Baghdad – conscious
Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani returned today, Thursday, to Baghdad, after a visit devoted to the large port of Al-Faw.
The Prime Minister’s Media Office stated, in a statement received by the (INA), that “Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani returned to Baghdad after a visit devoted to the large Al-Faw port, during which he sponsored the ceremony of handing over the five berths of the port from the implementing company.”
The statement added, “The visit included an inspection of the dock structures (container yard) of the port, in which the completion rate reached 100%, in addition to reviewing the progress of work on the road linking the major ports of Al-Faw and Umm Qasr, which represents the beginning of the development path.”
He continued, “The visit also included a field visit to the stages of work in the submerged tunnel, in addition to following up on the infrastructure work (marine excavation and backfilling), in addition to conducting a sea tour to view the docks of the Grand Al-Faw Port and the progress of work in the navigation channel.”
Interview: The Significance of Prime Minister Al-Sudani’s Visit to Al-Faw Port
Editor at Time.news: Good day, and thank you for joining us. Today, we have with us Dr. Ahmed Al-Tamimi, an expert in maritime infrastructure development. We’re here to discuss Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani’s recent visit to the Al-Faw port and its broader implications for Iraq’s trade and economic landscape. Dr. Al-Tamimi, can you provide us with an overview of this visit?
Dr. Al-Tamimi: Thank you for having me. Prime Minister Al-Sudani’s visit to Al-Faw port marks a significant milestone in Iraq’s transportation and trade infrastructure. The ceremony to hand over the five berths to the implementation company demonstrates a crucial step toward making Al-Faw one of the largest and most vital ports in the region. This visit showcased not just the completion of the dock structures with a 100% completion rate but also emphasized the ongoing developmental work linking Al-Faw to Umm Qasr port.
Editor: What are the broader implications of completing the Al-Faw port for Iraq’s economy?
Dr. Al-Tamimi: The completion of Al-Faw port is expected to bolster Iraq’s position in global trade. Being a gateway for imports and exports, a fully operational Al-Faw has the potential to enhance the throughput of goods significantly, which could lead to improved economic conditions. It provides an opportunity to attract foreign investment and develop logistics and transportation sectors further.
Editor: The visit also highlighted the submerged tunnel and infrastructure work. How crucial are these components for the port’s operational efficiency?
Dr. Al-Tamimi: They are incredibly vital. The submerged tunnel and the marine excavation work are essential for ensuring that the port can accommodate larger vessels, which subsequently increases cargo capacity and reduces shipping times. Efficient infrastructure will also facilitate seamless connectivity between the various ports, thus improving the overall logistics framework of the country.
Editor: You mentioned attracting foreign investment. What practical advice would you give to stakeholders looking to invest in Iraq’s port development?
Dr. Al-Tamimi: Investors should focus on understanding local policies and regulations first and foremost. Collaborating with local partners can also ease the process of entering the market. Additionally, emphasizing sustainability and innovative technologies in development projects can make investing in Iraq more attractive, especially given the global emphasis on eco-friendly practices.
Editor: Lastly, with ongoing developments, how should businesses prepare for the changes that Al-Faw port will bring?
Dr. Al-Tamimi: Businesses should start by evaluating their supply chains and looking for ways to optimize logistics as the port becomes operational. They should also consider opportunities for partnerships with logistics firms and engage in strategic planning to ensure they can adapt to the anticipated increases in trade activity. Keeping an eye on developments and being proactive will be key to gaining a competitive edge in the evolving marketplace.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Al-Tamimi, for your insights into the significance of Prime Minister Al-Sudani’s visit to Al-Faw port and its implications for the broader economic landscape in Iraq.
Dr. Al-Tamimi: Thank you for having me. It’s certainly a pivotal moment for Iraq, and I look forward to seeing the progress unfold.