Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The head of the Iraqi Border Ports Authority, Omar al-Waeli, said on Wednesday that the reopening of the Rabia border crossing with Syria may boost commerce by up to 20 percent in the coming months. In a statement to the state-run news agency (INA), al-Waeli clarified that the reactivation of the border crossing marks a key strategic move in the Iraqi government’s efforts to diversify and enhance its border outlets. The border crossing is expected to relieve strain on other border crossings and increase the flow of commodities, according to al-Waeli.
The reopening of the Rabia border crossing with Syria on Monday signals a major economic and humanitarian development for the northern Iraqi province of Nineveh. The Iraqi official mentioned earlier that the border crossing is vital to Iraq’s strategic Development Road project, which aims to improve commerce and regional connectivity. The step is also expected to create thousands of job opportunities and boost government efforts to rehabilitate communities west of Nineveh.
Additionally, the border crossing’s humanitarian value is important given the tight tribal relations across the Iraqi-Syrian border. The restoration of Iraq-Syria border crossings took place after years of restrictions caused by security concerns during the war against ISIS, as well as shifting control and coordination difficulties along the borders.