ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani said Wednesday that Iraq has attracted more than $100 billion in investments from Arab and other foreign countries over the past two years, as the country works to modernize its airports, including a major plan for Baghdad International Airport.

Sudani met in Baghdad with representatives from a group of six companies competing to rehabilitate, develop, and operate the airport. The meeting was attended by officials from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which is advising the Ministry of Transport on the project.

“Iraq’s strategic location has encouraged us to invest in air transport, aircraft transit, and passenger services,” Sudani said in remarks carried by The New Region. “Baghdad International Airport is the gateway to the capital, and it must have the facilities, services, and management needed to attract more passengers and generate revenue.”

The prime minister praised the IFC as an important partner that has worked with Iraq on projects in several sectors. He said the Baghdad airport project should meet the highest standards, reflecting what he described as Iraq’s recovery, stability, and growing reconstruction efforts across the provinces.

Sudani pointed to a clear and real opportunity to increase the number of travelers arriving in Baghdad from abroad. He said the government has reviewed its approach to managing public-sector airports and other sectors, drawing on successful models from the region.

The prime minister said similar opportunities exist at the airports in Najaf, Basra, Nasiriyah, and Mosul. He confirmed that the IFC has been contracted to prepare an investment portfolio for the Baghdad airport project and that the government welcomes “all Arab and foreign companies” willing to invest in Iraq.

“This is a message that Iraq is a safe and attractive environment for investment,” al-Sudani said. He promised “support, backing, and all the facilities” companies need to work in Iraq, adding that the goal is to select “the best coalition, company, or investor” to make Baghdad International Airport a successful example of Iraq's promise to external investors.