Egypt, US explore port, logistics projects as transport ties deepen
Egypt and the United States are exploring partnerships in ports, logistics, shipbuilding, and rail as Cairo seeks to attract US companies to its expanding transport infrastructure market, Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir said on Monday.
El-Wazir held talks with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce Mark Mitchell in Cairo, with US Chargé d’Affaires Robert Silverman attending, to discuss potential cooperation across Egypt’s transport sector.
El-Wazir said bilateral ties extended beyond trade and investment to a “firmly established strategic partnership,” while highlighting opportunities for US companies to participate in Egypt’s transport infrastructure projects.
Egypt is seeking US participation in the management and operation of port terminals, as well as efforts to attract US shipping lines and establish industrial and logistics zones around ports, El-Wazir said.
Potential projects include a container terminal at El-Max Port, a general cargo terminal at Damietta Port, a commercial shipbuilding yard in Damietta, and an iron ore reception terminal at Adabiya Port.
Egypt also proposed cooperation on a global logistics zone at Salloum Port and a logistics zone in Sadat Industrial City.
The government wants to develop industrial and logistics zones near ports to manufacture goods for export to the United States while importing US raw materials for processing in Egypt, El-Wazir said.
The Egyptian minister also highlighted opportunities at Gargoub Port, citing its location on Mediterranean trade routes linking markets in the Americas and Asia.
Potential cooperation could also extend to electric rail traction and international transport corridors, he said.
Mitchell said the projects outlined by Egypt demonstrated the development of the country’s transport sector and opportunities for US companies.
“Egypt is at a globally important trade and technology crossroads,” said Mitchell in a statement by the US embassy. “Our collaboration builds security and strategic resilience into Egypt’s infrastructure – from modernising maritime transport and expanding the Suez Canal corridor to deploying secure, world-class American AI tech stack and data infrastructure. By partnering with leading US innovators, Egypt is positioning itself at the forefront of regional supply chain resilience and digital transformation.”
Mitchell said the next phase would involve coordination with several US companies interested in cooperation and partnership with Egypt, adding that both sides would identify projects that align with their priorities.
The talks were held on the sidelines of the US-Egypt Ports Infrastructure and Maritime Innovation Forum organised by the US Embassy’s commercial office in Cairo.
Mitchell said the United States wanted to develop transport partnerships with Egypt through both public- and private-sector channels, with the aim of supporting bilateral trade.
“The United States supports Egypt’s pursuit of building a world-class maritime infrastructure,” stated Chargé d’Affaires Silverman. “American companies are in a distinguished position to compete for new projects and deepen the bonds of commercial cooperation between our two countries.”