Latest news with #EgyptianFederationofIndustries
Zawya
17-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt's ministry showcases advantages of ‘Ro-Ro' shipping line for exporting
Egypt - The Ministry of Transport has called upon the Egyptian Federation of Industries, the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, heads of Egyptian export councils, exporters, importers, and business leaders to leverage the substantial benefits of the 'Ro-Ro' (Roll-on/Roll-off) maritime shipping line. This route streamlines the transportation of perishable agricultural products, fresh vegetables, and Egyptian goods to Italy and Europe, and vice versa, via refrigerated and dry trucks. This initiative aligns with Egypt's strategic vision to expand exports to European and global markets, reinforcing the national economy. The Ro-Ro shipping line, operating between Damietta Port and Italy's Trieste Port, commenced operations with its first voyage on 28 November 2024, marking a significant step in Egypt's export expansion strategy. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Transport underscored the shipping line's role as a 'green corridor' between Egypt and Italy, providing considerable advantages such as reduced shipping costs and expedited delivery times. The route strengthens Egypt's position as a pivotal logistics hub between Europe and Africa, fosters trade opportunities, and facilitates the export of industrial and agricultural products by easing access to European markets. Additionally, the initiative is projected to create thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities, including over 2,000 new positions for Egyptian truck drivers and employment in transportation, shipping companies, and shipping agencies. A reciprocity principle governs port fees and operational incentives at both ports. Port fees have been substantially reduced from $26,050 to $3,250 per voyage, reflecting an 88% discount. A 35,000-square-meter area has been designated for the project, equipped with full infrastructure services. To further bolster operations, the Damietta Port Authority has provided a government guarantee letter for Egyptian Customs, while the Ministry of Finance has supplied an X-RAY scanning system for cargo inspections. To support digital integration between the ports, the Damietta Port Authority has developed advanced software applications that synchronize with Italy's port community system. This includes a platform for receiving truck data from the Italian port, automated cargo data exchange covering type, weight, and shipper details, and a direct customs link between Egyptian and Italian authorities. The initial phase incorporates electronic document exchange for health certificates and food safety approvals. A standardized digital file format approved by the United Nations Trade and Transport Division has been implemented, alongside RFID technology for cargo seal verification, ensuring security and preventing tampering. The European Union has awarded Egypt a customs twinning programme to enhance cooperation between Egyptian and Italian customs authorities. As part of this programme, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the customs departments of both nations. A customs directive was issued for the Egyptian-Italian Ro-Ro shipping line, introducing electronic seals with alarm systems for refrigerated containers, which notify authorities if a container is opened or if temperature and humidity levels fluctuate. Cargo inspections have been optimized to expedite customs clearance procedures. Following Egypt's accession to the Vienna Convention of 1968 under Presidential Decree No. 329 of 2023, barriers concerning vehicle plates and fees were eliminated. Additionally, the Egyptian-Italian road transport MoU was signed to regulate vehicle movement along the Ro-Ro route. A specialized team from the Ministry of Interior was stationed at Damietta Port to expedite vehicle plate replacements. Italian fire safety regulations for vehicles were also adopted. Road tolls were significantly lowered, reducing import truck fees from $300 to $100 and export truck fees from $350 to $100. To ensure smoother transit, Egyptian authorities coordinated with passport control to facilitate foreign truck drivers' exit from Egypt, provided they hold a valid Schengen visa. Foreign vehicles are now permitted to enter and exit Egypt as long as their owners possess valid entry or exit visas. Maritime safety and inspection authorities have authorized truck drivers to remain onboard Ro-Ro vessels, with a limit of 11 drivers per vessel. To further enhance efficiency, Damietta Port was included in Ministerial Decree No. 682 of 2007, establishing specialized customs committees for cargo shipment processing. This amendment allows fabric and textile product clearance at Damietta Port, supplementing existing clearance locations in Alexandria, Port Said, Sokhna, and Cairo Airport, improving economic viability for the shipping line. The Ro-Ro line operates on a weekly schedule between Damietta and Trieste ports. Every Thursday at 3:00 PM, the vessel arrives at Damietta Port from Trieste. Every Friday at 10:00 AM, it departs Damietta for Trieste, transporting Egyptian products. The vessel reaches Trieste every Monday at 10:00 AM and departs back to Damietta at 6:00 PM on the same day. Egyptian goods arriving at Trieste will be transported to Rotterdam, Netherlands, via a dedicated freight train. From Rotterdam, products will be distributed overland to destinations across the Netherlands, the UK, and Belgium. © 2024 Daily News Egypt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Daily News Egypt
