PRESS RELEASE | April 8, 2008
Port city of UmQasr is open for business
By None , MND-SE

UMQASR, Iraq (Apr. 7, 2008) – UmQasr, a port city southeast of Basra, is filled with daily activities, as Iraqi workers load export and unload imports April 6.

“The estimated flow of goods into Iraq is 60,000 tons with 15,000 passing through UmQsar,” said Todd Stratton, Task Force to Support Business and Stability Operations in Iraq.

“The single largest commodity is food such as wheat, rice, sugar and other food items,” Stratton said. “The port is a critical gateway to supply the Iraqi nation with food imports.”

According to Stratton, the port has a grain silo that can process 7,500 tons a day with 5,000 tons being hauled away. “A ferry comes to Dubai a few times per week,” Stratton said.

Iraqi Security Forces provided a secure working environment for the Iraqi dock workers to perform their daily jobs.

The Passenger Hall at the port is nearing complete refurbishment, and will soon be fully-operational for passengers and merchants alike.

Note: Video and photos are available of local Iraqis at the Port city of UmQasr loading and off-loading cargo from merchant ships April 6 through the Digital Video and Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) by calling(678) 421-6604 or by accessing the DVIDS Web site at http://www.dvidshub.net .

FOR QUERIES, CONTACT MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION – SOUTHEAST MEDIA OPERATIONS AT: [email protected] BY PHONE AT: COMMERCIAL OO870763646748 OR IRAQNA 00964-7801-096.-100.