Analysis of the Relationship between the Energy Achieved for Iraqi Ports and Economic Factors Affecting them 1998?2012 (Ports of Umm Qasr and Khor Al-Zubair Case Study)

Marine ports are considered a link between Iraq and the world. It is the center of the loop in the integrated transport chain. The effects of the ports are reflected on the economic, social, cultural, and constructional aspects of the country. Ports are one of the fundamentals of economic development because they contribute to the achievement of substantial financial resources in foreign currency, work to improvement the balance of payment, and help to support and confirm the economic and political independence of the state. The marine ports in Iraq are considered an important outlet for Iraqi commerce (exports and imports). In addition to the increase in the competitiveness of exports, this encourages Iraq to add some national industries to reduce unemployment in the country. The study showed that the energy of ports is limited and cannot meet future needs from exports and imports of the countries. Moreover, the transit trade through its territory is limited. Therefore, this study recommends the development of Iraqi ports and the increase of energy of them to suit the major countries of the world and the Arab countries.