A transformative $17 billion infrastructure project is set to establish a groundbreaking transport corridor between Europe and West Asia, potentially redefining global trade dynamics. The proposed route spans 745 miles across Iraq, from the northern Turkish border to the southern Persian Gulf, and aims to connect Asia to Europe via an “uninterrupted highway and rail corridor.” This ambitious initiative, projected for completion within three years, could rival the Suez Canal by significantly reducing travel times and costs.
The project’s foundation lies in Iraq’s Grand Al Faw Port, a pivotal development on the Persian Gulf. Designed to host large trade vessels with a depth of up to 19.5 meters, the port promises to enhance Iraq’s role in global commerce. The Iraqi Transport Minister has highlighted the time-saving potential, estimating that the route could cut 12 to 15 days off current shipping times compared to the Suez Canal.
Beyond economic benefits, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani envisions the initiative as a cornerstone for diversifying Iraq’s oil-dependent economy. The project is also seen as a critical step toward regional economic integration, fostering stronger ties between Iraq, Turkey, and Europe.
Supported by key international players, including the UAE and Qatar, the project is positioned as apolitical, with Iraqi Transport Minister Razzaq Muhibis Al-Saadawi emphasizing its purely economic focus. “We will not engage in competition with any other party,” he stated, highlighting the geographical advantages Iraq and Turkey possess for enhancing trade efficiency.
This ambitious endeavor underscores Iraq’s potential as a strategic hub for global trade, with the Route of Development poised to become a cost-effective alternative to the Suez Canal. If successful, it could not only elevate Iraq’s global standing but also reshape the logistics landscape, connecting Basra to London and beyond.