DUBAI, UAE - Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia’ al-Sudani attended the operational launch ceremony of the Grand Faw Port in Basra province, after receiving five berths built by South Korean company Daewoo.

In his speech, Sudani underscored the significance of the berths, stating that they represent the core infrastructure of the port project. The berths form a key component of the first phase of the port’s development, which is scheduled for completion next year.

The Iraqi premier highlighted the regional and international importance of the Grand Faw Port, describing it as a pivotal maritime facility.

“This port is not only a critical hub for Iraq but also strategically placed within global trade routes passing through the Middle East,” he said.

 “This port places Iraq squarely at the heart of one of the world’s most vital maritime basins, a hub for energy, trade, and global communication… It will transform Iraq from a country dependent on foreign ports into a fully maritime nation, with direct access to the Gulf.”

He also reiterated the broader economic objectives tied to the project.

“Economic development and transformation are central to our comprehensive plan for the country. We are addressing critical gaps in economic infrastructure and strengthening Iraq’s connection to global trade networks,” Sudani added.

The prime minister further emphasized the importance of the Development Road, which will start at the Grand Faw Port and link the economies of many countries in the region. “The Development Road will be a critical pathway for regional economic integration, enhancing cooperation and trade.”

In support of the project’s infrastructure, Sudani affirmed that the government fully supports the Ministry of Transport’s efforts to rehabilitate Iraq’s railway network along the Development Road. “Rehabilitating the railway system is essential to ensuring the project’s continuity and enhancing trade and transport links,” he said.

The government has allocated financial resources to new railway projects, which will complement the port and development road.

“These projects are vital to diversifying Iraq’s economy and boosting non-oil revenues… alongside them, industrial cities will be developed, creating new job opportunities and supporting economic diversification,” said the premier.

Sudani reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing a prosperous future for Iraq, stressing that this project will not only foster economic growth but also “ensure job opportunities, enhance industrial capacity, advance agricultural development, and facilitating international trade for future generation.”

The Grand Faw Port in Basra, southeastern Iraq, is considered the starting point of the Development Road project, which will connect the country to Europe via Turkey.

The port, constructed by South Korea's Daewoo Engineering & Construction under a contract valued at approximately five billion dollars, is located at the mouth of the Shat al-Arab waterway, where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers meet before flowing into the sea. It is expected to be the largest port in the Middle East.

Two industrial zones, residential projects, and areas for travel and tourism are being developed around the port.