Egypt's Ministry of Transport has on Sunday called on key business sectors, including the Egyptian Federation of Industries, the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, and all exporters, importers, and businessmen to fully capitalise on the Ro-Ro Shipping Line. The line, launched in November 2024 connects Egypt and Italy, is seen as a game-changer for trade, offering a more cost-effective and efficient route for transporting agricultural products, perishable goods, and other Egyptian exports to Europe. The ministry statement's emphasised that the Ro-Ro Line provides significant advantages for Egyptian businesses, particularly by reducing shipping costs and transit times. The service, which uses refrigerated and dry trucks, has been designed to facilitate the smooth flow of goods between Egypt and Italy, and onwards to key European markets. By leveraging this green shipping corridor, Egyptian exporters can increase their reach and strengthen their presence in international markets. In addition to the direct trade benefits, the Ro-Ro Line also enhances Egypt's role as a logistics hub connecting Europe and Africa. The service supports the export of key agricultural products such as citrus fruits, dates, and textiles, all of which have gained recognition for their high quality. The ministry also pointed out that the shipping line is expected to generate direct and indirect job opportunities for administrative staff in transportation and logistics companies, in addition to providing over 2,000 job opportunities for Egyptian truck drivers. The shipping line operates within a framework of cooperation between Egypt and Italy, offering mutual benefits in port fees and operational incentives. Notably, port fees have been reduced by 88 per cent, from $26,050 to $3,250 per trip. The Egyptian government has also taken steps to ensure seamless operations, including providing necessary infrastructure such as X-ray scanners for cargo inspections and issuing government letters of guarantee from the Damietta Port Authority to the Egyptian Customs. Further enhancing efficiency, the Ro-Ro Line incorporates advanced technology, linking Egyptian ports with Italian customs and facilitating the smooth exchange of shipping data and official documents. This digital integration ensures faster and safer delivery of goods, allowing businesses to streamline operations and meet market demands more effectively. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
