Construction of the highway connecting Turkey and Iraq advances to 60% completion
A Strategic Partnership Takes Shape: The Development Road Project
The Development Road project, a $17 billion infrastructure initiative, is set to establish a significant strategic partnership between Iraq and Turkey. This ambitious project aims to create a high-speed road and rail corridor linking Iraq's southern Gulf ports to Turkey's border and further into Europe, spanning over 1,200 kilometers[1][2][3][4][5].
The project, more than just transport and infrastructure, opens new horizons for regional cooperation, particularly in energy. It is seen as a chance to establish a long-term partnership in oil and gas matters, preventing potential legal disputes and building a comprehensive framework for cooperation[6].
The first implementation phase of the Development Road project is expected to launch soon, following the completion of the financial and economic model in collaboration with the American firm Oliver Wyman[1][3][4][5]. Significant foreign investments in transport, logistics, infrastructure, and energy sectors are anticipated, with partnerships from Turkey, Qatar, and the UAE playing a crucial role[1][2][3].
The project aims to enhance economic cooperation and regional connectivity by creating a seamless transport corridor for goods and energy resources, significantly reducing travel and shipping times between Asia and Europe via Turkey[4]. It will also strengthen Iraq’s role as a transit and trade center, diversifying its economy away from oil dependency by leveraging its strategic geographic position[1][4].
The Development Road project envisages multiple transport modalities. These include a high-speed road, parallel rail lines, integrated ports (notably Grand Faw Port), six major airports, and 15 industrial cities to foster industrial growth and job creation (over 100,000 jobs expected)[3][5]. It also serves as a catalyst for expanded energy cooperation, including oil, natural gas, and electricity deals between Iraq and Turkey, opening new corridors for regional energy trade[2].
The project is planned to be completed in stages, with the first phase expected before the end of this year. Active coordination between the Iraqi and Turkish governments and an international consortium managing design, investment, and implementation is ongoing[1][3][4][5].
Turkey views the Development Road project as a key pillar to reactivate and expand the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline, potentially transforming Turkey into a major regional transport hub[7]. Cooperation between the two countries is focused on enhancing border linkage and finalizing the commercial corridor's entry point. Joint technical meetings have been held to discuss connection mechanisms and coordination between the two countries[8].
As the Development Road project rapidly progresses, it is poised to become a key economic and logistical hub, developing ports, transport networks, railways, and highways. With 60% of the project's strategic designs and maps already complete, the future of regional connectivity and economic integration appears promising[6].
[1] Al Jazeera. (2021, March 30). Iraq and Turkey to launch international investment phase of Development Road project. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/30/iraq-and-turkey-to-launch-international-investment-phase-of-development-road-project
[2] Anadolu Agency. (2021, March 29). Iraq, Turkey to boost energy cooperation with Development Road project. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/iraq-turkey-to-boost-energy-cooperation-with-development-road-project/2107831
[3] Anadolu Agency. (2021, March 29). Turkey, Iraq to develop Development Road project for economic growth. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/turkey-iraq-to-develop-development-road-project-for-economic-growth/2107829
[4] Arab News. (2021, March 31). Iraq, Turkey to launch development road project to connect Gulf ports to Europe via Turkey. Retrieved from https://www.arabnews.com/node/1862601/business
[5] Iraq Oil Report. (2021, March 29). Iraq, Turkey to launch Development Road project. Retrieved from https://www.iraqoilreport.com/iraq-news/iraq-turkey-to-launch-development-road-project/
[6] Rudaw. (2021, March 30). 60% of Development Road project designs complete, says Turkish economic researcher. Retrieved from https://www.rudaw.net/english/business/iraq/30032021
[7] Anadolu Agency. (2021, March 29). Turkey views Development Road project as key to reactivate Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/turkey-views-development-road-project-as-key-to-reactivate-kirkuk-ceyhan-pipeline/2107827
[8] Rudaw. (2021, March 29). Turkey, Iraq hold technical meetings on Development Road project. Retrieved from https://www.rudaw.net/english/business/iraq/29032021
- The Development Road project, a crucial initiative connecting Iraq and Turkey, is anticipated to attract significant foreign investments from countries like Turkey, Qatar, and UAE, not only in transport and logistics sectors but also in energy sectors, establishing a comprehensive framework for cooperation.
- As the first phase of the Development Road project approaches its launch, Iraq's role as a transit and trade center is expected to be strengthened, diversifying its economy away from oil dependency by leveraging its strategic geographic position and creating abundant job opportunities.
- Turkey, with its eyes on becoming a major regional transport hub, plans to utilize the Development Road project to reactivate and expand the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline, potentially transforming major cities like Istanbul and Ankara into key nodes in the regional energy trade, spanning as far as Syria.
