The 25-year management contract will include the upgrade of the existing facilities at the border post and the expansion of the existing warehouses at Abdalli, which is spread over six square kilometers.

Located on the Kuwait City-Basra/Baghdad motorway, Abdalli is a major customs post for goods destined for Iraq. The reconstruction programme in Iraq has resulted in a significant increase in the number of trucks and trailers heading north.

More concession agreements are planned by GAC. A list of prequalifiers is due to be announced for the concession to develop, operate and manage customs operations at the seaports of Shuwaikh and Shuaiba (MEED 6:6:03).

The contract will include: the handling and inspection of goods and containers at both ports; the construction of administration buildings for the southern and northern ports' customs departments at Shuaiba and Shuwaikh respectively; the maintenance of sniffer dog units; and the setting up of an IT network to handle customs clearance facilities.