On Thursday, July 10, 2025, the Minister of Transport, Mr. Razzaq Muhaibis Al-Saadawi, chaired an expanded meeting dedicated to reviewing the latest technical and economic developments of the Development Road Project. The meeting was attended by Dr. Eng. Farhan Al-Fartousi, Director General of the General Company for Ports of Iraq; Dr. Maki Jaber, Director General of the General Company for Iraqi Railways; Mr. Abbas Imran, Director General of the Department of Planning and Monitoring; Eng. Safaa Jabbar, Development Road Project Director; as well as members of the project secretariat and representatives from the consulting firm Oliver Wyman.
The meeting focused on evaluating completed technical and economic requirements. Oliver Wyman’s team presented the project’s integrated financial model and reviewed analyses of the economic opportunities the Development Road offers Iraq and the surrounding region.
During the meeting, Minister Al-Saadawi emphasized that “this project represents one of Iraq’s most significant strategic initiatives within its economic vision. It is expected to serve as a global trade corridor connecting Asia to Europe, contributing to sustainable development and fostering vast investment opportunities.”
He noted that “upon receiving formal approval from the Supreme Committee for the Development Road Project, the project’s economic model will be presented to countries interested in contributing and investing along the corridor.”
He added that “the project’s financial model anticipates a potential increase in GDP and job creation during both construction and operational phases. It also expects to reduce carbon oxide emissions, lower accident-related fatalities by promoting safe transportation such as railways, and generate substantial savings in vehicle operating costs.”
The Minister further explained that the project will encompass other strategic sectors beyond transportation, including energy, oil and gas, telecommunications and IT, agriculture, mining, manufacturing, industrial cities, heritage, and tourism. He highlighted that “this integration will establish a robust economic and developmental foundation for Iraq.”
He stressed the “importance of accelerating coordination with technical partners and consultants to ensure the project is presented in its fully integrated form to international partners, as it stands to be Iraq’s gateway to a diversified and sustainable economy.”
This meeting is part of the continuous efforts led by the Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with relevant government and consulting entities, to translate Iraq’s vision into becoming a dynamic global logistics hub through the implementation of the multi-dimensional Development Road project.
