Egypt plans 2 Arab trade corridors linking Europe with Gulf
Egypt plans to launch two international Arab trade corridors linking Europe with Gulf countries through its territory as part of a broader strategy to develop eight integrated logistics corridors connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe, its transport minister said Monday.
Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir said the two planned trade corridors would complement major international transport initiatives, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and the Iraq-Turkey Development Road project through partnerships with global shipping lines.
The planned Northern Arab Trade Corridor will connect Europe with Jordan, Iraq, and Syria through Egypt, primarily via the Arish-Taba logistics corridor and services operated by the Arab Bridge Maritime Company.
The Southern Arab Trade Corridor will connect Europe with Gulf countries through Egypt via Safaga Port and Saudi Arabia’s NEOM Port, before extending to the rest of the Gulf.
The minister said the corridors will connect ports on the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, and Suez Canal with dry ports, logistics centres, and industrial, agricultural, and mining zones via railways, high-speed rail lines, and highways.
He said the initiative forms part of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s strategy to leverage Egypt’s strategic location at the crossroads of global trade routes and strengthen its role as a regional logistics and transit hub.
Egypt is developing eight integrated logistics corridors aimed at reducing transport costs, shortening cargo transit times, improving supply chain efficiency, and supporting exports and industrial production, El-Wazir said.
Among them is the Berenice-Aswan-East Oweinat-Kufra-N’Djamena logistics corridor, which is designed to strengthen trade links with Libya, Chad, and Central Africa by creating a new trade route connecting the Red Sea with the African continent.
El-Wazir said the Egypt-Libya-Chad road project is a key component of the corridor and is expected to facilitate trade between Egypt and African countries, while improving connectivity between Chad, Gulf states, and South and East Asia.
He added that Egypt continues to invest in ports, railways, high-speed rail networks and logistics zones as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen regional connectivity, improve competitiveness and establish the country as a gateway linking Europe, the Gulf, Africa, and Asia.
The minister outlined the plans after Egypt had signed a guarantee agreement to implement the United Nations-backed Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR) system, designed to simplify customs procedures, reduce border clearance times, and strengthen the country’s position as a regional transport and logistics hub.
Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English