The economic importance of the establishment of the Great Port of Faw and its connection with the Belt and Road Initiative

Abstract

Iraq has a single sea port on the Arabian Gulf. Four commercial ports and two oil ports have been established on it. Despite the small Iraqi coastline on the Gulf, which does not exceed 60 km, which is the smallest area among the Gulf countries, this small area represents the maritime port of Iraq on the high seas. And if it was properly exploited, it would have great returns on the economy. Iraq has an important strategic position in shortening the distances between East and West. And if Iraq wants to catch up with global developments, especially in the field of maritime transport and the establishment of modern and advanced ports, it must expedite the establishment of the great port of Faw, as Iraq’s possession of important commercial ports, but these ports do not meet Iraq’s growing needs, as they are internal ports of limited depths and directly overlook On the Arabian Gulf, as well as in the event that Iraq is linked to the Belt and Road Initiative and is ready to exercise its vital role in linking the Asian East and the European West, from the ports of the Arabian Gulf to the ports of the Mediterranean. This necessitates accelerating the completion of the Grand Faw port project due to its importance in transporting trade and considering it the gateway that moves the wheel of economic development and the great economic benefits that will come to it through the establishment of the dry canal, which shortens the time and cost in transporting global trade.