Latest news with #AbdelFattahAlSisi
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Serbian PM calls trade deal a ‘new page' in Egypt ties
Egypt - Serbian Prime Minister Guro Macut has described a new free trade agreement with Egypt as a 'new page' in bilateral relations, stating that both countries are working to implement its terms to boost trade and investment. Speaking at the Egyptian-Serbian Business Forum in Egypt's New Administrative Capital, Macut said the agreement aims to 'achieve the optimal exploitation of possible opportunities to increase trade exchange and push investments' for the economic growth of both nations. He said the efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation have become tangible thanks to the support of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, which paves the way for stronger ties. Macut highlighted the long-standing ties between the two nations, which he noted were founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement and are celebrating 117 years of diplomatic relations. He said the strategic partnership was established during Sisi's 2022 visit to Belgrade and reaffirmed when the draft free trade deal was signed during Vučić's visit to Cairo in July 2024. While noting that economic exchange currently stands at approximately $122m, the prime minister asserted that there is potential to increase it significantly. He added that around 40 Egyptian-owned companies operate in Serbia and that joint manufacturing projects have already begun in the Egyptian market. He presented Serbia as an economically stable and safe investment destination, citing its strategic geographical location, government support, skilled workforce, and attractiveness for the software industry. Macut also mentioned Serbia's efforts to advance the 'Open Balkan' initiative to create a common market for the free movement of goods in the Western Balkans. Macut extended a specific invitation for Egyptian participation in the Belgrade Expo 2027, encouraging a large number of investors to attend to explore cooperation opportunities and create a platform to enhance trade. He also expressed hope that Serbian companies and products would find their place in the Egyptian market. 'We look forward to a new partnership and more cooperation,' he concluded.
Zawya
12-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt pursues stronger agricultural investment across Africa
Egypt - Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, held a strategic meeting with a ministerial committee to explore ways of enhancing cooperation with African countries in the agricultural sector. The session included Sherif El-Gabaly, Chair of the African affairs committee in the House of Representatives; Hesham El-Hosary, Chair of the House agriculture and irrigation committee; Abdelsalam El-Gabaly, Chair of the Senate agriculture and irrigation committee; Abdelhamid Demerdash, Chairperson of the Agricultural Crops Export Council; as well as ministry leaders, experts, and investor representative Ahmed El-Sewedy. The discussions focused on mechanisms to boost Egyptian agricultural investments across African countries and strengthen bilateral cooperation in food production and agribusiness. Minister Farouk reaffirmed President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi's directives to deepen Egypt's partnerships across the continent—particularly in agriculture—as a cornerstone of regional food security and economic integration. He stressed that these partnerships would be underpinned by joint ventures, integrated agro-industrial projects, and existing trade agreements. Farouk emphasised the importance of identifying practical methods and frameworks for collaboration, calling for greater engagement from the private sector, scientific institutions, and research bodies. He requested the committee to present alternative proposals and an implementation roadmap within two weeks, to be reviewed in coordination with scientific and international partners for subsequent feasibility and technical assessments. Highlighting Africa's potential, Farouk noted that many countries on the continent offer compelling opportunities for investment due to abundant land, water resources, and the capacity to cultivate a wide range of strategic and high-value crops. These comparative advantages, he said, make agricultural cooperation mutually beneficial. The meeting also explored the development of a replicable investment model for projects in selected African countries. Key criteria include political stability, transport infrastructure, land quality, water availability, and other agricultural enablers. An agreement was reached to prepare a clear and detailed study outlining a viable investment model, to be implemented through partnerships between government agencies, the private sector, and national banks. The model will target countries offering promising opportunities and investor-friendly environments. Farouk further noted that efforts are underway to ensure data accuracy and risk mitigation, using standardised criteria to guide decision-making. It was also agreed that business leaders and investors would be invited to take part in the model, with an open call for participation from all interested stakeholders. The minister concluded by stating that this meeting builds on ongoing coordination between the Ministry and Parliament's African Affairs Committee, aiming to scale up Egyptian investments and agricultural collaboration across the continent. Participants recommended forming a permanent committee to assess investment opportunities, composed of representatives from the African Affairs Committee, the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the private sector.
