Egypt is seeking Japanese investment in airport development projects, with Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh Elhefny meeting Japanese Ambassador to Egypt Fumio Iwai to discuss opportunities for collaboration. The meeting, which took place at the Ministry of Civil Aviation headquarters, aimed to explore ways for Japanese companies to participate in the development of Egyptian airports. This initiative is part of a broader programme to offer several airports to the private sector for management, operation, and development, in cooperation with the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
The proposed programme aims to leverage international expertise and advanced technologies to improve operational efficiency, enhance service quality, and attract further investment into Egypt's civil aviation sector. Elhefny highlighted the growing cooperation between Egypt and Japan across several sectors, particularly civil aviation. This cooperation has been strengthened through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which has supported and financed the new passenger terminal at Alexandria International Airport.
The new passenger terminal at Alexandria International Airport was designed with environmental sustainability standards in mind, reflecting bilateral efforts to develop airport infrastructure in line with international standards. Elhefny expressed his appreciation for JICA's role in supporting and financing the project. The terminal is an example of the successful collaboration between Egypt and Japan in the civil aviation sector.
Ambassador Iwai expressed his appreciation for the level of cooperation between Egypt and Japan, stressing the importance of continued coordination and knowledge exchange to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in civil aviation. Iwai's meeting with Elhefny marked the end of his tenure in Cairo. During his tenure, Iwai has played a significant role in fostering cooperation between Egypt and Japan.
Elhefny and Iwai's discussion also touched on the potential for Japanese companies to participate in the development of Egyptian airports. The Minister reaffirmed the ministry's appreciation for its cooperation with JICA and highlighted the agency's role in supporting and financing airport development projects. Egypt is seeking to attract further investment into its civil aviation sector.
The meeting between Elhefny and Iwai concluded with the Minister wishing the ambassador success in his future assignments and commending his contributions to strengthening relations between the two countries. Egypt and Japan have a long-standing relationship in the civil aviation sector, with several successful collaborations. The two countries are expected to continue their cooperation in the sector.
The Egyptian government has been working to attract investment into its airport development projects. The programme to offer several airports to the private sector for management, operation, and development is part of this effort. The government aims to improve operational efficiency, enhance service quality, and attract further investment into Egypt's civil aviation sector.
Key points
- Egypt's Minister of Civil Aviation, Sameh Elhefny, met with Japanese Ambassador Fumio Iwai to discuss potential Japanese investment in airport development projects.
- The proposed programme aims to leverage international expertise and advanced technologies to improve operational efficiency, enhance service quality, and attract further investment into Egypt's civil aviation sector.
- The new passenger terminal at Alexandria International Airport was designed with environmental sustainability standards in mind, reflecting bilateral efforts to develop airport infrastructure in line with international standards.
