Local officers in Iraq’s second-largest metropolis on Wednesday expressed eagerness for better involvement by Turkish corporations in an bold challenge that’s deliberate to function a brand new freight hyperlink between Asia and Europe by way of upgraded rail and highway infrastructure by Iraq and Türkiye.
Firms from Türkiye have already performed a important function within the reconstruction of Mosul since what was seen because the final bastion of Daesh was liberated from the terrorist group in 2017. Officials and residents say there’s nonetheless a protracted approach to go, with pockmarked buildings with collapsed flooring and uncovered rebar nonetheless seen round Mosul.
The Development Road Project, introduced in May 2023 and a part of efforts to hyperlink Iraq to Asia and Europe by way of Türkiye, has introduced renewed hope to town on the west financial institution of the Tigris River.
Mosul Governor Abdulqadir al-Dehl and Mosul Chamber of Commerce chair Mukbil Siddiq al-Dabbagh outlined the potential influence of the challenge on the area and praised Turkish companies for his or her contributions to Mosul’s revitalization.
They additionally shared their expectations for a deeper partnership with Turkish traders and entrepreneurs.
Al-Dehl described the Development Road Project as a cornerstone of strategic significance, not only for Iraq, but in addition for nations like Türkiye, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), that are sides within the initiative.
He stated they’re thrilled that Mosul can be one of many fundamental benefitor as half of the challenge’s route inside Iraq will go by town.
The governor expressed confidence that the initiative would stimulate Mosul’s industrial, industrial, and agricultural sectors. “The construction of factories, businesses, and stations along the route passing through Mosul will elevate the city’s economy,” he instructed Anadolu Agency (AA).
The challenge is anticipated to value some $17 billion and is designed to facilitate the transport of products from the Gulf to Europe by way of the Grand Faw Port in Basra in southern Iraq. The port can be linked to Türkiye and subsequently to Europe by an intensive community of railways and highways.
The initiative would flip Iraq right into a transit hub by shortening journey time between Asia and Europe to rival the Suez Canal.
Quality of Turkish companies
Al-Dehl famous that Turkish corporations have been instrumental in Mosul’s post-conflict reconstruction and expressed satisfaction with Ankara’s strong assist for the Development Road Project.
The metropolis’s worldwide airport, which fell into disuse after the occupation by Daesh in 2014, is at the moment present process repairs by Turkish corporations. It is anticipated to be reopened for flights round June this yr, in accordance with officers.
“We want to witness the quality of Turkish firms here in Mosul,” al-Dehl acknowledged.
Drawing consideration to Türkiye’s industrial experience, he stated, “Gaziantep (southern Türkiye), one of the cities closest to us, hosts over 1,000 companies. We hope to see many of them operating here in Mosul.” He additionally burdened town’s want for Turkish expertise in industrial and agricultural growth, believing the Development Road Project might lay the groundwork for such developments.
Mosul Chamber of Commerce’s al-Dabbagh underscored the transformative potential of the initiative.
For a metropolis like Mosul, which has witnessed speedy restoration lately, this challenge can have a profoundly constructive influence, he instructed AA. “With this international initiative, Iraq – and especially Mosul – will be reconnected to the world.”
Al-Dabbagh additionally highlighted the historic and financial ties between Iraq and Türkiye. “One of our key priorities at the Mosul Chamber of Commerce is strengthening trade relations with Türkiye,” he famous.
He pointed to the mutual belief and strong partnerships between Mosuli and Turkish entrepreneurs and stated there’s “significant trust and cooperation” between business communities in each nations.
“We have established agreements with trade chambers in cities like Mersin, Istanbul, Gaziantep, and Bartın. We are also attending and benefiting from fairs organized in many fields in Türkiye,” he added.
Source: www.dailysabah.com