Sustainability Times
11-06-2025
- Business
- Sustainability Times
'Egypt's Visionary Project Unveiled': Skyscrapers Rising Amidst the Desert and Beside the Pyramids as Revolutionary New City Takes Shape
IN A NUTSHELL 🌍 The Jirian project aims to transform the desert west of Cairo into a thriving metropolis with an artificial Nile canal, part of Egypt's ambitious Nile Delta initiative. 💡 President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's series of mega-projects , including Jirian, has significantly increased Egypt's external debt, reaching $155.2 billion by the end of 2024. , including Jirian, has significantly increased Egypt's external debt, reaching $155.2 billion by the end of 2024. 🏗️ The development promises to create approximately 250,000 jobs and features luxury residences , 80-story skyscrapers, and international educational and healthcare facilities. , 80-story skyscrapers, and international educational and healthcare facilities. 💧 With 97% of Egypt's fresh water coming from the Nile, the project highlights ongoing water security concerns amid the country's conflict over Ethiopia's Grand Renaissance Dam. Egypt's ambitious new urban project, Jirian, promises to transform the barren desert west of Cairo into a thriving metropolis. Unveiled on Sunday, this development features an artificial Nile canal, part of Egypt's grand Nile Delta initiative. This massive agricultural project aims to reclaim over 3.9 million acres of desert land, boosting strategic crop production and reducing the nation's food import bill. With a commitment to urban growth, Egypt continues its trend of mega-projects under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, despite rising external debt concerns. The country's reliance on international financial support has also grown, prompting questions about the sustainability of such ventures. Jirian: A New Urban Vision in the Desert The unveiling of the Jirian project marks a significant step in Egypt's urban development strategy. Located to the west of Cairo, this new city is designed to be a beacon of modernity in what was once a barren desert landscape. The city, whose name translates to 'Flow' in Arabic, is part of an ambitious initiative to revitalize the Nile Delta region. By reclaiming over 3.9 million acres of desert, Egypt aims to increase the production of essential crops like wheat and corn, thereby reducing its dependence on food imports. The project's scope is unprecedented, promising to create a sustainable urban environment complete with industries, logistics platforms, and homes for millions of families. At the heart of Jirian's design is an artificial canal derived from the Nile, which will wind through the city. This canal is not only a picturesque centerpiece but also a vital source of irrigation for surrounding agricultural lands. The integration of water resources into the city's infrastructure highlights Egypt's commitment to balancing urbanization with environmental sustainability. Anurag Bajpayee's Gradiant: Engineering the Future of Industrial Water The Economic Implications of Mega Projects Egypt's push for rapid urbanization under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has led to a series of mega-projects, including the new administrative capital east of Cairo. While these projects are deemed essential for long-term economic growth, they have significantly increased the nation's external debt. Since 2015, Egypt's foreign debt has quadrupled, reaching a staggering $155.2 billion by the end of 2024. This surge in debt raises concerns about the financial sustainability of such expansive endeavors. To support these projects, Egypt has sought financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund and the European Union. These international bodies have provided billions in aid, with the EU recently pledging additional billions to ensure Egypt's financial stability. However, the reliance on external funding underscores the precarious nature of Egypt's economic strategy, prompting questions about the long-term viability of its development plans. 'America's Cities Are Sinking Fast': 28 Urban Giants Like New York and Houston Are Quietly Crumbling Beneath Our Feet Jobs and Infrastructure: The Promise of Jirian The Egyptian government has high hopes for Jirian, projecting the creation of approximately 250,000 jobs. Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli has described the project as a 'revolution in urban and development planning,' underscoring its potential impact on the nation's economy. The city will feature a wide range of infrastructure, including luxury residences, 80-story skyscrapers, international universities, and hospitals. It will also offer an eco-friendly hotel, commercial zones, and a cultural and media district. Strategically located, Jirian will be minutes away from the Grand Egyptian Museum, the Giza Pyramids, and the nearby Sphinx International Airport. This proximity to key landmarks and transportation hubs enhances its appeal as a modern urban center. The project's developers have committed to a five-year timeline for completion, indicating a rapid pace of construction and development. Chinese Product Designer Yihan Luo Showcased 'Pikapoo' at