The Egyptian Customs Authority and the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce (FEDCOC), signed a TIR guarantee agreement, marking a key step in implementing the UN-backed international road transport system aimed at facilitating cross-border trade. The singing ceremony was attended by Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk, Transport Minister Kamel Wazir and Investment and Foreign Trade Minister Mohamed Farid.
Egypt plans to launch two international Arab trade corridors linking Europe with Gulf countries through its territory as part of a broader strategy to develop eight integrated logistics corridors connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe, its transport minister said Monday.
Wazir said the two planned trade corridors would complement major international transport initiatives, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and the Iraq-Turkey Development Road project through partnerships with global shipping lines.
The planned Northern Arab Trade Corridor will connect Europe with Jordan, Iraq, and Syria through Egypt, primarily via the Arish-Taba logistics corridor and services operated by the Arab Bridge Maritime Company. The Southern Arab Trade Corridor will connect Europe with Gulf countries through Egypt via Safaga Port and Saudi Arabia’s NEOM Port, before extending to the rest of the Gulf.
Egypt is developing eight integrated logistics corridors aimed at reducing transport costs, shortening cargo transit times, improving supply chain efficiency, and supporting exports and industrial production, Wazir said. Among them is the Berenice-Aswan-East Oweinat-Kufra-N’Djamena logistics corridor, which is designed to strengthen trade links with Libya, Chad, and Central Africa by creating a new trade route connecting the Red Sea with the African continent.
Wazir said the Egypt-Libya-Chad road project is a key component of the corridor and is expected to facilitate trade between Egypt and African countries, while improving connectivity between Chad, Gulf states, and South and East Asia. He added that Egypt continues to invest in ports, railways, high-speed rail networks and logistics zones as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen regional connectivity, improve competitiveness and establish the country as a gateway linking Europe, the Gulf, Africa, and Asia.