World Bank aid to extend Iraq’s roads to Jordan, Turkey and Syria

Iraq has secured $900 million from the World Bank to develop its roads infrastructure, supporting integration with Turkey, Jordan and Syria.

The funding falls within the Iraq transport economic corridors (Itrec) project, which seeks to upgrade the country’s underdeveloped road network and build access with neighbouring countries.

Road transport accounts for more than 90 percent of transportation in Iraq, the World Bank said in a statement.

Countries in the region are planning to build new trade routes as a result of the US-Iran war, which began in February and has led to the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting supply chains.

The Itrec project will focus on priority investments along two routes: a north-south corridor linking Baghdad to the Turkish border and an east-west corridor connecting Baghdad with Syria and Jordan.

Further reading:

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• Iraq urgently needs to find ways of getting its oil to market
• Iraq to invite bids for $17bn road and rail project later this year

The project is expected to benefit 8 million people living along new or improved roadways.

The investments are also expected to improve road safety, support economic diversification and access in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, health and manufacturing.

“Roads are the backbone of Iraq’s transport system and key to broader connectivity and job creation,” said Jean-Christophe Carret, Middle East division director at the World Bank.

The project will be implemented by Iraq’s Ministry of Construction, Housing and Public municipalities, with oversight from a high-level steering committee.