Egypt, World Bank discuss progress on transport, industrial development projects

Egypt and the World Bank reviewed progress on key transport and industrial infrastructure projects, including the Cairo-Alexandria Trade Logistics Development Project (CATLDP) and upgrades in Upper Egypt’s industrial zones.

The discussions took place during a meeting on Thursday between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel El-Wazir and World Bank Country Director for Egypt, Yemen, and Djibouti, Stephane Guimbert. The focus was on CATLDP, a World Bank-funded initiative aimed at enhancing trade logistics infrastructure.

The project is divided into three phases: the establishment of a 68-km single-track link from the Sixth of October dry port to Beni Salama Station, upgrades to the Marazeeq–Wahat line, and improvements to the Beshteel–Etihad and Etihad–Al-Qabbari lines, including signalling and communications enhancements.

The meeting also covered ongoing tenders for the project’s supervisory consultant and execution contractor. Deputy Prime Minister El-Wazir emphasised the need for close coordination between the Ministry of Transport, Egyptian National Railways, and the World Bank to ensure timely completion.

Additionally, discussions extended to infrastructure development in four industrial zones under the World Bank-funded Upper Egypt Local Development Programme (UELDP). The programme covers Qift and Hou in Qena Governorate, and West Tahta and West Girga in Sohag, where companies are implementing essential utilities—including water, sewage, electricity, gas, telecommunications, and roads—alongside the construction of administrative and service buildings.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser