During the term of the previous Prime Minister of Iraq, Mustafa al-Kadhimi, the project was handled more broadly and received funding from the central budget. Even so,  during this period, sub-projects for railways and motorways that constitute the Development Road started. After Kadhimi, Muhammad Shia al-Sudani's government characterized the project as "the future of Iraq' and granted it a prioritized status. Sudani's government plan, which was approved by the Iraqi Parliament, outlines a commitment to prioritized funding of strategic projects such as the Development Road and implementation without any further delay.

Al-Faw Grand Port and the Development Road

Under construction in the province of Basra, the Grand Port of al-Faw is expected to receive its first freighter in 2025 and operate in full capacity in 2038. Upon its completion, the port will be the largest port in the Middle East. Since it will be deeper than many ports in the Basra Gulf, it will also serve the needs of larger cargo and freight ships. Iraq aims to utilize this new capability for bolstering its strategic position. The name of the project that will fulfill Iraq's expectations is the Development Road, formerly known as the Dry Canal.

The Development Road constitutes the transportation network to be built between the al-Faw Grand Port and Türkiye. According to the plan, this network involves auxiliary projects in addition to motorways and railways. The ongoing construction of a motorway and tunnels between the port of Umm Qasr Port and the al-Faw Grand Port is a clear example to this situation. In addition, new industrial zones are envisaged along the route, and a cargo airport will be built in order to increase the impact of the project.

See my previous diary …

Türkiye Headlines In TRT World

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The Roadblocks Facing Iraq's New $17B Suez Canal Rival | WSJ Breaking Ground |

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Iraq's $17bn Plan to Become a Trade Superpower

Al Faw Grand Port

Al Faw Grand Port is a massive project that represents a significant shift for the Iraqi economy. It is a logistical hub and an economic engine aiming to transform Iraq into a major global trade center. Located on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, the port seeks to connect Asia and Europe through Iraq, making it a crucial link in global trade.

Chinese enterprises assist Iraq in building a billion ton hub port

Plenty of rivals though ...

Why China Is Rerouting Trade Through the Desert
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Khorgos Gateway sits over 1,000 miles from the nearest ocean, yet it's one of the fastest-growing trade hubs in the world.

Producer Madis Kabash traveled to the China-Kazakhstan border to see how an ancient Silk Road revival is reshaping global trade.