17-02-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Transport Ministry showcases advantages of ‘Ro-Ro' shipping line for exporting
The Ministry of Transport has called upon the Egyptian Federation of Industries, the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, heads of Egyptian export councils, exporters, importers, and business leaders to leverage the substantial benefits of the 'Ro-Ro' (Roll-on/Roll-off) maritime shipping line. This route streamlines the transportation of perishable agricultural products, fresh vegetables, and Egyptian goods to Italy and Europe, and vice versa, via refrigerated and dry trucks. This initiative aligns with Egypt's strategic vision to expand exports to European and global markets, reinforcing the national economy. The Ro-Ro shipping line, operating between Damietta Port and Italy's Trieste Port, commenced operations with its first voyage on 28 November 2024, marking a significant step in Egypt's export expansion strategy. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Transport underscored the shipping line's role as a 'green corridor' between Egypt and Italy, providing considerable advantages such as reduced shipping costs and expedited delivery times. The route strengthens Egypt's position as a pivotal logistics hub between Europe and Africa, fosters trade opportunities, and facilitates the export of industrial and agricultural products by easing access to European markets. Additionally, the initiative is projected to create thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities, including over 2,000 new positions for Egyptian truck drivers and employment in transportation, shipping companies, and shipping agencies. A reciprocity principle governs port fees and operational incentives at both ports. Port fees have been substantially reduced from $26,050 to $3,250 per voyage, reflecting an 88% discount. A 35,000-square-meter area has been designated for the project, equipped with full infrastructure services. To further bolster operations, the Damietta Port Authority has provided a government guarantee letter for Egyptian Customs, while the Ministry of Finance has supplied an X-RAY scanning system for cargo inspections. To support digital integration between the ports, the Damietta Port Authority has developed advanced software applications that synchronize with Italy's port community system. This includes a platform for receiving truck data from the Italian port, automated cargo data exchange covering type, weight, and shipper details, and a direct customs link between Egyptian and Italian authorities. The initial phase incorporates electronic document exchange for health certificates and food safety approvals. A standardized digital file format approved by the United Nations Trade and Transport Division has been implemented, alongside RFID technology for cargo seal verification, ensuring security and preventing tampering. The European Union has awarded Egypt a customs twinning programme to enhance cooperation between Egyptian and Italian customs authorities. As part of this programme, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the customs departments of both nations. A customs directive was issued for the Egyptian-Italian Ro-Ro shipping line, introducing electronic seals with alarm systems for refrigerated containers, which notify authorities if a container is opened or if temperature and humidity levels fluctuate. Cargo inspections have been optimized to expedite customs clearance procedures. Following Egypt's accession to the Vienna Convention of 1968 under Presidential Decree No. 329 of 2023, barriers concerning vehicle plates and fees were eliminated. Additionally, the Egyptian-Italian road transport MoU was signed to regulate vehicle movement along the Ro-Ro route. A specialized team from the Ministry of Interior was stationed at Damietta Port to expedite vehicle plate replacements. Italian fire safety regulations for vehicles were also adopted. Road tolls were significantly lowered, reducing import truck fees from $300 to $100 and export truck fees from $350 to $100. To ensure smoother transit, Egyptian authorities coordinated with passport control to facilitate foreign truck drivers' exit from Egypt, provided they hold a valid Schengen visa. Foreign vehicles are now permitted to enter and exit Egypt as long as their owners possess valid entry or exit visas. Maritime safety and inspection authorities have authorized truck drivers to remain onboard Ro-Ro vessels, with a limit of 11 drivers per vessel. To further enhance efficiency, Damietta Port was included in Ministerial Decree No. 682 of 2007, establishing specialized customs committees for cargo shipment processing. This amendment allows fabric and textile product clearance at Damietta Port, supplementing existing clearance locations in Alexandria, Port Said, Sokhna, and Cairo Airport, improving economic viability for the shipping line. The Ro-Ro line operates on a weekly schedule between Damietta and Trieste ports. Every Thursday at 3:00 PM, the vessel arrives at Damietta Port from Trieste. Every Friday at 10:00 AM, it departs Damietta for Trieste, transporting Egyptian products. The vessel reaches Trieste every Monday at 10:00 AM and departs back to Damietta at 6:00 PM on the same day. Egyptian goods arriving at Trieste will be transported to Rotterdam, Netherlands, via a dedicated freight train. From Rotterdam, products will be distributed overland to destinations across the Netherlands, the UK, and Belgium.
