Latest news with #Egypt-Japan
Daily News Egypt
01-03-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt, Japan celebrate 70 years of development cooperation
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in Egypt, hosted a ceremony at the Egyptian Opera House on 22 February to commemorate 70 years of Egypt-Japan development cooperation. The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Japan's Ambassador to Egypt, IWAI Fumio, Egypt's Minister of Education and Technical Education, Mohamed Abd El Latif, and Vice Minister of Social Solidarity, Margrit Sarofum. Other high-ranking officials, such as Ahmed Shahin, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, and Ahmed El Sobky, Chairperson of the Egypt Healthcare Authority and Supervisor General of the Universal Health Insurance and Life Dignified projects, were also present. The ceremony opened with an infographic video that highlighted key milestones of Egypt-Japan collaboration, showcasing the depth of their longstanding partnership. In his opening remarks, Ambassador IWAI Fumio expressed gratitude for the strong ties between the two nations, emphasizing that this anniversary marks a significant achievement in their shared history. Minister Mohamed Abd El Latif reflected on the success of their educational collaboration, noting that he had recently returned from an intensive visit to Japan, where he engaged in discussions to further enhance Egypt's education system by adopting Japanese expertise. JICA Egypt's Chief Representative, KATO Ken, underscored the importance of the partnership by quoting, 'The best way to predict the future is to create it.' He highlighted how Egypt and Japan have worked together to address critical challenges, aligning JICA's focus on quality growth and human security with Egypt's strategic priorities in infrastructure, food security, climate change, human resource development, private sector growth, and industrial localization. A video message from Rania El Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, reinforced Japan's vital role in Egypt's development, emphasizing its support through financial and technical assistance. She pointed to landmark projects such as the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (EJUST), the Universal Health Insurance Project, and Cairo Metro Line 4, all of which reflect the depth of Egyptian-Japanese collaboration over the decades. In her keynote speech, Margrit Sarofum expressed appreciation for Japan's contributions, particularly in early childhood education through the Egypt-Japan Education Partnership, a pillar of their successful cooperation. The event also featured a panel discussion titled 'Empowerment of Human Capital for Sustainable Industrial Growth.' Moderated by Mayada Magdy, Country Senior Representative for JICA Egypt, the discussion centered on the role of education and industry collaboration in driving economic progress. Panelists included Hany Helal, Secretary-General of the Egypt-Japan Education Partnership and Chairperson of EJUST; Amr Adly, President of EJUST; Rasha Sharaf, Executive Director of the Education Development Fund and EJ KOSEN Project; MURAKAMI Soichi, JICA's Expert for Investment Promotion at GAFI; Nabil El Mougy, Founder and Shareholder of Saraya Middle East; and TSUNODA Manabu, Chief Advisor of the EJUST Project. The discussion emphasized the necessity of investing in human capital to support sustainable industrial growth, highlighting successful projects and the potential for future cooperation. As part of the anniversary celebrations, students from Egypt-Japan Schools in Suez delivered a lively dance performance, followed by a Japanese YOSAKOI dance presented by both Japanese and Egyptian students, symbolizing the cultural exchange between the two nations. In his closing remarks, the newly appointed Chief Representative of JICA Egypt, EBISAWA Yo, praised the enduring partnership between Egypt and Japan, emphasizing that investing in people is the key to progress. He reaffirmed JICA's commitment to Egypt and expressed his gratitude to his predecessor, KATO Ken, for his efforts over the past three years. As Egypt and Japan mark seven decades of cooperation, this milestone event reaffirmed their shared commitment to sustainable development, human capital investment, and economic growth, setting the stage for continued collaboration in the years to come.
Zawya
28-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Japanese investments in Egypt surge 140% to $60mln in 2024
Japanese investments in Egypt rose 140 percent year on year, reaching $60 million in 2024 up from $25 million in 2023. However, further enhancements to the investment environment are crucial to attracting greater inflows. Awai told Zawya Projects that new investments in the pipeline include a factory for automotive wiring and an existing factory expansion, which he didn't identify. Together, the two projects are expected to generate 12,000 job opportunities, he said on the sidelines of the inauguration of Daikin Egypt's headquarters in New Cairo. The firm, which set up shop in 2016, is the local arm of Osaka-based Daikin, a leading global player in heat pump, air conditioning, and air filtration technology. Despite the growth in Japanese investments, Awai noted that investment levels in Egypt don't correspond to the size of the world's fourth largest economy. He emphasised the need to enhance the investment environment to attract more Japanese businesses. 'The Egyptian government is making clear efforts to improve the business climate," he said, highlighting the importance of continuing economic reforms. Japan is closely monitoring Egypt's economic landscape and supports ongoing structural reforms aimed at enhancing the investment climate, he said. Awai highlighted that Egypt-Japan relations have advanced significantly, particularly after Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's visit to Egypt in 2023, where both countries agreed to elevate their ties to a strategic partnership. In the education sector, cooperation between the two nations dates back to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's visit to Tokyo in 2016, which led to projects such as Japanese-Egyptian Schools (EJS) and the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST). The upcoming E-Kousin project will further support engineering and technical education to meet labour market demands. Trade and Infrastructure The Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) has also witnessed developments, including the upcoming launch of the Ro-Ro terminal for car transport, Awai said. He pointed out that the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) has organised trade missions to Egypt, focusing on tourism and industry, with Japanese tourism companies exploring cooperation opportunities. Additionally, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) continues to support Egypt's development projects through concessional loans and grants, with the latest loan agreement signed during International Cooperation Minister Rania Al-Mashat's visit to Japan. (Reporting by Marwa Abo Almajd; Editing by Anoop Menon)
See - Sada Elbalad
