ISTANBUL, Turkey - Egypt's Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, Engineer Kamel El-Wazir, is actively pursuing international partnerships at the Global Transport Connectivity Forum 2025 in Istanbul. The event, attended by representatives from 70 countries including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, serves as a platform for Egypt to advance its industrial and transportation agenda [4].

El-Wazir emphasized that Egyptian-Turkish cooperation could play a pivotal role in supporting development across Africa. He outlined potential joint projects including port development, cross-border railway construction, and the establishment of new logistical corridors to enhance intra-African trade and open new markets for African products [4].

"Egypt, through its national strategy for developing the transport sector, seeks to achieve a qualitative leap by transitioning to smart and sustainable means of transport, expanding its infrastructure capabilities, and enhancing regional and international connectivity," El-Wazir stated [4].

On the sidelines of the forum, El-Wazir met with Ugur Dalbeler, Vice President of the World Steel Association and Vice President of the Turkish Steel Producers Association. Their discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in the metal industries sector, particularly in iron and steel production, which is considered a strategic pillar in the sustainable development plans of both countries [1][2].

El-Wazir highlighted Egypt's accelerated growth in the iron and steel sector, driven by urban expansion and comprehensive industrial renaissance. He emphasized that localizing heavy industries is a key pillar in Egypt's strategy to achieve self-sufficiency and increase industrial exports [2].

The minister also stressed the importance of collaboration with major international frameworks, particularly the World Steel Association (worldsteel), which includes more than 160 companies and bodies from 69 countries. He noted that the Turkish Steel Producers Association (TISPA) is considered a promising strategic partner [2].

These engagements align with Egypt's Vision 2030, which aims to deepen international partnerships in industry and transport sectors while supporting the country's orientation towards regional and international integration [1][3].