Milan Design Week 2025 Water Security and Environmental Concerns The development of Jirian takes place against the backdrop of Egypt's ongoing water security issues. With 97% of its fresh water derived from the Nile, Egypt is deeply concerned about the potential impact of Ethiopia's Grand Renaissance Dam. This longstanding conflict with Addis Ababa highlights the vulnerability of Egypt's water resources, which are critical to both its urban and agricultural development plans. The integration of a Nile-connected canal into Jirian's design reflects an effort to address these concerns by ensuring a reliable water supply for the city and its agricultural areas. However, the broader implications of water management and resource allocation remain pressing issues for Egypt's future. As the country continues to navigate these challenges, the success of projects like Jirian will depend on their ability to harmonize urban development with environmental stewardship. As Egypt forges ahead with its ambitious urban plans, the world watches closely to see how these projects will shape the nation's future. Will the vision of a thriving metropolis in the desert be realized, or will the challenges of debt and resource management prove insurmountable? The answer to these questions will have profound implications for Egypt and its place in the global community. Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.3/5 (26)
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Brickbat: Freedom of Religion
The monks of St. Catherine's Monastery, a 1,600-year-old Greek Orthodox site in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, closed its doors to visitors in protest after an Egyptian court ruled that the monastery's land belongs to the government. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery, St. Catherine's faces uncertainty as the ruling strips the monks of property ownership, prompting fears of eviction or conversion into a museum. The decision sparked outrage among global Christian leaders, with the Greek Orthodox Church and Greece's foreign minister engaging in diplomatic talks with Egypt to protect the monastery's status. Egyptian officials, including President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, insist the ruling preserves the monastery's spiritual value and ensures the monks' access, but the monks, led by 91-year-old Archbishop Damianos I, call it a de facto expulsion. Greek and Egyptian officials later announced the site would be safe but provided no further details. The post Brickbat: Freedom of Religion appeared first on
Zawya
04-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Cairo hosts the 4th Edition of 'Africa Health ExCon' from June 25–27
Under the Patronage of H.E. President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi: Cairo, Egypt: The Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement (UPA), Medical Supply and Technology Management announced the launch of the fourth edition of ' Africa Health ExCon ', the largest and most significant healthcare event across Africa. The event will be held under the patronage of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi from June 25 to 27, 2025, at Al Manara International Conference Center, Egypt's International Exhibition Center (EIEC). It is organized in collaboration with both the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD). This high-level cooperation reflects the growing international and continental stature of the event, further cementing Egypt's position as a leading regional hub for medical care in Africa. This year's edition of ' Africa Health ExCon 2025' is held under the theme: "Innovation and Independence: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Local Manufacturing to Strengthen African Health Systems", which highlights the continent's most pressing priorities. The event focuses on two main pillars: deepening local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies within the continent to achieve self-sufficiency, and integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into the management and operation of healthcare systems. These pillars aim to establish health independence and reduce reliance on external imports, ultimately advancing Africa's health sovereignty and resilience. The fourth edition is expected to attract over 350 local, regional, and international companies, and 42,743 visitors from around the globe. Participants will engage in over 21 panel discussions, technical sessions, and workshops covering vital topics such as digital health, research and development, smart systems, and sustainable manufacturing. Commenting on Egypt's hosting of this event, Dr. Hisham Stait, Chairman of the Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement, Medical Supply, and the Management of Medical Technology (UPA), stated: 'Over the past editions, 'Africa Health ExCon' has proven to be more than just an annual event, it has evolved into an integrated platform that brings together all key players within the African healthcare ecosystem. It is where policymakers convene to set regulatory frameworks, the industrial sector showcases its latest innovations, research institutions exchange knowledge, and private