Asia, Middle East, EU Connectivity – Egypt’s Positioning
The growing connectivity between Asia, the Middle East, and the European Union represents a transformative opportunity for Egypt, positioning it as a vital hub in global trade and logistics. This connectivity offers numerous benefits, including enhanced economic cooperation, increased foreign investment, and improved access to diverse markets. However, it also presents challenges, such as the need for significant infrastructure upgrades, regional political instability, and competition from other emerging trade routes.
Ongoing initiatives, such as China's Belt and Road Initiative and many others, highlight the potential for Egypt to leverage its strategic location, particularly through the Suez Canal and its economic zone, which could become a key corridor for trade between Asia and Europe. The Suez Canal not only facilitates maritime transit but also has the potential for the development of logistics and industrial zones that can attract international businesses. In this new paradigm of connectivity, Egypt stands to benefit significantly, but it must also navigate the complexities of regional dynamics and infrastructural demands. Thus, this session aims to explore Egypt's strategic positioning in this evolving landscape and how to harness Egypt’s strategic location to achieve a more integrated global economy.
SPEAKERS
Abir Leheta
CEO, Egytrans
Mohamed Sherine El Naggar
Chairman, Naggar Shipping Company, & International Expert for Connectivity
Harsh Pant
Vice President for Studies and Foreign Policy, Observer Research Foundation (ORF)
Mohamed Abdel Gawad Allam, PhD
Vice Chairman (Deputy Minister) for Investment and Promotion at Egypt's Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE)
MODERATOR
Abla Abdel Latif
Executive Director and Director of Research, ECES