NIC Plans Investment for Iraq's Al-Tayeb Economic City

A US$65-billion investment is planned to transform the Al-Tayeb border area into a multi-service economic city, according to the National Investment Commission (NIC). Commission Chairman Dr Haider Mohammed Makkiya (pictured) told the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA) that Al-Tayeb is envisaged as an economic city covering more than 120,000 dunams, with total projected investments exceeding US$65 billion. Of this amount, approximately US$5 billion is allocated for infrastructure, including:

 - Roads
 - Electricity networks
 - Sewerage systems
 - Other core utilities

Makkiya said the location [in Missan/Maysan] benefits from abundant natural resources, including water, fuel, sand and gravel, as well as favourable terrain, which he said would support the development of a specialised economic city. He added that completion of a water-harvesting component remains pending, and that the project could be announced as an investment opportunity in the coming months. Makki also said that six investment cities have been identified based on the availability of natural resources, with multi-service economic cities potentially developed along the Development Road corridor.