NAIROBI, May 12 – Egypt is seeking deeper cooperation with French shipping and logistics giant CMA CGM as the country pushes to strengthen its position as a regional maritime and trade hub.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met with Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group on the sidelines of the Africa-France Summit in Nairobi to discuss expanding the company’s footprint in Egypt, according to a statement released Tuesday by presidential spokesperson Mohamed El-Shennawy.
Sisi welcomed the ongoing cooperation between Egypt and the French shipping group, describing the company as a key partner in the development of the country’s maritime and logistics infrastructure.
The Egyptian president highlighted CMA CGM’s role in operating the Red Sea Container Terminal at Sokhna Port, which is Egypt’s first semi-automated container terminal.
Sisi also emphasized Egypt’s intention to attract additional investments from the company into the Suez Canal Economic Zone, citing government incentives and extensive upgrades to the country’s transport and logistics infrastructure.
For his part, Saadé reaffirmed CMA CGM’s commitment to expanding operations in Egypt, pointing to the country’s strategic geographic position and growing logistics capabilities.
The discussions also covered the impact of ongoing regional tensions on global shipping routes, particularly disruptions linked to the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.
Sisi outlined Egypt’s position on the need for greater coordination among international shipping stakeholders to reduce supply chain disruptions and maintain the stability of global trade flows, especially in energy and food supplies.
The meeting additionally explored opportunities to deepen maritime cooperation and strengthen economic connectivity between Egypt and other African economies.
