Today, Thursday, Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani conducted a field tour to review the basic projects in the Grand Al-Faw Port and their completion rates.
The Prime Minister’s Media Office stated in a statement received by the (INA), that “Prime Minister Muhammad Shia’ al-Sudani conducted a sea tour during which he was briefed on the basic projects in the Grand Al-Faw Port in Basra Governorate, during which he was accompanied by the Minister of Transport, the Governor of Basra, and a number of officials.” Representatives, advisors, and the Director General of Ports.
He added, “Al-Sudani began his tour with the five berths that he sponsored the handover ceremony for today. Then he looked at the other projects that he started in the container yard and the berth wall, in which the completion rate reached (100%). Then he moved to the submerged tunnel, whose completion rate reached (58.47%). It is considered… “One of the most important development projects.”
He explained that “Al-Sudani was briefed during his tour on the progress of work on the navigational canal, in which the completion rate is (77.41%). He concluded his tour by reviewing the ongoing work on the road linking Al-Faw Port and the highway, which represents the beginning of the strategic development road, and the rate of work progress has reached On the road linking to (92.42%).
During his tours in which he met with engineers, technicians and workers in Al-Faw Port projects, according to the statement, the Prime Minister praised “the efforts made during the past two years, with which the achievement rates increased significantly after the government began exercising its executive duties.”
Interview between Time.news Editor and an Expert on Infrastructure Development
Editor: Good afternoon, and welcome to Time.news. Today we have a special guest, Dr. Layla Abdallah, an expert in infrastructure development and economic policy. We’re here to discuss the recent field tour conducted by Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani at the Grand Al-Faw Port. Dr. Abdallah, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Abdallah: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: To start, can you tell us about the significance of the Grand Al-Faw Port project in Iraq’s economic landscape?
Dr. Abdallah: Absolutely. The Grand Al-Faw Port is not just a logistical hub; it’s a strategic asset for Iraq. With its deep-water capabilities, it can accommodate larger vessels, which positions Iraq to boost its trade capacity significantly. This port is expected to reduce dependency on neighboring ports and increase Iraq’s competitiveness in the region.
Editor: Alongside the Prime Minister’s recent tour, he was able to assess the completion rates of various projects. How crucial are these site visits in terms of fostering public and investor confidence?
Dr. Abdallah: Personal engagement by the Prime Minister sends a strong message about accountability and transparency. When leaders actively visit and monitor large projects, it reassures both citizens and investors. It shows that the government is committed to overseeing progress and addressing any potential issues head-on. This is essential for building trust, particularly in sectors often marred by delays or concerns about corruption.
Editor: That leads us to the notion of infrastructure challenges in Iraq. What are some of the main hurdles facing the Grand Al-Faw project or similar initiatives?
Dr. Abdallah: There are several challenges. First, we need to consider the financing of these projects; securing investments can be tricky, especially in a post-conflict environment. Additionally, there’s the challenge of bureaucratic inefficiencies. Delays in permits and coordination between various governmental bodies can stall progress. Lastly, ensuring the workforce is trained and ready to work with the latest technology and safety protocols is crucial.
Editor: Speaking of technology, what role does modern technology play in the development of port infrastructure like Al-Faw?
Dr. Abdallah: Modern technology is vital for efficiency and sustainability. It can enhance cargo handling, reduce turnaround times, and optimize logistics. For example, integrating smart technology into port operations can streamline traffic management and inventory control. This not only makes the port more efficient but also environmentally friendly, which is becoming increasingly important in today’s world.
Editor: As we anticipate the completion of the Grand Al-Faw Port, what long-term benefits do you foresee for the local community and the broader Iraqi economy?
Dr. Abdallah: The benefits will be multifaceted. Locally, we can expect job creation during the construction phase and once the port is operational. This will stimulate the local economy and lead to the development of supporting industries like logistics, transportation, and trade. Nationally, the port can significantly increase trade volumes, attract foreign investment, and potentially improve Iraq’s GDP. It’s a step towards economic diversification, which is crucial given Iraq’s heavy reliance on oil revenues.
Editor: Aligning with that, what would you say is the next step for the government and stakeholders involved in this project?
Dr. Abdallah: Ongoing engagement and communication among stakeholders is essential. They need to ensure that the finishing phases of the port are executed efficiently and on time. It’s also important to set up an operational plan that addresses logistics and management of the port once it’s active. Lastly, ensuring that local communities understand the benefits and opportunities resulting from the port will help garner support and participation from the public.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Abdallah, for your insights on this significant development. It’s clear that the Grand Al-Faw Port could be a cornerstone for Iraq’s future economic prosperity.
Dr. Abdallah: Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing how this project unfolds and its impact on the region.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay informed with Time.news for the latest updates on infrastructure and economic developments in Iraq and beyond.