Turkey is working to transform trade with Iraq through the ambitious Development Road Project, a plan expected to reshape regional commerce. Khalid Ajar, head of the Turkish-Iraqi Business Council, outlined the project’s goals, stressing its potential to expand bilateral trade to $30 billion.
Additionally, speaking in detail, Ajar explained that the Development Road Project is not simply a transport initiative. Instead, it represents a new vision for cooperation between the two neighbors. The project creates fresh opportunities for investment, trade, and industrial development.
According to Ajar, Turkey views the corridor as both a logistical and strategic link. It would connect Iraq’s southern region to Turkish ports, serving as a vital trade route between Europe and the Gulf. More importantly, it offers a platform for Turkish businesses to invest in Iraq’s free zones. This move is expected to attract entrepreneurs from different industries.
Therefore, Ajar noted that Turkish companies have expertise in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, energy, and digital technologies. With these strengths, they could play a major role in Iraq’s economic development. He added that achieving the $30 billion target is realistic, especially as Iraq moves closer to joining the World Trade Organization and expands its openness to foreign investment.
Moreover, the Development Road Project spans 1,200 kilometers of land and rail connections. It will link Iraq’s southern ports with Turkey, reducing transport times for goods traveling from the Arabian Gulf to Europe. Officials describe it as one of the shortest and most cost-effective trade routes connecting the Gulf to European markets.
For Iraq, the initiative promises jobs, infrastructure upgrades, and stronger integration into global supply chains. For Turkey, it provides a gateway to Gulf economies and enhances its role as a regional hub.
Ajar concluded that the project could mark the beginning of a new economic era for both countries. With continued collaboration, the Development Road Project may become a cornerstone of Turkey-Iraq relations.