yensoy wrote: ↑11 Sep 2023 01:17 Some points about the corridor
1. Saudi has a lot of E-W connections between its seaboards but N-S connection is weak; maybe this corridor will strengthen that, and that is in Saudi's interest.
2. Surprised also that we invited Egypt and now we are coming up with a plan to get around Suez.
3. American enthusiasm would have been for the following reasons (i) alternative to Suez and (ii) making them relevant again in Saudi-UAE relations - which recently China seems to have monopolized.
4. Eventually I would like to see Oman brought into the corridor. I'm surprised Oman was left out given our close ties with them, and them being entirely relevant here. Maybe corridor was explicitly routed through UAE and not any Omani port to keep UAE-Saudis together.
5. More practically, Suez is still king. Two transshipments and a rail transit are going to be a hard sell. Only beneficiaries will be subcontinental workers manning the ports in Saudi/UAE.
6. What is interesting is the realization of complementary strengths, tacit admission of weaknesses and converging interests. We have the people (which today is a key resource), UAE/Saudi has the money but need to invest well for the future, Europe/US has the technology & experience. We need the investment and expertise, UAE/Saudi needs people & technology, Europe/US needs the supply chain & green credentials.
More importantly, no more candle kissing and including Pakis, Turkey, CAS, etc here. The key here is the road and rail network between Dubai and Haifa. Perhaps that part is either underdeveloped or does not exist today. IMO this route will decongest the Suez route. Crossing Suez takes around 12-16 hours at the rate of 50 vessels a day. So if this new route gets more efficient and cost-effective, more trade can happen at a faster rate. Pakis should not think they are the limiting factor for our connectivity and the Chinese will have to deal with a terrorist-infested, weather-weary corridor until they make peace with us.