Egypt is committed to strengthening its strategic economic partnership with the UAE and expanding co-operation with leading Emirati companies in support of sustainable development and regional economic integration, Minister of Planning and Economic Development Ahmed Rustum said on Thursday.
The minister made the remarks during a meeting with DP World Chairman Essa Kazim, attended by DP World’s Vice Chairman for Government Relations Saeed Humaid Al Dhari, Dubai World Group Chief Executive Officer for Government Relations Mohamed Tarek, and a number of ministry officials.
The meeting focused on ways to enhance bilateral co-operation in light of the growing development partnership between Egypt and the UAE.
Discussions also covered opportunities for joint Egyptian-Emirati co-operation across Africa in the economic and development sectors, particularly given Egypt’s strategic position as a gateway to the African continent and a global logistics and trade hub.
Rustum highlighted the unprecedented progress achieved in Egypt’s transport, logistics and port sectors since 2014 through major public investments and successful partnerships with the private sector, which have strengthened the country’s position as a regional and international trade hub.
He noted that the ports of the Suez Canal Economic Zone represent a globally competitive investment platform and a strategic gateway for trade with Africa, the Middle East and international markets.
“These developments have contributed significantly to economic growth, making transport, logistics and storage among the leading sectors supporting the national economy and enhancing its resilience in the face of regional and international challenges,” the minister said.
He added that the development of Egypt’s ports complements the country’s strategic location as home to the Suez Canal, the world’s most important maritime route, further enhancing Egypt’s attractiveness to international investors and global supply chains in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030.
For his part, DP World Chairman Essa Kazim reaffirmed the group’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Egypt, describing the country as one of the UAE’s top priorities for development co-operation and investment.
Kazim highlighted the strategic importance of Egyptian ports, particularly those on the Red Sea, in connecting East and West and facilitating global trade.
He also praised Ain Sokhna Port as one of the region’s most promising international ports.
