Chinese government to hold conference on Iraq’s Development Road project
The Chinese national flag. Photo: Reuters
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Chinese Ambassador to Iraq, Cui Wei, said that the Chinese government intends to hold a conference on Iraq’s Development Road project.
Wei’s remarks took place during his meeting on Thursday with the Iraqi Minister of Transport, Razzaq Al-Saadawi, in Baghdad, to discuss cooperation between Iraq and China.
“We look forward to strengthening the partnership with China,” Al-Saadawi said in a statement. “We also respect Beijing’s scientific and technical advancements, and we want to gain from Chinese expertise in a range of transportation-related areas,” he added.
The Chinese Ambassador revealed that his government would take part in the project after examining the project’s comprehensive details and economic feasibility.
Wei mentioned that Beijing is very interested in becoming involved in the project; thus, the embassy has already sent its economic counselor to the General Company for Iraqi Railways to find out more information about the specifics of the project.
The Chinese Ambassador to Iraq revealed that China’s National Development and Reform Commission was officially authorized to communicate with the Iraqi Ministry of Transport regarding the project.
Wei explained that Beijing’s participation in the Development Road will reflect positively on the Iraqi side, indicating that China wants its relationship with Iraq to be more effective.
Many Arab, regional, and European countries have expressed their willingness to participate in Iraq’s Development Road project, either by pumping in investments or taking part in the construction works, as it constitutes an important link between Asia and Europe.
The value of the project is estimated at $17 billion. It will connect the Al-Faw Grand Port in southern Iraq to the border with Turkey by extending a railway and road network.
The project is expected to turn the country into a transit center by shortening the travel time between Asia and Europe in an attempt to compete with Egypt’s Suez Canal.