THE ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE GREAT PORT OF FAW AND ITS LINK TO THE BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE

Abstract

Iraq has a single sea port on the Arabian Gulf, on which four commercial ports and
two oil ports have been established. 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. If it is properly
utilized, it will 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 with limited depths and
do not directly overlook 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 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 it will bring to it
through the establishment of the dry canal, which shortens the time and cost in
transporting global trade.