The cargo discharge norms set by Iraqi port authorities' and the lack of proper storage facilities at the country's Umm Qasar port are giving serious problems to UAE exporters of foodstuff and other goods to Iraq under the UN's oil-for-food program, reported Gulf News on Friday.
According to carriers in Dubai dealing with such exports, there are occasions when the vessels had to return from the Iraqi port as port authorities turned down the cargo, the paper said.
Huge losses are said to be incurred by the shippers in many cases and it is still not sure whether they could claim any insurance on this.
Large volumes of foodstuff, cement, steel pipes, other building materials, vehicles, etc are being exported to Iraq from Dubai ports in bulk as direct exports as well as re-exports on a regular basis – Albawaba.com
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)