Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has ordered the creation of a formal structure to fund and deliver the Development Road. The Iraq Development Road funding plan aims to move the strategic transport corridor from planning toward implementation. Al-Zaidi issued the instruction during a Baghdad meeting with Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu. The Prime Minister’s Office said both sides discussed the project’s economic importance. Officials also reviewed its potential to improve regional trade links and economic integration.
Turkey has shown strong interest in the corridor, according to Uraloglu. He stressed the need to build the project’s core infrastructure before it can operate effectively. Iraqi and Turkish officials view the route as a shared economic opportunity. In early June, Farhan al-Fartousi said planners had submitted key operating plans to the government. The ports official expects implementation to begin after the government grants final approval.
The proposed corridor carries an estimated value of $17 billion. It would connect the Al-Faw Grand Port in southern Iraq with the Turkish border through railways and roads. The Iraq Development Road funding plan must support construction across a large and complex route. Plans also include pipelines for energy transport and facilities for moving commercial cargo. Officials believe the network could help Iraq become a major transit point between Asia and Europe.
The railway’s first phase would handle up to 3.5 million tons of goods, according to project plans. A later phase would raise capacity to about 7.5 million tons. Supporters say the route could shorten travel times for cargo moving toward European markets. By linking Basra with Turkey, the corridor could offer an alternative regional trade route. Its ability to compete with established shipping channels will depend on costs, reliability, and cross-border coordination.
Iraq, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar signed a cooperation agreement on the project in 2024. The four countries agreed to develop the frameworks needed to advance the initiative.As well as, Turkey later formed a council with Bulgaria, Hungary, and Serbia to support European links. The Iraq Development Road funding plan now represents a crucial next step for the project. Its progress could create jobs, draw investment, and expand Iraq’s role in regional logistics.