sector representatives explore partnership and investment opportunities. This unique gathering aims to shape a unified and comprehensive vision for the future of healthcare in Africa, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).' He added: 'This year, we are placing a special emphasis on opportunities for intra-African cooperation and integration, driven by our firm belief that achieving health sovereignty in Africa depends on solidarity and collective action. The continent possesses the capabilities and human capital needed to attain self-sufficiency across various medical fields, and that's what we aim to promote and activate through this vital forum.' For his part, Dr. Kamal Ebeid, Executive Director of Africa Health ExCon, stated: 'We take pride in this event as it serves as a real launchpad for strengthening Egypt's role as a bridge for African healthcare integration and a pivotal regional hub for medical manufacturing and innovation. We hope this year's edition outlines a clear roadmap for the future of healthcare across the continent. By supporting local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, we aim to achieve Africa's health independence and reduce our reliance on global supply chains that have shown vulnerability during crises.' He added: 'There is a growing global focus on harnessing artificial intelligence to revolutionize the management and operation of healthcare systems. That's why the 2025 edition of Africa Health ExCon is set to be truly exceptional not just in the types of partnerships we're building, but also in the scale of high-level institutional participation and the depth of international engagement that will bring togeher leading minds from around the world to explore how AI can be practically and meaningfully applied to improve the health and lives of people across Africa.' For the first time, this year's exhibition will feature the launch of the AI Pavilion, a fully dedicated space showcasing the latest breakthroughs in medical artificial intelligence. This pavilion will host global companies and leading research centers, highlighting advanced AI applications in areas such as precision diagnostics, complex health data management, epidemic prediction, and smart hospital operations. This marks a significant step forward in connecting advanced technology with the realities of Africa's healthcare systems and opens new avenues for innovation and improvement in health services across the continent. Africa Health ExCon serves as a vital platform for healthcare and pharmaceutical companies to explore Africa's vast investment potential. The conference aims to strengthen intra-African trade as an essential pillar of the African Union's Agenda 2063, thereby accelerating growth in these strategic industries. This approach aligns with Egypt's Vision 2030, which emphasizes deepening local manufacturing, fostering African cooperation, and embracing the latest technological and digital tools in the healthcare sector. These efforts contribute to achieving sustainable health security, pharmaceutical sovereignty, and universal health coverage across Africa. This year's edition is supported by a wide range of leading global healthcare companies, with 22 official sponsors contributing to the event's success, further solidifying it's position as a global destination for experts and investors. The Platinum sponsors include Genvax Technologies, Roche, GE Healthcare, Clinilab; the Gold sponsors include, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Opella, and Sanofi; while the Silver sponsor is Bayer. The third edition of Africa Health ExCon 2024, held under the theme of " Your Gateway to Innovation and Trade" witnessed a remarkable success. It attracted approximately 48 healthcare and trade professionals from 142 countries, with over 360 government healthcare representatives, CEOs, and decision-makers attending from across the globe. The event featured 32 scientific conferences, 32 workshops, and 264 sessions, with the participation of 1410 speakers. A total of 350 exhibitors showcased their state-of-the-art products and innovation in medical technology, while 25 sponsors, 5 pavilions, and 24 international partners participated in the event. The conference addressed strategies for developing a sustainable healthcare system in Africa, demonstrating a strong commitment to improving healthcare services across the continent. It also provided an ideal platform for healthcare and pharmaceutical companies to explore investment opportunities in Africa, thereby accelerating growth of these industries continent-wide. Furthermore, the event played a vital role in fostering public-private partnerships in the medical field, unlocking new avenues for investment and trade. About the UPA: It is a national economic entity under the presidency of the Egyptian Cabinet. It aims to ensure equitable access to medical and healthcare technology products through scientifically based technological assessments, efficient strategic procurement processes, and supply chain management. The authority strives to be a strategic partner enabling effective resource utilization and sustainable, equitable access to medical technology at the national level.
