On May 8, 2025, the Minister of Public Business Sector in Egypt, Mohamed Shimi, welcomed Indonesian Ambassador Lutfi Roauf at the ministry's headquarters in the New Administrative Capital. The meeting aimed to explore avenues for enhancing joint cooperation between Egypt and Indonesia, particularly in manufacturing, trade, and investment.
During the meeting, Minister Shimi emphasized the deep historical ties between the two nations, stating, "We must work to develop and enhance cooperation, especially in the fields of manufacturing, trade, and investment." This highlights Egypt's commitment to fostering international partnerships that can bolster its economic landscape.
Shimi further noted the ministry's dedication to strengthening partnerships with the private sector and attracting more investments, which is crucial for achieving sustainable development and mutual interests. He expressed optimism about the potential for collaboration, particularly in sectors where both countries can leverage their strengths.
Ambassador Roauf reciprocated this sentiment, expressing Indonesia's keen interest in expanding economic cooperation with Egypt. He pointed out the vast opportunities for collaboration in various fields, including trade exchange and joint investments. "Our countries have great potential to develop economic cooperation that serves sustainable development, especially considering Egypt's investment capabilities and its distinguished geographical location," Roauf stated.
This meeting comes at a time when Egypt is actively seeking to enhance its economic ties with various nations, aiming to attract foreign investments and boost its manufacturing sector. The discussions also underscored the importance of sharing expertise and technology to improve the performance of companies within Egypt's public business sector.
Additionally, the conversation included a focus on specific investment opportunities available within Egypt's public business sector, with both parties expressing a desire to explore these options further.
In another development, the Yacht Club of Cairo (CYC) is set to embark on a four-day exploratory trip starting on May 9, 2025. This initiative aims to assess the potential for maritime tourism along the Nile from Cairo to Damietta and back to the Mediterranean Sea. The trip is part of a broader effort to enhance yacht tourism in Egypt, aligning with directives from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
The exploratory voyage will be led by Dr. Khaled Sharif, President of the Yacht Club of Cairo, and includes two 40-foot yachts, with one under the command of Sharif and the other led by Abdel Aziz El-Fiqi, President of the Sailing Committee. The trip also features a skilled team that includes engineer Mohamed El-Shawarbi, who is responsible for navigation, alongside four navigators and mechanics.
This journey is being conducted under the auspices of the Ministry of Transport, supported by Deputy Minister and Minister of Transport, Engineer Kamel El-Wazir. The trip will also involve key representatives from various sectors, including maritime transport and river sailing authorities, as well as officials from the Ministry of Irrigation and law enforcement agencies.
In preparation for the trip, the national river sailing company and engineers from the Ministry of Irrigation conducted surveys to assess bridge heights, water levels, and navigational safety in the Damietta branch of the Nile.
The trip is scheduled to depart on the morning of May 9 and is expected to arrive in Damietta by Saturday evening. The exploratory mission aims to ensure the safety and viability of the navigational route, identify overnight docking locations, and establish points for refueling. It also seeks to pinpoint areas suitable for short tourist excursions to nearby historical sites, such as San Al-Hajar.
The return journey will take the yachts from the port of Damietta to the Mediterranean Sea, entering through the scenic Ras El-Bar area, with plans to arrive back in Cairo by Monday evening, God willing.
Following the trip, a comprehensive report will be submitted to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, outlining recommendations for opening the navigational route to tourist yachts from around the world. This initiative reflects Egypt's commitment to enhancing its tourism sector and promoting its rich cultural heritage.
As Egypt continues to strengthen its international partnerships and enhance its tourism offerings, both the meeting with the Indonesian ambassador and the upcoming exploratory trip by the Yacht Club of Cairo signify a proactive approach to economic development and cultural exchange.
