Latest news with #El-Wazir
Al-Ahram Weekly
4 days ago
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt to launch 5-year Japanese-inspired engineering diploma in September
Egypt signed a cooperation protocol with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Tuesday to launch a five-year Japanese-inspired engineering diploma in September for post-preparatory school students. The Industry Ministry's Productivity and Vocational Training Authority (PVTD) and the cabinet's Education Development Fund (EDF) have signed the protocol with the JICA. Per the agreement, the PVTD, in coordination with the Ministries of Education and Higher Education, will host the first group of students from the Egyptian-Japanese KOZEN Institute at its centre in 10th of Ramadan City in September for the advanced engineering programme. The KOZEN programme is a five-year advanced engineering education system inspired by Japan's system, focusing on early field exposure for post-preparatory school students. The diploma qualifies graduates to enrol in technological universities, engineering faculties, and computer science colleges. A cabinet statement said this strategic partnership aims to significantly improve the quality of graduates and align education with local, regional, and international labour market needs in relevant specialities. Moreover, the protocol includes advanced training programmes in microelectronics, semiconductors, green energy, and solar panels. It also aims to exchange knowledge, build students' capacity, and develop trainers for KOZEN instructors. Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel El-Wazir, Minister of Education and Technical Education Mohamed Abdel-Latif, and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Ayman Ashour also attended the signing ceremony of the protocol. During the ceremony, El-Wazir stated that the initiative marks a significant milestone in the history of Egyptian industry and technical education, as it helps provide a skilled technical workforce to meet market needs. He added that it aligns with Egypt's vision for industrial advancement, which focuses on qualifying human resources by developing vocational training programmes in collaboration with the ministry. El-Wazir further emphasized the importance of benefiting from the Japanese experience in training technical labour to increase demand for Egyptian labour domestically and abroad. He also affirmed the ministry's commitment to upgrading training at the PVTD centres and enhancing labs to produce technically proficient graduates. "This aligns with the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) regulations, requiring imports to meet green manufacturing standards starting in 2027," he said. International cooperation For his part, Minister Ashour praised this cooperation as a successful model of partnership with JICA, highlighting Japan's leadership in this area. He pointed to the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology, which qualifies students for the Egyptian, regional, and African labour markets. He stated that 40 cooperation protocols have previously been signed with major private sector investors to operate vocational training centres, aiming to help meet industry labour demands by developing trainers, engineers, and new specialisations. Meanwhile, Minister Abdel-Latif emphasized the ministry's strong focus on the technical education sector as a cornerstone of Egypt's economic and industrial future, the statement said. He highlighted the ministry's adoption of a new vision for technical education and the establishment of an internationally standardized education system that offers globally recognized certifications to graduates. Abdel-Latif also commended the effectiveness of the cooperation with Japan through the KOZEN model, as well as with Italy through the Don Bosco model, one of the most successful and long-standing systems in Egypt. Additionally, he affirmed that the ministry is working to expand cooperation with Germany and that new technical education schools and centres of excellence will be created with international standards. In May, Egypt and Germany signed a 118 million euro financial cooperation agreement in the education and energy sectors. This includes a 32 million euro grant to establish 25 Egyptian centres of excellence for supporting technical education. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
24-06-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt inks deal with Chinese shipbuilder to add two bulk carriers to national fleet - Economy
Egypt's state-owned National Navigation Company has signed an agreement with China's Hantong Shipyard to build two Kamsarmax-class dry bulk carriers, the Ministry of Industry and Transport said on Tuesday. The vessels, each with a deadweight of 82,000 tonnes, are scheduled for delivery in September and November 2028. Mohamed Suleiman Metwally, managing director of the National Navigation Company, and Meng Chengjun, chairman of Hantong Shipyard, signed the contract in the presence of Kamel El-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport and Industry Minister. The deal is part of Egypt's plan to modernize its commercial shipping fleet and strengthen its role as a regional logistics hub. The ministry said the new ships will be built to meet international environmental and technical standards, with fuel-efficient hulls, MAN B&W engines delivering 7,490kW, and advanced emission-reduction systems. Each ship will also be fitted with modern navigation systems. The vessels will measure 229 metres in length, with a beam of 32.26 metres and a draft of 14.5 metres. El-Wazir said the agreement continues Egypt's cooperation with Hantong, which also built two similar ships—the Wadi El-Muluk and Wadi El-Arish—delivered in 2023 and early 2024, respectively. Those vessels were part of a broader push to renew the national fleet, with the Wadi El-Muluk unveiled at Alexandria Port during the inauguration of the Tahya Misr terminal. The new order will bring the total number of vessels in the company's fleet to 18, up from 12 three years ago. According to the ministry, this represents a 54 percent fleet renewal and forms part of a strategy to increase national capacity to transport strategic goods, including grain and oil. El-Wazir said the ministry aims to expand the commercial fleets of state-owned shipping firms, including the National Navigation Company, Arab Bridge Maritime, Cairo Ferries, and the Egyptian Tanker Company, to a combined 36 vessels by 2030. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
