Economic analyst Ahmed Abu Qamar commented on the reasons behind the international competition in the Persian Gulf for Sudanese ports.
He said: “The control of ports, especially those located on the Red Sea, has become the goal of many countries, especially the Gulf States and countries with large economies such as China.”
Abu Qamar added: “These Sudanese ports are the link between the world’s continents and strategic points on the map of global supply chains, as well as the only outlet for many landlocked countries such as Ethiopia.”
He continued: “The Red Sea region has a strategic, economic and security dimension, so this competition based on it is logical.”
He explained that China is seeking to take over the maritime transport sector of the region through its Belt and Road initiative to restore the glory of the historic Silk Road, so Sudan’s Red Sea ports will be the most important keys to this control.
And he pointed out that Sudanese ports can be an important link between China and East Asian countries, on the one hand, and African countries, on the other.
Regarding the Gulf countries, Abu Qamar pointed out that an important part of the international oil supply is transported through the Red Sea to the Egyptian Suez Canal: “Therefore, this road must be secured by tightening control over its main ports, including Sudanese, Yemeni and others.”
Ports are concentrated in eastern Sudan, which is a strategic area bordering Eritrea, Egypt and Ethiopia, overlooking the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and its coastline extends to the Red Sea for 714 km, and this is the most important factor. in the conflict around him.
In recent years, whether during the era of ousted President Omar al-Bashir or the current transitional regime, Sudan has made agreements with several countries, including Qatar, the UAE, Turkey, China and Russia, to develop ports in the country’s east. .
On December 13, the latest port-related agreements were signed between Sudan and the Emirati Alliance, which includes Abu Dhabi Ports and Invictus Investment, to develop, manage and operate the Abu Amama Port and Red Sea Economic Zone.
Source: Sudanese website Al-Rakuba News.