Baghdad-INA
Basra Governor Asaad Al-Eidani said on Wednesday that the Grand Al-Faw Port project is a cornerstone of Iraq's economic transformation strategy and will help establish Basra as the country's economic capital.
Speaking to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Al-Eidani said the port project carries significant importance in supporting economic diversification efforts and strengthening Basra's position as Iraq's economic hub.
He noted that port berths and five major projects implemented under port development plans have recorded substantial progress and high completion rates.
"The next phase represents a real test of the government's vision for achieving economic development," Al-Eidani said, expressing hope that the current strategic projects would help address economic challenges and create new development opportunities across the country.
Al-Eidani said Transport Minister Wahab Al-Hassani's visit to Basra included inspections of several key projects at Umm Qasr Port, truck marshalling yards and related expansion works.
He added that advancing these projects represents the first step toward linking Umm Qasr Port with the Grand Al-Faw Port.
According to Al-Eidani, the transport minister also reviewed future plans and operational mechanisms for Al-Faw Port, as well as ongoing preparations aimed at completing the project and bringing it into operation in line with the government's vision.
The governor stressed that coordination between the federal and local governments is a key factor in the success of strategic projects and in addressing many of the economic challenges facing both the province and the country.
He said the successful completion of the Grand Al-Faw Port project and associated developments would help cement Basra's position as a major economic center, adding that the province's success in this role would have a positive impact on Iraq's broader economy and support sustainable development plans.
