Egypt's Industry and Transport Minister, Kamel El-Wazir, met with Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk to discuss optimising the RoRo line for exporting perishable goods to Italy and beyond. They reviewed its performance since its launch on November 28, including trip numbers, export volumes, and key traded goods. The operator of the Egyptian-Italian RoRo line Pan Marine outlined plans to expand exporters' access to global markets. Discussions also focused on boosting the line's competitiveness through measures such as reducing port fees by 88 per cent to 3,250 dollars per trip while maintaining reciprocal fees and operational incentives. Further facilitations include a 35,000-square-metre logistics area, a government guarantee from the Damietta Port Authority for Egyptian customs, and an X-ray scanner provided by the Ministry of Finance. Additionally, Egyptian and Italian customs will be linked digitally to streamline document exchange, including health and food safety certificates. Minister El-Wazir stressed the importance of FEDCOC holding awareness sessions to familiarise exporters and importers with the RoRo line's benefits. He also underscored the need for continued coordination with major exporters to encourage greater use of the route. The meeting also highlighted the role of the Port Training Institute in training truck drivers through advanced simulators to ensure efficient transport to the Italian market. Positioned as a green corridor between Egypt and Italy, the RoRo line aims to cut shipping costs, reduce transit times, and solidify Egypt's status as a regional logistics hub, while boosting trade ties, expanding exports to Europe, and creating job opportunities in the transport and logistics sectors. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
