Iraq’s parliament has underscored the need to benefit from China’s technical and engineering expertise in implementing the country’s ambitious “Development Road” project, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at reshaping Iraq’s regional economic role.
First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Adnan Faihan, in a statement on Sunday, said the project represents a strategic step toward turning Iraq into a key transit corridor linking East and West, while expanding investment and development opportunities across multiple sectors.
He said the Iraqi parliament is prepared to extend full legislative backing and form a specialised parliamentary committee to accelerate coordination with the government for smooth execution of the project.
Faihan added that effective implementation would help Iraq better utilise its natural resources and strengthen long-term economic diversification efforts beyond oil dependence.
Launched in 2023, the $17 billion “Development Road” project is designed to connect a major commodities port on Iraq’s southern coast with the Turkish border through an integrated network of railways and highways. The initiative aims to position Iraq as a strategic logistics hub linking Asia and Europe.