Al-Ahram Weekly
06-02-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
INTERVIEW: Egypt ceramic industry on cusp of recovery after challenging decade: EFI's El Sallab - Economy
Although the Egyptian ceramic industry has been facing significant challenges in recent years, including reduced production capacity and declining exports, it is now on the cusp of recovery, Hossam El Sallab, head of the Ceramic Division at the Egyptian Federation of Industries (EFI), said during an interview with Ahram Online. The government is introducing innovative initiatives and support programmes to pave the way for revitalizing this strategic sector. It is also addressing factory debts and enhancing production capabilities at a time when the construction sector is experiencing notable improvement. A report by market research provider Mordor Intelligence indicated that Egypt's construction market is projected to reach $55 billion by 2025 and $82.34 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4 percent. According to the report, Egypt is a key player in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) construction sector. It is the third-largest project market in the region, following Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Key challenges of Egypt's ceramic industry The Egyptian ceramic industry, one of the nation's oldest and most vital sectors, has faced considerable difficulties over the past decade. Rising natural gas costs, disruptions in the construction sector, and increased expenses have adversely affected overall industry performance. Hossam El Sallab, co-chairman of Mostafa El Sallab Group, one of the key players in the Egyptian ceramic industry, highlighted several factors contributing to the industry's challenges. These include soaring gas prices and halted construction activities. 'As a result, operational capacity has dropped to approximately 50-55 percent of full production capacity, with exports plummeting from $350 million to just $90 million annually,' El Sallab clarified. Before this crisis, the ceramic industry in Egypt enjoyed significant growth. 'From the early 1990s until 2011, the industry experienced remarkable production growth rates of 10-12 percent annually. At its peak in 2013, exports accounted for about 30 percent of total production, reaching approximately 100 million square metres," he explained. However, he added, the landscape shifted dramatically after 2011 due to economic and political factors. He also emphasized that over 39 companies operate in this sector, with investments totalling around EGP 1 trillion, and that the production capacity of ceramic factories in Egypt is roughly 420 million square metres annually. Government initiatives: A step forward The government has launched several initiatives to support the ceramic and porcelain sectors and restore the industry's vitality One notable initiative involves collaboration with the finance ministry to implement a compensation system that allows factories to supply their products to various ministries and government bodies, such as the housing and transport ministries, in exchange for settling outstanding debts. According to Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk, a specialized technical team is developing an effective plan to implement this system, addressing financial entitlements while considering the needs of investors in the sector. Low-interest loans to support manufacturers The government measures include introducing a 15 percent interest loan initiative under President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's directives. This programme allocates loans to factories at a 15 percent interest rate to purchase necessary equipment and machinery to restart production lines, aiming to boost the ceramic industry's production capacity and stimulate the sector. The General Authority for Industrial Development and the EFI are coordinating to prioritize which sectors should receive these loans. 'The past seven months have witnessed the launch of a robust programme under the guidance of President El-Sisi and the supervision of Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel El-Wazir,' El Sallab revealed. 'This programme aims to revive halted production capacities in the ceramic industry in anticipation of expected demand from neighbouring countries and to meet construction needs in Egypt's new cities, especially following the resumption of construction activities as per the 2008 Building Law,' he added. Construction sector's role in stimulating ceramic industry El Sallab asserted that the construction sector has always been a driving force behind the ceramic industry in Egypt. 'Ceramic manufacturing has never been a catalyst for construction; it has always reacted to the developments within this sector,' he noted. Preparing for market recovery Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the government and private sector manufacturers to enhance production and increase exports, the Egyptian ceramic industry is poised for a new revival phase. With these combined efforts and a favourable economic environment, the Egyptian ceramic industry is poised for a significant recovery in the coming years, which will positively impact the national economy as a whole. The Egyptian ceramic tiles market is experiencing significant growth due to the expanding construction sector. This expansion is primarily supported by the Egyptian government's urban development initiatives, which focus on creating new cities and urban areas. Reflecting its diverse and culturally rich heritage, Egypt has a strong aesthetic appeal that fosters a high demand for premium ceramic tiles in both residential and commercial spaces. The Egyptian ceramic tiles market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9 percent in the next seven years, according to a report by the India-based market intelligence and advisory company 6Wresearch. Per the report, key factors fueling this growth include increased housing projects, infrastructure investments, and a growing consumer preference for high-quality, visually appealing finishes in homes and workplaces. Additionally, the rise in tourism has spurred the development of hospitality facilities, such as hotels and resorts, which heavily utilize ceramic tiles. The report also points out that the current trends in the Egyptian ceramic tiles market show a notable shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly options, reflecting global environmental concerns. Innovations in digital printing technology have also allowed manufacturers to offer a broader range of designs and textures, catering to customers' personalized preferences. Furthermore, adopting 3D printing technology is expected to transform the tile manufacturing process, enabling greater customization and intricate designs. Thus, the growth in the Egyptian ceramic tile market will be further enhanced. Short link:
