Iraq’s $17BN Suez Canal Rival

For over 150 years, the Suez Canal in Egypt has been the key to trade between Europe and Asia. But recently, a new project has been launched that aims to transform the current course of trade routes, turning Iraq into a new hub for international trade. Iraq’s bold plan is to build what some are calling a new Silk Road. A modernized network of roads and railroads stretching 1,200 kilometers from the Persian Gulf to Europe, via Baghdad and Turkey. Estimated at nearly $17 billion, this mega-project includes the construction of one of the world’s largest ports. However, both the Iraqi Prime Minister and the Turkish President seem to agree that this new road is well worth the investment, as it will ultimately significantly develop the region’s economy. Today, Looking 4 takes you to the Middle East to discover this new Iraqi corridor, which could well redraw the map of trade routes. You can support the development of the channel by becoming an exclusive member here 👇