The interim government will submit the government Golden Triangle project, which would connect the industrial centres of Qena, Safaga and Al-Qaseer, to an "international house of expertise" in March. The statement did not identify the international consultancy firm, however. The consultancy in question would assume responsibility for the preparation of a comprehensive plan for the project's development. The plan is to include extraction activities to be conducted in addition to manufacturing, trade, mining, infrastructure, ports, tourism and urban developments. The announcement came during interim Prime Minister Hazem El-Beblawi's meeting with several Egyptian ministers and government officials to discuss the project's latest developments. The meeting was attended by the ministers of Transportation, Industry and Foreign Trade, Planning, Local Development, Housing and Petroleum. Ambassador Hany Salah, the cabinet's spokesman, stated that the Golden Triangle project aims to establish a "new industrial stronghold" and build industrial, commercial, mining and tourism centres. Salah added that the project will be considered a breakthrough in the southern region of Upper Egypt. The governors of Qena and Sohag were also present during the meeting.
