Zaidi urges Turkish investment as Erdogan backs Development Road
BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi called on Turkish companies to invest in Iraq’s agricultural sector and make use of available opportunities, while Turkey reaffirmed its support for the Development Road project during talks focused on strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.
Zaidi met Turkish Ambassador Anil Bora Inan and representatives of Turkish companies and business leaders within the Iraqi-Turkish Business Council, according to a statement from the prime minister’s media office.
He said there were “many investment opportunities available for Turkish companies,” pointing to projects in agriculture, the Development Road, al-Faw Grand Port, the management and operation of hospitals and airports, and energy and water management.
Zaidi also directed authorities to ease visa procedures for Turkish businesspeople and provide “other facilitations that would sustain the momentum of investment activity in Iraq,” the statement said.
The Turkish ambassador said his government was committed to developing bilateral relations “in various fields,” while Turkish business representatives said they were ready to begin investment projects in Iraq.
In a separate phone call between Zaidi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, both sides reaffirmed “the importance of the vital Development Road project” and its role in strengthening economic and trade connectivity between Iraq, Turkey and the wider region, and confirmed their commitment to moving forward with implementation.