The Turkish Minister of Trade: Turkish Companies Have Completed Construction Projects in Iraq Worth More Than $36 Billion

Baghdad /NINA/- Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Polat announced that Turkish construction companies have successfully completed construction projects in Iraq worth $36.5 billion.

Speaking at a Turkish-Iraqi trade and construction forum in Baghdad, alongside Iraqi Trade Minister Atheer Dawood Salman Al-Ghurairi, Polat said, "Turkish products and construction projects are among the most prominent manifestations of economic integration between Turkey and Iraq, and we are determined to strengthen it."

He emphasized that Turkey and Iraq are important trading partners and that economic relations between the two countries are distinguished, encompassing trade and agriculture, industry, services, transportation, energy, and infrastructure, as well as defense industries and the construction sector.

He added, "We must continue working for the benefit of both countries and the well-being of their people. This is our fourth visit to Iraq since assuming office."

He further stated, "Last year, trade between us reached $17.5 billion. A few weeks ago, work resumed on the Ceyhan-Kirkuk oil pipeline."  Iraq transports oil to Turkey and the rest of the world via this pipeline.

He noted that the volume of foreign trade between the two countries will witness further growth in the coming period, and that there are promising projects underway in Iraq.

Polat emphasized the strong will to develop economic relations between Ankara and Baghdad, indicating that the two sides discussed the practical steps necessary to achieve the goal of increasing the volume of trade to $30 billion in the medium term, through mutual understanding and constructive dialogue.

He pointed out that one of the promising projects is the "Development Road" project, which he described as a revolutionary project representing a new beginning for the development process in Iraq.

It is worth mentioning that the "Development Road" is a road and railway extending from Iraq to Turkey and its ports. It is 1,200 kilometers long within Iraq and is considered one of the most important pillars for connecting Turkey with Iraq and the Arabian Gulf. It is also one of the shortest routes connecting the Arabian Gulf to Europe./ End