Port of Koper: Collaboration discussions with the Iraqi port of Basra

Port of Koper wants to strengthen its role as a logistics centre for ocean freight transportations to and from Iraq

Last week, the Port of Koper was visited by Mr Torhan Al-Mufti, the Iraqi Minister for Provincial Affairs and Acting Minister of Communications. Mr Al-Mufti was received by Luka Koper’s Management Board President, Mr Gašpar Mišič, and his visit was an opportunity to discuss the possibilities of collaboration between the Port of Koper and the Iraqi port of Basra, as well as the increase of trade with Iraq via the Port of Koper.

The throughput of Iraqi cargo via the Port of Koper is at present rather modest. Vehicle exports to Iraq – currently less than 2,000 per year – make up the major portion. Imports from Iraq are mainly in the form of container freight, 160 TEUs last year. „Every container and every type of cargo is important to us, because the Port of Koper is multipurpose. Iraq is a large importer of a variety of goods and this is our opportunity to increase business through closer collaboration“ commented Management Board President Gašpar Mišič.

According to Mr Al-Mufti, oil accounts for some 80 percent of Iraq’s total exports, while at the same time it imports a variety of commodities. „Slovenia and Iraq certainly have one in common – a short coastline. Ours is only 58 kilometres long, a little more than Slovenia. I have suggested to the Management Board President to immediately start working on a collaboration agreement, most likely with the port of Basra. Such would also open doors for co-operation in other areas,“ the Minister said.

Luka Koper also sees an opportunity to increase trade with Iraq as regards project cargos, for which the company is highly specialised. Indeed, many European companies are investing in Iraqi infrastructure, and in this Koper could act as both a port of origin as well as a logistics centre for the supply of plant and equipment to Iraq.

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Quelle: LogEastics
Portal: www.logistik-express.com