Sherif El Sherbini, Egypt’s Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, has met with Oka Hiroshi, Japan’s Ambassador to Cairo, and his delegation, including the First Secretary for Economic Affairs at the Japanese Embassy and representatives from JICA Egypt, Invest-Gate reports.

The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in construction and attracting more foreign investments.

El Sherbini emphasized the importance of localizing the production of construction-related products, particularly those for finishing works and electromechanical equipment. This initiative aims to increase reliance on local products, expedite project completion, and reduce the need for foreign currency to import these goods.

El Sherbini highlighted the Haya Karima presidential initiative for developing Egypt’s rural areas, suggesting that Japanese companies could contribute by locally manufacturing products used in this initiative. The focus includes enhancing the production of building materials and equipment for water and sewage projects and promoting environmentally friendly building materials and green construction practices.

Hiroshi welcomed efforts to strengthen cooperation, noting that JICA and Egypt’s General Organization for Physical Planning are preparing a study to develop urban transport infrastructure. This study aims to support sustainable economic growth and integrate land use in Greater Cairo and its surrounding areas.

This collaboration will boost Egypt’s construction sector and support sustainable development initiatives.