15-05-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt receives 1st air-conditioned train for Cairo Metro Line 1 from France's Alstom - Urban & Transport
Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel El-Wazir announced Thursday the arrival of the first air-conditioned train for Cairo Metro Line 1 at Alexandria Port, under a financing agreement between Egypt and France to manufacture and supply 55 air-conditioned trains for that line. In 2022, Egypt signed a 776.9 million euro financing agreement with France to fund French company Alstom's manufacturing and supply of 55 air-conditioned trains for Cairo Metro Line 1, including eight years of maintenance. A ministry statement indicated that the deal is funded through concessional financing from the French government under a joint roadmap with France's Ministry of Economy and Finance. Minister El-Wazir stated that the project aims to handle rising passenger demand on Metro Line 1 following the planned completion of the five-line metro network and the Line 1 extension from New Marg to Shibin El-Qanatir. As part of a broader upgrade plan, the ministry commissioned Spain to refurbish 23 existing trains and contracted a local firm to modernize the Torrah workshop. It also partnered with an Egyptian, French, and Japanese alliance to upgrade signalling, communication, control systems, tracks, and electromechanical works. The new trains will include the following features: High-capacity air-conditioning system, Safe passage between cars for passenger comfort, Front-mounted CCTV cameras for centralized track monitoring, LCD screens to display passenger information and for paid advertisements, Screens above the side doors to show the name of the final station before boarding, Designated wheelchair areas with secure fixtures to assist passengers with special needs, Electronic route maps above doors with illuminated lights to guide hearing-impaired passengers. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Zawya
14-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
CMA CGM, October Dry Port pen strategic partnership to boost Egypt's logistics sector
Arab Finance: Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel El-Wazir witnessed the signing of a strategic partnership between the French shipping giant CMA CGM and October Dry Port (ODP), as per a statement. The partnership aims to enhance operational efficiency at the dry port and provide integrated logistics services to Egypt's growing industrial zones. El-Wazir emphasized that the partnership aligns with Egypt's strategy to maximize private sector participation and implement seven integrated logistics corridors. These corridors will link production areas to seaports and connect key Egyptian regions via rail and road networks, enhancing the country's position as a regional hub for transportation, logistics, and transit trade. He also highlighted that CMA CGM's extensive experience in Egypt, including partnerships at Alexandria and Sokhna ports, demonstrates the strong cooperation between Egypt and international companies. This partnership with ODP is expected to increase the movement of exports and imports, reduce seaport congestion, and streamline customs processes. © 2020-2023 Arab Finance For Information Technology. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
11-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt signs $235mln contracts with US's PRL to modernize 100 locomotives
Arab Finance: Egypt's National Railways Authority signs three contracts with American company Progress Rail (PRL) to modernize 100 Henschel locomotives, supply spare parts for 141 units over 15 years, and provide technical support for 10 years, as per a statement. As part of a $235 million agreement witnessed by US Ambassador to Cairo Herro Mustafa Garg, the deal falls under Egypt's wider plan to upgrade its railway fleet and improve service quality for passengers and freight clients. The project is also expected to boost the availability and reliability of locomotives while cutting fuel consumption and emissions. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel El-Wazir said the contracts align with the Ministry's strategy to enhance the traction system and expand the share of freight transported by rail, helping ease pressure on road networks and increase railway revenues. The modernization program will see the installation of all-new locomotive components, including a new engine, EM2000 control system, electrical cabinet, air compressor, air brake system, and cooling system. Remaining major components will be overhauled using newly supplied spare parts. El-Wazir highlighted the operational benefits of the upgrades, noting a 50% cut in oil consumption and over 3% improvement in fuel efficiency, driven by new engine technology. He added that the move would also help reduce spare parts inventory by phasing out discontinued components and aligning with Egypt's EMD (JT42CWRM) fleet. The contract also supports Egypt's localization efforts. Overhauls of key reused parts—such as traction motors and main generators—will be carried out by the Egyptian Company for Railway Maintenance and Services (ERMAS), a subsidiary of the National Railways Authority. This will involve using some local components and transferring expertise under Progress Rail's supervision. El-Wazir noted that with the latest contract, Egypt has now added 210 new locomotives to its network. Meanwhile, 99 locomotives from the existing fleet have been rehabilitated in collaboration with major international companies. These upgrades come alongside routine maintenance of operational units, all within the framework of the Ministry's ongoing rail system overhaul. © 2020-2023 Arab Finance For Information Technology. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
