Iraq will host a conference of transport ministers from neighboring countries and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Saturday, during which it will inaugurate the “Development Road” project.
Advisor of Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani Nasser al-Assadi said the project is supported by regional countries, namely the GCC states.
Speaking at a press meeting attended by Asharq Al-Awsat, Assadi explained that the blueprints of the projects had been drafted and funds allocated, adding that preliminary estimates indicated that investment would reach $20 billion and provide about 100,000 job opportunities.
The official added that the prime minister presented the project during the Jeddah Summit last week, reiterating its importance in implementing developmental economic projects that meet the vision adopted by Sudani and regional countries, including Saudi Arabia.
The project will link regional countries through a system of roads and railways, reducing transportation costs and travel time, explained Assadi.
He indicated that it would create a suitable environment for establishing integrated industrial cities between the regional countries, noting that this project would reduce Iraq’s oil dependency if implemented.