27-02-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Al-Mashat, JICA's New Representative Discuss Future Development Plans for Egypt
H-Tayea Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Ebisawa Yu, the newly appointed Head Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) office in Egypt, in the presence of Mr. Kato Ken, the former representative. The meeting focused on strengthening Egypt-Japan cooperation and exploring new avenues for future partnership. At the start of the meeting, Minister Al-Mashat expressed gratitude to Mr. Kato Ken for his exceptional leadership during his tenure at JICA Egypt, acknowledging his role in advancing major bilateral projects in sectors such as education, healthcare, transportation, and economic development. She also welcomed Mr. Ebisawa Yu, extending her best wishes for his new role and expressing confidence in his ability to further elevate the Egypt-Japan partnership. Reaffirming the strong ties between Egypt and Japan, Minister Al-Mashat highlighted the depth of collaboration in bilateral and multilateral development initiatives. She emphasized the Egyptian government's commitment to expanding cooperation with Japan to align with Egypt's strategic development priorities. Over the years, the two countries have successfully launched transformative projects in key sectors, reinforcing their shared vision for sustainable growth and economic integration. Among the notable achievements under Japan's cooperation with Egypt are financing for universal health coverage, funding for the fourth phase of the Cairo Metro, a development grant for the Egyptian Opera House, and a program supporting economic and social development in agriculture. JICA has also played a vital role in private sector support, particularly in energy projects, contributing to initiatives such as the 500 MW solar power plant in Kom Ombo, Aswan, and the onshore wind farm project in Ras Ghareb under the "NWFE" program. Minister Al-Mashat noted that Egypt and Japan have successfully executed long-term flagship projects with lasting economic and social impact. These include the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), the Universal Health Insurance project, the Cairo University Children's Specialized Hospital Annex (Abu El Reesh), and the Cairo Metro's fourth line (Phase I). She emphasized that Egypt seeks to build on this foundation by continuing to expand cooperation in areas such as technology, artificial intelligence, digital entrepreneurship, and industrial localization. A key focus of future cooperation will be strengthening private sector investment mechanisms, enhancing scientific research and innovation, and leveraging Japanese expertise in artificial intelligence and infrastructure modernization. Minister Al-Mashat reaffirmed the importance of ongoing collaboration between JICA and Egyptian ministries, particularly in education, healthcare, and transport, to ensure sustainable and inclusive development. Looking ahead, Minister Al-Mashat announced plans for the joint declaration of the "Egypt-Japan Cooperation Strategy", along with the publication of a comprehensive report on Egypt-Japan cooperation at the upcoming Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD). She also confirmed that discussions are underway for financing the fourth batch of the Cairo Metro's fourth line (Phase I), underscoring the critical role of Japanese investment in Egypt's infrastructure projects. At the conclusion of the meeting, Minister Al-Mashat reaffirmed Egypt's deep appreciation for Japan's ongoing support, highlighting the mutual respect and shared ambitions that define their partnership. She expressed Egypt's commitment to expanding collaboration with Japan, ensuring that the relationship continues to evolve in ways that align with the development priorities of both nations.
Egypt Independent
28-01-2025
- Business
- Egypt Independent
Japan offers US$1.17 million to improve equipment of Cairo Opera House
Egyptian Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Heno, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Rania al-Mashat, and Japanese Ambassador to Egypt Fumio Iwai signed on Sunday an executive agreement for the grant project to improve the equipment of the Cairo Opera House. The grant is worth 180 million yen, or about US$ 1.17 million. The signing was attended by the head of the Cairo Opera House Lamia Zayed and the chief representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency's office in Egypt Kato Ken. The agreement aims to improve the infrastructure of the Cairo Opera House and raise the efficiency of its theaters by developing devices and equipment, improving services, and developing the viewing hall of the Grand Theater. The Minister of Culture stressed that the Japanese grant agreement for the project aims to improve the equipment of the Cairo Opera House, enhance the cultural scene in Egypt, and provide an environment that supports innovation and artistic expression. 'The Opera House is a beacon of artistic excellence, a platform for local and international artists, and in addition to its role as a national cultural center, it is a symbol of the deep cultural ties between Egypt and Japan. The grant is a testament to the ongoing collaboration between Egypt and its partners, whose support is vital to the success of this endeavor,' Heno added. 'The project contributes to preserving our rich cultural heritage, while embracing the future with modern tools and technologies that support innovation in the arts,' he added, stressing the continuation of promoting a thriving cultural system that not only celebrates the past, but also looks to the future with hope and determination. A new milestone in Egypt-Japan relations The Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation stressed that the agreement is a new milestone in the historical partnership with Japan, which is witnessing diversity in areas of cooperation, embodied in tangible achievements across various sectors. Mashat added that the 'Egyptian-Japanese Cooperation Portfolio' highlights this integration between 'Egypt Vision 2030' and the 'Government Action Program (2024-2027)' with Japanese development priorities, stressing that over seven decades, Japan has provided exceptional support to Egypt through development cooperation efforts. She added that the Ministry of Planning has worked diligently to strengthen this partnership and expand its horizons. Signing the agreement is not just a step to preserve the status of the Opera House, the minister said, but rather celebrates a rich legacy of cooperation spanning more than 70 years in order to create a future in which culture and arts flourish, so that Japan remains a close partner in Egypt's development journey. The Japanese Ambassador to Cairo said that the agreement is a continuation of the Japanese government's efforts to develop the Cairo Opera House, deepen Egyptian-Japanese relations, and enhance the strategic partnership between the two countries in various development sectors. The representative of the JICA, Kato Ken, expressed his happiness at signing the agreement, which is a testament to the lasting bonds between the two countries. Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
