediterranean Sea via Iraq and […]
By John Lee. Iraq's Minister of Transport has announced that Türkiye has established a four-party council, including Iraq, Hungary, and Bulgaria, to advance the Development Road project's connection with Europe. Razzaq Muhaibis Al-Saadawi told the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA) that the initial designs for railway are complete, with final designs now underway. The expressway's […]
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani chaired a committee meeting to evaluate the progress of agreements and memoranda of understanding with Türkiye, signed during the Turkish President's visit to Baghdad in April. Key topics included water resource infrastructure projects under the Strategic Framework Agreement, emphasizing cooperation based on fairness and good neighborliness. The […]
By John Lee. Representatives from Iraq, Turkey, the UAE, and Qatar gathered in Basra to discuss the latest developments in the "Development Road" project. The meeting focused on finalizing the economic feasibility study and defining key routes for the project's execution. Led by Iraq, with participation from Turkey, Qatar, and the UAE, this meeting is […]
By John Lee. Iraq's Ministry of Transport has announced that the first phase of the Grand Faw Port will be completed by next year. The project is part of the broader Development Road initiative, with progress continuing steadily. The designs for the railway line and soil surveys for the Development Road have reached 100% completion, […]
By John Lee. An opinion piece published by The Washington Institute for Near East Policy argues that the US should consider supporting both the Development Road project and Turkiye's wider plans in Iraq, "since both serve the paramount goal of counterbalancing Iranian influence." Soner Cagaptay writes: "Ankara believes that the lucrative construction contracts for the […]
By John Lee. Iraq's Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani, announced the country's openness to partnerships for its flagship "Development Road" project, during a forum in Baghdad titled "Development Road - Opportunities and Growth." The forum was hosted by Enki Foundation for Studies and Research. The event brought together economists, investors, and business leaders to discuss […]
