Baghdad: Baghdad newspapers issued on Thursday focused on Iraq's ongoing economic reforms, expected investments in the Development Road project, and other issues including the misuse of border crossings by influential entities. According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Zawraa newspaper, published by the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate, highlighted Iraq's efforts to implement economic reforms in preparation for joining the World Trade Organization (WTO). Trade Minister Atheer Al-Ghurairi, speaking during a panel discussion in Geneva, noted Iraq's transition from a centralized socialist system to a market economy. He emphasized the need for additional technical support and international cooperation to meet WTO accession requirements. Al-Ghurairi mentioned Iraq's significant investment opportunities across various sectors and stated that full integration into the multilateral trading system would enhance the competitiveness and stability of the national economy. He also acknowledged UNCTAD's role in supporting a nd training government officials to strengthen negotiation capabilities, with the WTO accession committee describing Iraq's recent economic reforms as a 'revolution in reform, not a simple adjustment.' Meanwhile, Al-Sabah newspaper, issued by the Iraqi Media Network, shed light on the projected scale of investments in the Development Road project. The paper quoted Iraq Development Fund Chairman Mohammed Al-Najjar, who stated that investments in the project could reach around $150 billion, with potential for further growth. Al-Najjar described the project as 'a qualitative economic leap' that will reshape the investment landscape in Iraq and the region. He added that the Fund plans to launch an international investment conference to promote the project, either at Al-Faw Port or through a global roadshow, targeting governments, sovereign funds, and major companies. The Development Road project is described as an integrated economic system covering an area of about 24,000 square kilometers, including sectors su ch as transport, industry, energy, agriculture, housing, and logistics. It aims to establish modern industrial and residential cities and advanced production ventures. Al-Zaman newspaper focused in its Thursday edition on concerns over the misuse of border crossings by influential parties, highlighting warnings issued by the Maysan Provincial Council. The paper reported that the Maysan Council warned of attempts to exploit the upcoming Jallat border crossing, potentially turning it into a funding source for powerful groups at the expense of the public interest and the people of the province. Council member Hussein Al-Maryani indicated that the opening of the crossing, located in Ali Al-Gharbi Desert area of Maysan, is a positive and necessary step to create job opportunities for local youth, particularly in the northern parts of the province. He noted that certain influential actors aim to seize control of the crossing once it becomes operational, to strengthen their economic interests. Al-Maryani affirmed t hat the Provincial Council will firmly oppose such attempts and will coordinate with competent security authorities to ensure the crossing serves the public good and protects the rights of Maysan's residents.
