Iraqi PM chairs a meeting on the Development Road, Al-Faw Grand Port projects
An aerial view of the breakwater and the progress of the construction work in the Al-Faw Grand Port in Basra, Iraq. Photo: AFP
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, chaired on Wednesday the fifth meeting of the committee tasked with the implementation of the Development Road and Al-Faw Grand Port projects.
The meeting was attended by an Italian consultant, who presented the economic feasibility study for the three projects, which are: the Al-Faw Grand Port, the associated railway, and highways, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The meeting also addressed the offers submitted by international companies to carry out these projects.
The Development Road is the name given by the Iraqi government to what was known as the dry canal that connects the Al-Faw Grand Port in southern Iraq with the Turkish territories through railway networks and roads.
It will extend for 1,200 kilometers from Al-Faw port town in southern Iraq to Faysh Khabur town in the northern Iraqi governorate of Duhok.
The Development Road includes a railway where electric trains will pass through 10 Iraqi governorates.
In a joint press conference held in March with the Turkish President, Al-Sudani stated that the Development Road represents a global corridor to transport goods and energy.
The Iraqi Prime Minister illustrated that the project includes a railway to transport goods, with a capacity of 3.5 million tons in its first phase that will be increased to 7.5 million tons in the second phase.
Al-Sudani elaborated that the project will also include a highway for land transport and pipelines to transport energy, in addition to the Al-Faw Grand Port and the industrial city expected to be one of the largest in the Middle East.
The Iraqi Premier added that the project will generate many job opportunities for Iraq and the countries of the region, as well as opportunities for industries and businessmen, and it will be a center attracting global trade.