Transport
From The Report: Egypt 2017
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Transport infrastructure is one of the current priority areas for development by the Egyptian government, which is looking to roll out an era of mega-projects. Roads are congested, with 92m people competing for space with trucks and trailers, as almost all commercial goods in the country are moved via roads. The process of refurbishing ports and rail lines is under way, but are in need of further investment, and private sector partners are involved. Though concerns remain about whether the government is currently deploying its resources in the best available spots, Egypt’s ability to attract aid and concessional financing helps the government to prioritise more projects than it otherwise could on its own, and the effectiveness of this approach will be assessed over the next several years, helping to further clarify the long-term vision.

This chapter contains interviews with Mohab Mameesh, Chairman and Managing Director, Suez Canal Authority; and Ahmed Darwish, Chairman, General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Prime location: The government and private sector are working to expand infrastructure capacity and boost productivity
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Transport infrastructure is one of the current priority areas for development for the Egyptian government, which is looking to roll out an era of mega-projects. Roads are congested, with 91m people competing for space with trucks and trailers, as almost all commercial goods in the country are moved via roads. The process of refurbishing ports and rail lines is under way, but in need of further investment, and private sector partners are involved. State Of Affairs The government is hoping to attract…

Interview

In the zone: Mohab Mameesh, Chairman and Managing Director, Suez Canal Authority (SCA), on the future growth prospects in the Suez Canal Zone (SCZ one)
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Interview: Mohab Mameesh What are the next steps required to further develop manufacturing activity around the Suez Canal? MOHAB MAMEESH: The SCA has prepared a master plan for developing the SCZ one, which includes a number of projects across several sectors, including petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding and maintenance, automotive, appliances and electronics, and the food industry. We have also worked on a number of industrial projects that are helping to increase industry and manufacturing…

Analysis

Running on time: Improving public transport networks remains a key priority
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One of the main challenges Egypt faces is the concentration of activity in Cairo, with the capital accounting for more than half of formal sector jobs in the country. Forecasts indicate that use of the city’s transportation trips will almost triple in a decade, going from 12.7m trips per day in 2011 to 33m by 2022. Commuting can be complex, and reliable information about public bus routes and schedules is scarce enough that an Egyptian entrepreneur created a smartphone app to serve as a guide.…

Interview

Development on the shores: Ahmed Darwish, Chairman, General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone, on taking advantage of maritime industry
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Interview: Ahmed Darwish What opportunities will the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCEZ) offer to investors? How can it maintain its competitiveness? AHMED DARWISH: The business arena worldwide is experiencing a number of challenges due to the multifaceted nature of business today, and the global connections that play a fundamental role in shaping business operations and allocation. Yet every challenge we are presented with is another opportunity to attract investors by catering to their needs, through…

Analysis

Full steam ahead: The enlargement of the Suez Canal is having immediate effects on commerce and trade
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The recently completed development of the Suez Canal exemplifies the government’s approach to infrastructure development. The project is intended to facilitate long-term economic growth and stimulate short-term growth by putting more Egyptians to work, while significantly expanding the country’s infrastructure. The canal was expanded in just one year instead of the planned three, as were ancillary projects, such as the industrial zones that are being developed in conjunction with the new canal. Bigger…