Turkish investments aim to transform Mosul into regional trade hub
Türkiye's Consul General in Mosul Serhad Varli spoke to AA correspondent. (AA Photo)
Turkish investments in Mosul are set to transform the city into a regional trade and economic center, according to Turkish Consul General Serhad Varli.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Varli outlined Türkiye’s contributions to Mosul’s reconstruction and development, including infrastructure, health care and industrial initiatives.
Türkiye’s commitment to Mosul’s development
Türkiye is spearheading several transformative projects in Mosul, with the Development Road Project taking center stage. This ambitious initiative aims to connect Iraq to Asia and Europe through Türkiye via rail and road networks.
“One of Türkiye’s key goals is to support Mosul’s development and improve living standards,” said Varli and added, “Complementing this, we are striving to increase Turkish investments in every sector in Mosul.”
Turkish companies driving change in Mosul
Key Turkish projects include the construction of Mosul International Airport, slated for completion in the first half of next year. Varli noted that the airport would enhance commercial, cultural and economic ties between Mosul and Türkiye.
Additionally, a Turkish firm is leading a 600-bed hospital project, which will become one of Iraq’s largest medical facilities upon completion. Efforts are also underway to establish organized industrial zones in Mosul and Tal Afar, initiatives spurred by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Iraq last April.
“These industrial zones will enable Turkish businesspeople to make more investments in Mosul,” Varli explained. “Through these projects, vital business and investment ecosystems will be created. Mosul and Tal Afar will become key hubs for the Development Road Project and for regional and global trade,” he added.
Strengthening Türkiye-Mosul relations
Varli emphasized the deep historical and cultural ties between Türkiye and Mosul, dating back to the Ottoman era. He also highlighted Türkiye’s unwavering support during Mosul’s most challenging times.
“As a state, through all our institutions, private sector, citizens, and academic circles, we aim to further develop our relations with Mosul and help it witness even brighter days,” Varli said.
Turkmen perspective: Development Road as a path to peace
Local Turkmen view the Development Road Project as an opportunity for peace and economic recovery.
Speaking to the AA, the Iraqi Turkmen Front Mosul representative Sehit Ganim described the project as a “source of peace” for Iraq, emphasizing its potential to address unemployment and promote security.
“Post-Daesh Mosul needs roads and development the most,” Ganim said, underlining the city’s devastation from years of conflict.
Economic and social revival anticipated
Experts believe the Development Road Project will link Iraq to broader global markets, creating jobs and reducing regional tensions. By fostering industrial zones and improving infrastructure, the initiative promises to establish Mosul and other regions as regional trade hubs and a gateway between Iraq and the world.
