Positioned between Europe and Asia, Iraq has long held strategic importance. During the Middle Ages, it served as a vital hub on the Silk Road. Today, the country is embarking on an ambitious $17 billion initiative: the Development Road—a 740-mile shipping corridor linking Asia and Europe—alongside the construction of the Al Faw Grand Port on its coast.
The Development Road will connect Iraq’s Grand Faw Port to Turkey, providing a faster trade route between the two continents. This massive project, funded by the Iraqi and Turkish governments alongside private investors, seeks to reshape global trade flows. With instability in the Suez Canal region, including recent disruptions in the Red Sea, alternative trade routes like this are gaining significance.
If successful, the project could inject billions into Iraq’s economy, cementing its role as a key player in international trade. The Al Faw Grand Port is designed to accommodate enormous container ships, featuring two main terminals and an artificial island for handling cargo. Once operational, it will manage millions of shipping containers annually, ranking among the world’s largest ports.
The port’s construction employs cutting-edge techniques, such as cantitravel piling and concrete mattresses, to mitigate erosion caused by large vessels. A major milestone was reached in April 2024 when Iraq, Turkey, Qatar, and the UAE signed a quadrilateral agreement, advancing coordination on the Development Road project.
Beyond boosting trade, the initiative is expected to enhance Iraq’s geopolitical influence, improve regional security, and promote stability. The project will be completed in three phases, with target dates set for 2028, 2033, and 2050.
While the Development Road holds transformative potential, challenges remain. Regional instability and competing infrastructure projects could hinder progress, making its long-term success uncertain.
(Source: Daily Express)
