Housing Minister Sherif El Sherbiny met with Japanese Ambassador to Cairo Fumio Iwai and his accompanying delegation to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fields of urban development and infrastructure, Invest-Gate reports.

The meeting took place at the ministry’s headquarters in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, in the presence of senior officials from the ministry and the New Urban Communities Authority.

El Sherbiny welcomed the Japanese delegation, noting Egypt’s interest in deepening collaboration with Japan across multiple sectors. He pointed to ongoing cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), including studies on land use impacts in Greater Cairo aimed at supporting sustainable urban development.

He also expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the areas of water and wastewater utilities, particularly through partnerships between Egyptian and Japanese companies. The aim, he said, is to transfer and localise advanced technologies in water treatment, sewage, and desalination to boost the domestic manufacturing of essential equipment.

The minister also highlighted Egypt’s urban development efforts, particularly the construction of new cities such as the New Administrative Capital, along with strategies to maximise the use of land portfolios and housing inventories. He noted incentives and facilitation measures offered to encourage investment and expedite the completion of ongoing projects.

Ambassador Iwai reaffirmed Japan’s keenness to deepen its partnership with Egypt, especially in infrastructure and fourth-generation cities. He praised Egypt’s urban transformation in recent years, describing it as a notable model of integrated development.

The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to maintain coordination on the discussed areas of cooperation.