Japan eyes stronger relationship with Egypt's SCZone: Ambassador Noke Masaki

Japanese Ambassador visits site of Egypt's first automotive terminal in East Port Said

Japan intends to further strengthen its relationship with the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone), according to Noke Masaki, Ambassador of Japan to Egypt.
"For the development of SCZone, it is important that the Suez Canal, a strategic point for international maritime transport that connects a free and open Indo-Pacific, the Mediterranean, and the Atlantic, will be operated in a stable manner," Noke said, "Japan intends to enhance our partnership with the Suez Canal."
The ambassador's remarks came during his visit to the East Port Said Economic Zone, where he took a construction site tour of a Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) Terminal.
The tour also included a review of a dedicated automotive terminal, which will be operated by two Japanese companies, Toyota Tsusho Corporation and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, and Bollore Africa Logistics.
The terminal, the first of its kind to be built in Egypt, has a wharf area that allows two large car carrier vessels to berth simultaneously, and provides sufficient vehicle storage space of 22.5 hectares.
It will begin operation next year, and is expected to meet the growing vehicle demand in Egypt, due to population growth and economic development.
Ambassador Noke said, "It gives me great pleasure that Japanese companies will be able to contribute to the development of Egypt's economy through this terminal operation business in the East Port Said Economic Zone."
During his tour, Noke also met with Mohamed Braia, Vice-Chairperson of the SCZone (North Sector), and Sameh Gabra, CEO and General Manager of the East Port Said Industrial Zone. The meeting witnessed fruitful discussions on possible future cooperation between Japan and the SCZone.