Baghdad: Minister of Transport Razzaq Muhaibis Al-Saadawi confirmed that 2025 will witness the completion of the detailed design phase of the Development Road Project.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry announced in a statement that Minister Al-Saadawi had a meeting with the Australian Ambassador to Iraq, Glenn Miles, at the ministry’s headquarters. The meeting focused on enhancing joint cooperation between the two nations, particularly in strategic projects and the development of Iraq’s transportation sector.

Al-Saadawi highlighted the ministry’s strategic and service projects, reiterating that 2025 is the target for completing the detailed design phase of the Development Road Project, which is currently 60% completed. He also emphasized the opportunity for international companies to bid for the project, aligning with Iraq’s interests and the government’s vision.

The Grand Faw Port project was identified as a crucial component of the development road. The minister emphasized plans to launch the port’s first phase by the end of this year. He mentioned that the Ministry is finalizing procedures for the port’s operation file, which will soon be presented to the Council of Ministers. This will pave the way for competition among 11 leading international companies specializing in port operations.

Al-Saadawi also revealed that the Iraqi government plans to introduce a draft law titled “The Supreme Authority for the Development Road, the Grand Faw Port, and Industrial Cities” to the Council of Representatives.

In aviation, Al-Saadawi discussed plans to modernize the Iraqi Airways fleet, which currently consists of 13 aircraft. The total fleet will eventually include 31 new aircraft. He noted that Iraqi Airways has completed 71% of corrective measures under the IOSA program to obtain the TCO certificate, a step towards lifting the European ban, in collaboration with the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority.

The Australian Ambassador expressed his admiration for Iraq’s initiatives in the transportation sector and hoped for significant contributions from Australian companies to the strategic and service projects.