The delegation of the General Company for Ports of Iraq, headed by Director General Dr. Eng. Farhan Al‑Fartousi and accompanied by representatives of the Basra local government, continues its discussions with the administration of the Port of Hamburg in Germany. The meetings are held within a program implemented by the Strengthening Economic Transformation in Iraq (SET) project, led by Huzaifa Boudal on behalf of the German Government through the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). The talks focus on exploring opportunities to connect Al Faw Grand Port with European ports and to enhance cooperation in the fields of digital transformation.
The Director General of the General Company for Ports of Iraq stated—based on the directives of the Minister of Transport, Mr. Razzaq Muhaibis Al‑Saadawi, emphasizing the importance of benefiting from international expertise in port operations—that “the visit to the Port of Hamburg comes within the framework of shaping policy and opening new horizons for linking Al‑Faw Grand Port with European ports.”
He added that “Iraq is moving toward connecting Al‑Faw Port to the Development Road corridor toward Europe, from south to north,” affirming that “the Iraqi delegation is presenting during the visit a clear and strategic vision adopted by Iraqi ports, positioning Hamburg as one of the targeted hubs within the maritime and logistics connectivity network.”
He noted that “the delegation held a meeting with the entity responsible for the digitalization of the Port of Hamburg, during which a detailed discussion took place on the mechanisms of digital transformation.”
He further stated that “all the procedures presented are aligned with the efforts currently underway at Iraqi ports; however, implementing these steps will require time, as digital transformation necessitates promoting a culture of electronic work among all port‑operating and supporting entities.”
He explained that “the process includes linking institutions to the Port Community System (PCS),” pointing out that “the meeting revealed significant alignment and harmony in perspectives between what the Port of Hamburg has implemented and what Iraqi ports are working toward.”
He continued, “We agreed to maintain ongoing communication to overcome obstacles, enhance institutional performance, and develop human capacities,” noting that “investment in intellectual capital remains the most essential pillar for supporting the digital transformation of Iraqi ports.”
