Iraq aims to become regional data and communications hub, minister says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Minister of Communications, Mustafa Sanad, said on Wednesday that the country is seeking to become a regional hub for data exchange and communications, citing what he described as its strategic geographic location. Speaking at an event in Baghdad, Sanad said Iraq's position offers advantages for routing data traffic across the region. The minister said infrastructure investment is continuing to expand the country's capacity to connect with neighboring markets. He added that reforms and modernization work are planned in the telecommunications sector, and that his ministry is in ongoing talks with international companies on cooperation and new projects. Sanad said strengthening digital infrastructure would contribute to economic development, and that Iraq's vision of serving as a data corridor would be supported by concrete steps in the short term. No further details on specific projects or timelines were immediately provided.