BAGHDAD/ISTANBUL

Iraq’s Transport Minister Razzaq Muhaybis Al-Saadawi announced that the country has prepared a special bill for the Development Road Project, which aims to connect Iraq to Europe via Türkiye.

Discussions occasionally arise in international media regarding the economic and geopolitical challenges of the project, including concerns that it could be delayed or halted due to government changes or instability in Iraq. However, Iraqi officials remain optimistic.

Speaking to Anadolu, Al-Saadawi stated that under the leadership of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, a draft law specific to the project has been prepared.

“We will send the bill to parliament for approval,” he said. “Once enacted, processes related to the Development Road will become much smoother.”

He explained that the project would be overseen by an independent commission reporting directly to the Prime Ministry, with its leader holding ministerial status. “This commission will have full authority over the project,” he noted.

Addressing concerns about the project's continuity amid potential government changes, Al-Saadawi emphasized:

“The enactment of the law and the establishment of an independent committee demonstrate that the project is a state project. After having this law approved in parliament, future governments will be obligated to implement it. The reason we are enacting the law is to ensure the continuity of this project. Whether this government stays or goes, the project will continue. Therefore, the enactment of a special law for the project is proof of making it sustainable. This project is a state project, not a government project. Governments may change, but the project will continue, it will not stop.”

Development Road as an economic alternative to oil

The Development Road Project originates at the Grand Faw Port in Basra, southern Iraq, which is set to become one of the region’s largest ports upon completion. The project has attracted interest from both regional and global stakeholders.

Türkiye holds a key position in the initiative, which aims to connect Basra to Europe through a 1,200-kilometer (745-mile) highway and railway network, passing through the Mediterranean and Istanbul.

The project will consist of a 1,200-kilometer highway and railway extending to the Turkish border, along with the establishment of industrial cities along its route. Additionally, it will facilitate oil transportation.

Given Iraq’s heavy reliance on oil revenues, the project is seen as a crucial step toward economic diversification.

Al-Saadawi described the Development Road as an economic alternative to oil, emphasizing its long-term benefits.

He highlighted how, despite economic losses across various sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic, the transportation sector remained profitable. He stressed that the Development Road would serve as a "loyal friend" for economic sustainability, reinforcing Iraq’s commitment to the project.

The minister also confirmed that feasibility studies for the project’s route—spanning from the Grand Faw Port through Baghdad, Mosul, and Duhok before entering Türkiye via Fish Khabur—have been completed and approved, with the route and initial designs finalized.

Additionally, soil analysis for 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) of the 1,200-kilometer railway and highway project has been completed.

“63% of the railway design is finished,” Al-Saadawi stated. “We will go out to tender for both the railway and the highway at the end of this year.”

He further confirmed that the Grand Faw Port is set to be inaugurated by the end of the year.

"We are working to make the old railway operational," he said. "To speed up the process, we will use the old railway until the new one is completed."

Al-Saadawi said missing sections of the old railway extending from the Grand Faw Port to Fish Khabur would be completed by year's end.

Iraq to seek funding from China

The Development Road Project is estimated to cost $17 billion.

Al-Saadawi revealed that Iraq has signed a contract with the US consulting firm Oliver Wyman, which specializes in financing and expropriation. Following the firm’s report, Iraq will initiate its financing efforts.

In April 2024, under the leadership of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Iraq, Türkiye, Qatar, and the UAE signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the project.

The minister noted that the upcoming meeting among these four countries would define their respective financial contributions.

“The meeting is expected to be held next month, where each country’s involvement and level of contribution will be clarified,” he said.

While there has been no progress regarding China’s involvement in the project so far, Al-Saadawi stated that Iraq would also reach out to China during the financing process.

Project route includes Duhok

Al-Saadawi addressed concerns about whether the Development Road Project would bypass the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

A new border crossing is set to be constructed in Ovakoy as part of the project, though the KRG has raised objections about the area where the project will connect to Türkiye.

The minister clarified that the selection of Ovakoy was based on technical recommendations from the company designing the project, rather than political considerations. He added that these recommendations have been communicated to KRG officials.

He emphasized that the project does not exclude the KRG.

“The Development Road will enter (Türkiye) from Mosul, Rabia, Duhok, and Fish Khabur.”

Despite the significant trade volume between Türkiye and Iraq through the Habur border gate, reliance on a single crossing point is viewed as inadequate. Discussions continue regarding the management model for the new crossing to be built as part of the project.

Regarding the new crossing, Al-Saadawi stated:

“There will be an agreement between Baghdad and Ankara on this issue. After the agreement, the structuring of the process will be clarified. Which model will be used will be discussed between Baghdad and Ankara.”

Iraq and Türkiye play key roles in project

Al-Saadawi underscored the project's significance for both countries.

“Türkiye's role in the project is a main role, like Iraq's. A bilateral negotiation was held between Iraq and Türkiye. Türkiye, like Iraq, holds privileges regarding the project as well. This project is the project of both countries.”

The first phase of the project is scheduled to commence by the end of this year, with final completion expected by 2050.

The minister also acknowledged ongoing efforts to address potential security risks along the project route.

“This is an economic integration project. The project is complementary to the economies of the participating countries. It will reduce both time and cost. The project will connect trade between East and West,” he added.