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From the Immersed Tunnel Inauguration to the Development Road: Iraq Advances Its Position in Regional and Global Trade
Under the leadership of Minister of Transport Wahab Al-Hasani, Iraq is advancing major transport infrastructure projects, including the newly inaugurated immersed tunnel, Grand Faw Port and the Development Road. ITL IRAQ EXPO 2026 will bring these national priorities together with international expertise, investment and strategic partnerships.
Basra, Iraq – Iraq’s transport sector is entering a significant period of infrastructure development and economic opportunity, driven by the advancement of strategic national projects and efforts to strengthen the country’s position within regional and international trade networks.
At the center of this momentum are the ongoing efforts of H.E. Mr. Wahab Salman Al-Hasani, Iraq’s Minister of Transport, whose field engagement, project oversight and emphasis on accelerating implementation have placed renewed attention on infrastructure delivery, operational efficiency and international cooperation.
The Immersed Tunnel: A Major Engineering Milestone
The inauguration of the immersed tunnel beneath the Khor Al-Zubair waterway on 12 November 2026 marks an important achievement in the development of Grand Faw Port and its supporting transport infrastructure.
Designed to connect the Grand Faw Port area with Umm Qasr, the tunnel is a key component of the wider logistics network intended to improve road connectivity, facilitate commercial transport and reduce distances and operating costs once the associated transport systems become fully operational.
The milestone follows significant progress across Grand Faw Port’s infrastructure, including its berths, navigation channel and connecting road, supporting preparations for the port’s future operational phases.
The Development Road: A National Vision for International Connectivity
The Development Road represents one of Iraq’s most ambitious strategic infrastructure initiatives.
Envisioned as an integrated railway, highway and logistics corridor linking Grand Faw Port with Türkiye’s transport networks and onward international markets, the project has the potential to transform Iraq’s role in regional supply chains.
Progress in engineering designs, international coordination and implementation planning reflects the importance attached to moving the project toward its next stages.
Beyond transportation, the Development Road creates prospective opportunities in logistics facilities, industrial activities, engineering services, freight transport and infrastructure investment.
Ministerial Leadership and Accelerated Project Delivery
The Minister of Transport’s ongoing field inspections and executive follow-up reflect an emphasis on monitoring project milestones, addressing implementation challenges, strengthening coordination and maintaining engineering standards.
These efforts also highlight the importance of involving internationally experienced companies in the development of Iraq’s transport infrastructure.
Greater international engagement can support competitive investment opportunities, technology transfer, advanced operational practices and long-term partnerships between Iraqi institutions and global industry leaders.
Iraq’s Emerging Investment Opportunities
Iraq’s strategic geography, major infrastructure requirements and expanding transport ambitions create a substantial foundation for investment across ports, railways, aviation, road networks, logistics and supporting services.
The development of Grand Faw Port and the progression of the Development Road are expected to contribute to a more interconnected transport ecosystem, offering opportunities for international developers, engineering firms, technology providers, investors and logistics operators.
As infrastructure projects advance, Iraq is positioning itself as an increasingly important destination for companies seeking participation in strategic transportation and trade development.
ITL IRAQ EXPO 2026: Connecting National Ambitions with Global Expertise
Against this backdrop, Baghdad will host the second edition of the Iraq International Transportation, Airports & Logistics Expo and Conference (ITL IRAQ EXPO 2026) from 25 to 27 November 2026 at Baghdad International Fairground.
Held under the patronage of the Prime Minister of Iraq and with the support and patronage of the Minister of Transport, the exhibition will bring together government institutions, state-owned transport companies, global industry leaders and investors.
The accompanying conference programme will address the Development Road and international trade corridors, ports and maritime transport, railway development, aviation and airport modernization, road infrastructure, logistics, and intelligent transportation systems.
These discussions will create opportunities for policy dialogue, investment engagement, knowledge exchange and collaboration between government stakeholders and international industry partners.
From Infrastructure Milestones to Investment Partnerships
The immersed tunnel inauguration, Grand Faw Port development and ongoing progress on the Development Road illustrate Iraq’s wider ambition to strengthen its logistics capabilities and international economic connectivity.
ITL IRAQ EXPO 2026 will serve as a platform to connect these national priorities with the expertise, technologies and investment capabilities of the global transport industry.
The exhibition is organized by Alfa International for Exhibitions and Conferences.
Event Information
ITL IRAQ EXPO 2026 – Second Edition
25–27 November 2026
Baghdad International Fairground, Iraq
Website: www.itliraq.com
Email: [email protected]