Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, Kamel El-Wazir, officially inaugurated the Egyptian-Italian “Ro-Ro” (Roll-on, Roll-off) shipping line during his visit to Italy, marking a significant step in enhancing trade relations between the two nations.
The new shipping route, connecting Damietta Port in Egypt to Trieste Port in Italy, promises to revolutionize logistics by dramatically cutting down shipping times for goods.
Previously, goods transported between the two ports took six days to reach their destination via traditional shipping routes. With the new Ro-Ro line, this time has been reduced to just 2.5 days, offering a considerable advantage in trade efficiency.
This improvement is expected to have a far-reaching impact, particularly in boosting Egypt’s exports, including its key agricultural products, to European markets.
The faster shipping line will make Egyptian goods more competitive and accessible across Europe, positioning Egypt as a stronger player in international trade.
The new shipping line aligns with Egypt’s broader strategy to establish itself as a regional logistics hub. The country’s efforts to modernize its infrastructure and streamline its trade routes are central to its economic ambitions.
The initiative also holds significant potential for job creation, with over 2,000 new jobs expected to be generated in the logistics and transportation sectors.
These positions will help enhance the efficiency of Egypt’s trade operations, contributing to the country’s overall economic growth.
El-Wazir’s visit to Italy also included high-level meetings aimed at further strengthening bilateral cooperation. One of the key discussions took place with Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, focusing on potential collaborations in the rail sector.
Both parties explored opportunities to leverage Italy’s expertise in rail management, including the development of high-speed rail networks and upgrades to existing rail lines in Egypt.
These discussions are part of Egypt’s broader efforts to modernize its transportation infrastructure and integrate advanced technologies into its public transport systems.
In addition to rail collaborations, El-Wazir met with Italian steel manufacturer Danieli to announce plans for a new plant in Egypt. The plant will specialize in the production of seamless pipes, a crucial component for industries such as energy and construction.
This move signals a growing interest from Italian companies in Egypt’s industrial sector, further solidifying the economic ties between the two nations.
Salvini, who praised Egypt’s ongoing development efforts, expressed his commitment to advancing bilateral relations. He confirmed his intention to visit Egypt in early 2025 to discuss the progress of joint projects and explore new avenues for cooperation.
His visit highlights the expanding partnership between Egypt and Italy, particularly in trade, infrastructure development, and industrial investments.
The inauguration of the Egyptian-Italian Ro-Ro shipping line not only marks a milestone in trade efficiency but also reflects Egypt’s growing role as a hub for logistics and economic activity in the region.
With continued investments and strategic collaborations, Egypt is well on its way to becoming a major player in global trade.