MIDDLE EAST

Kuwait ploughs ahead with Mubarak build

15 years ago

The Iraqi prime minister has indicated that Kuwait is showing more flexibility in respect of its proposed Mubarak Port development, despite Iraqi concerns that the port will steal business and restrict shipping.

The concerns centre on the location of the port, which is adjacent to Umm Qasr in Iraq. Conservative estimates expect 60% of existing Umm Qasr traffic to switch to the new facility.

However, calls for work to stop while negotiations take place have been rejected by the Kuwaitis.