Iraqi PM calls for faster work on Development Road

BAGHDAD

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has called for faster work on the Development Road, including industrial cities, airports and railway lines, according to his office.

Al-Zaidi made the remarks during a visit to Iraq’s National Investment Commission, where he reviewed its plans and the implementation of projects across the country, the Iraqi News Agency reported.

He said Iraq had significant investment opportunities in several sectors but procedures should be accelerated to turn them into projects benefiting the economy and the public.

“Iraq is open to investment and aims to establish long-term partnerships with investors,” al-Zaidi said.

He also called for projects to be divided into phases to shorten completion times and urged authorities to give particular priority to the Development Road.

The planned rail and road corridor will link Iraq’s Grand Faw Port to Türkiye and onward to European markets. The project is a key area of economic cooperation between Ankara and Baghdad.

“We believe that establishing industrial cities connected to the project route will create an integrated economic environment,” al-Zaidi said.

He also called for measures to develop rural areas and agriculture, including making farmland available for investment by agricultural engineers and veterinarians.