Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir has pitched opportunities for US companies to manage and operate key port terminals and establish joint industrial zones in a bid to position Egypt as a regional manufacturing hub for the Middle East and surrounding markets.
El-Wazir presented the investment prospects during talks with US Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Middle East and Africa Mark Mitchell. The meeting, aimed at strengthening economic and trade ties, took place on the sidelines of the US-Egypt Ports Infrastructure and Maritime Innovation Forum organised by the US Embassy’s Commercial Service in Cairo. The discussions were also attended by Acting US Ambassador to Egypt Robert Silverman, Deputy Minister of Transport for Maritime Transport Nihad Shahin, and President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport Ismail Abdel Ghafar.
Outlining specific areas for collaboration, El-Wazir identified the management, operation, maintenance, and subsequent handover of a major container terminal at Alexandria’s El-Max Port, alongside a general cargo terminal at Damietta Port. Further opportunities include establishing a commercial shipbuilding yard in Damietta and managing the iron ore receiving terminal at Adabiya Port. The minister also proposed developing the Global Logistics Zone at Salloum Port and a separate logistics zone in Sadat Industrial City.
Under the proposed model, joint industrial and logistics zones would be established in the hinterlands of the terminals. Products manufactured in Egypt would then be exported to the United States, while raw materials imported from the US would be processed locally. El-Wazir highlighted Gargoub Port as another prime investment opportunity for American firms, citing its strategic geographic location and potential to serve global trade routes linking Asia with markets in the Americas through the Mediterranean.
Beyond maritime infrastructure, the minister noted potential cooperation in electric traction. He added that the government is seeking to strengthen collaboration with the US on international transport corridors to support global trade flows and reinforce the country’s position as a regional hub for transport, logistics, and transit trade, reflecting a strategic partnership that extends beyond standard trade and investment.
Mitchell stated that the proposed projects could support the national economy and boost trade flows. Praising the strength of bilateral relations, he noted that the presented initiatives reflect significant progress in the local transport sector and the government’s commitment to industry development.
The US official confirmed interest in establishing partnerships through both the public and private sectors. Mitchell added that the coming period will involve coordination with American companies seeking collaboration with their Egyptian counterparts to identify projects aligned with the priorities of both nations.
