- New truck transport system launched in Istanbul.
- The system connects Türkiye to Kuwait via Iraq.
- It marks the first leg of the Development Road Initiative.
- Aiming to facilitate trade, the route includes rail and highways.
- Direct local transport to Jordan resumes for the first time since 14 years.
New Turkish Transport System Targets Regional Connectivity
The recent launch of the Türkiye-Kuwait and Germany-Jordan truck transport system took place on Friday in Istanbul, amid the backdrop of the “Global Transportation Corridors Forum.” Abdulkadir Uraloglu, Turkey’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, noted that this newly established system is set to be the initial leg of the ambitious Development Road Initiative. The primary goal here is to enable trucks from Turkey to traverse through Iraq, reaching both Kuwait and Jordan. This marks a significant step in the development of trade routes in the region.
Significance of the Development Road Initiative
This Development Road will serve as an essential trade route, effectively linking Iraq and Türkiye through a robust network of railways, highways, and ports. Spanning approximately 745 miles (or about 1,200 kilometers), it aims to connect future projects like the Great Faw Port, which is expected to be the largest port in the Middle East. Furthermore, the initiative incorporates the construction of the so-called Iraqi Silk Road, designed as a potential alternative to the Suez Canal, thereby facilitating faster trade routes and easing commercial exchanges.
Aiming for Efficient Trade Routes
Uraloglu mentioned that this operation is essentially a trial run for the broader Development Road project, which is designed to keep these crucial trade corridors active. Nasser Al Asadi, the senior advisor to the Iraqi prime minister, echoed this sentiment, celebrating the reopening of transit routes that had been closed since the Iraq War in 2003. The launch is particularly notable as it enabled a vehicle from Germany to successfully make the first direct cargo shipment to Kuwait after two decades. Similarly, the imminent transport of goods from Germany to Jordan, set for June 27, represents the first land transport to Jordan in 14 years, highlighting the impact of this newly established transport system.
In summary, the Türkiye-Kuwait and Germany-Jordan truck transport system stands as a pivotal initiative aimed at improving regional trade routes. This strategic project not only reconnects significant markets but also signals the beginning of a new era in transportation across the Middle East. With both countries supporting this development, there is optimism for the future of trade operations in the region.
