The Egyptian government is intensifying efforts to boost exports to European countries, aiming to support the national economy significantly. A pivotal move is the operation of the high-speed ferry line between the ports of Damietta and Trieste, Italy, which had its first operational trip on November 18, 2024. This initiative is expected to streamline the transport of agricultural products and vegetables quickly, facilitating the movement of Egyptian goods to Italy and throughout Europe.
On March 4, 2025, Minister of Transportation Kamel El-Wazir convened with Dr. Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture, to discuss maximizing the benefits provided by the high-speed ferry service. Their discussions highlighted the operational details of the ferry line, which has already facilitated numerous trips and enabled the substantial export of various goods from Egypt to Italy and back.
According to El-Wazir, the meeting focused on continual operational enhancements for the ferry line, which provides significant logistical advantages, especially for the perishable agricultural goods destined for European markets. The operational tariffs for the ferry service were discussed extensively, with the toll reduced dramatically, from $26,050 to just $3,250 per trip—a discount of 88%. This attractiveness of the ferry service is complemented by the allocation of 35,000 square meters for project maintenance and the development of operational applications to streamline customs cooperation between Egypt and Italy.
El-Wazir emphasized the necessity of effectively promoting the ferry service by collaborating with the Federation of Egyptian Industries and the Federation of Chambers of Commerce. The aim is to educate exporters and importers about the ferry line's benefits and encourage them to leverage its transportation advantages.
Another significant angle discussed was the potential training programs for truck drivers at the Ports Training Institute, utilizing the most advanced simulation technologies. "The ferry line serves as a green corridor between Egypt and Italy, lowering shipping costs and delivery times for our products, and enhancing Egypt’s position as a logistical hub between Europe and Africa,” said El-Wazir.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is likewise pursuing international partnerships to strengthen Egypt's digital infrastructure. On March 4, 2025, Dr. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications, held meetings with executives from leading technology companies, including ZTE, Sigma Technology, and Palo Alto Networks, at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 held in Barcelona, Spain.
During his meeting with Li Zixiao, ZTE’s CEO, Talaat explored prospects for enhancing collaboration on digital infrastructure and building local capabilities. The talks also addressed ZTE’s plans to establish local manufacturing and training facilities, ensuring the employment of young Egyptians following their training on the company's technologies.
“The commitment to local manufacturing, based on memoranda signed last September, reaffirms our focus on enhancing the technology sector's local capacity,” Talaat noted. Coordination was emphasized for developing training facilities at the National Communications Institute, with ZTE aiming to increase its operations in Egypt as it expands across Africa.
Further pursuing digital strengths, Talaat also met with Robert Abraj of Sigma Technology, focusing on opportunities for expansion within Egypt, taking advantage of the competitive benefits the country offers to tech firms. This aligns with Egypt's digital strategy, aiming to evolve the electronics and outsourcing industries.
Finally, during discussions with Helmut Reisenjger, CEO of Palo Alto Networks, the conversation shifted to enhancing cybersecurity, which has become increasingly relevant as Egypt progresses on its technological roadmap. Reisenjger acknowledged the competencies possessed by Egyptian professionals, expressing anticipation for broader operations by Palo Alto Networks based on local talent for providing services across North Africa.
These collaborative efforts reflect both the Egyptian government’s ambition to create more trade opportunities and its commitment to fostering local talent within the growing digital economy. The resulting initiatives—from enhanced export transportation to strengthened digital infrastructure—aim not only at immediate economic benefits but also position Egypt favorably as a central hub for trade and technology across Europe and Africa.