Cairo

Source: Al-Wafd newspaper

Dr. Ali Mohamed Al-Khouri

In the midst of geopolitical transformations, the “Development Road” project emerges as a strategic initiative to enhance regional integration and link the continents of Asia and Europe. This ambitious project – which includes Iraq, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar – aims to reshape global trade and transport by improving infrastructure to facilitate the movement of transport and goods.

The importance of the “Development Road” project lies in its providing a strategic and economic alternative to traditional paths such as the Chinese “Silk Road” project, a step that will reduce costs and increase efficiency in transporting goods between China and Europe.

The project aims to connect the large port of Al-Faw in southern Iraq to the Turkish border in the north via railways and land roads, extending over a distance of 1,275 kilometers. The project is expected to transform Iraq into a regional transportation hub. Consolidating trade ties between Europe and the Gulf states, and stimulating a number of secondary economic benefits for the Iraqi economy, such as strengthening the agricultural, industrial, and tourism sectors, and providing a broad base for sustainable economic growth away from excessive dependence on oil. Expectations indicate that the project will contribute to creating about 100,000 direct job opportunities in its early stages, and achieve significant annual revenues estimated at $4.85 billion.

The project will bring multiple benefits to all participating countries alongside Iraq, which is clearly seeking to diversify its economy, enhance regional connectivity, and reposition itself as a pivotal player in global trade dynamics. For Turkey, it will benefit from strengthening its role as a major bridge between Europe and the Middle East, and consolidating its economic and geopolitical position. As for the UAE and Qatar, they will have greater opportunities to expand their foreign trade networks and increase their regional exports, in addition to expanding their international investment bases in infrastructure and services. In general, all countries participating in the project will find an opportunity to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations, which will contribute to the stability of the region and increase regional influence.

Naturally; A project of this size will face several challenges that may hinder its progress, and it will be important to identify them and explore solutions to ensure the success of the project:

First: The security challenges and obstacles in the areas through which the project passes, and the possibilities of the emergence of political and military conflicts there. Dealing with it requires strengthening security cooperation between the countries joining the project, and involving local communities in monitoring the infrastructure and achieving its security.

Second: Environmental challenges, such as the impact on local ecosystems and pollution as a result of construction work; Confronting it requires implementing strict environmental conservation policies and conducting comprehensive environmental impact studies before starting the project to reduce environmental damage. This requires investment in sustainable construction technologies that reduce harmful emissions, and the preservation of natural resources.

Third: Political and diplomatic challenges, especially in light of the multiple partnerships in the project. To avoid border disputes or potential political tensions; Promoting dialogue and political understanding between participating countries, and organizing binding agreements, are two necessary components. The countries joining the project must work to develop mechanisms for joint cooperation and establish dialogue platforms to resolve differences that may arise during the implementation of the project.

Fourth: Economic and financial challenges, represented in securing financing for the project. It requires relying on a diverse mix of government and private funding as a more effective solution. As well as identifying profitable investment opportunities and providing incentives to international investors; What may contribute to attracting capital to finance the various stages of the project; In this context, it is necessary to establish mechanisms for strict governance frameworks that ensure the efficient and effective use of funds. It also ensures transparency and accountability, especially in the procurement and project implementation stages.

Fifth: Technical and engineering challenges that include dealing with difficult terrain and complex geographical conditions. It will require innovation at all stages of the project, and the use of advanced technology, such as robotics and artificial intelligence systems. To improve efficiency, reduce costs, and implement strict safety and security standards.

Sixth: Social considerations that may also represent an important challenge. Construction work and project expansion may negatively impact local communities that will include major urban centers, such as Basra, Baghdad, and Mosul. Countries participating in the project must develop compensation and resettlement plans, programs to improve skills, and provide job opportunities for local residents; To minimize negative repercussions and ensure communities support the project; This will have a positive impact on security and stability in the region, and enhance economic and political cooperation between the participating countries. Which creates a favorable environment for further investment and development.

Providing comprehensive and sustainable solutions to existing challenges must remain one of the basics that officials of this transcontinental project must adopt to achieve their strategic goals. These goals must be based in particular on enhancing regional and international trade, accelerating the pace of economic development, and aligning it with national agendas.

Overcoming potential challenges also requires more than just finding solutions; It requires a strong political will and a unified strategic vision among the participating countries. To reach a new model of integration that ensures sustainable development in the region.