A U.S. business delegation, led by Ambassador Herro Mustafa Garg, started a week long tour of key Egyptian ports on September 14, 2025, to explore new partnerships and investment chances. The group visited Alexandria, Damietta, Port Said, and Ain Sokhna to discuss ways to modernize ports and boost trade between the two nations.
This visit comes at a time when Egypt aims to turn its ports into major logistics hubs in the region. Officials say the talks could lead to deals that create jobs and improve supply chains amid growing global trade demands.
Tour Schedule and Key Stops
The delegation kicked off in Alexandria on September 14. There, they met with local port leaders to talk about tech upgrades and infrastructure needs.
Next came Damietta on September 15, where the focus shifted to innovation in cargo handling. Port Said followed on September 16, highlighting its role as a trade gateway.
The tour wrapped up in Ain Sokhna on September 17, a spot tied to the Suez Canal Economic Zone. Each stop included site visits and meetings with Egyptian officials.
A quick look at the itinerary shows the packed schedule:
| Date | Port | Main Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 14 | Alexandria | Infrastructure and tech integration |
| Sept 15 | Damietta | Cargo efficiency and expansion |
| Sept 16 | Port Said | Trade innovation and security |
| Sept 17 | Ain Sokhna | Logistics and economic zone growth |
This setup allowed the group to see firsthand how U.S. expertise could fit into Egypt’s plans.
Ambassador Garg noted the ports’ strategic value in global supply chains. Egyptian leaders, including the Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development, welcomed the group and invited more U.S. investments in shipping and rail sectors.
Companies Leading the Charge
Seven major U.S. firms joined the delegation, each bringing skills in port development and tech. These companies have a track record of building modern facilities worldwide.
Bechtel focuses on large scale construction projects. Cisco offers networking solutions to improve port operations.
Hill International provides project management expertise. TMEIC specializes in automation for industrial sites.
OSI/Rapiscan deals with security scanning tech. Aveva brings software for design and operations.
Alvarez and Marsal Holdings advises on business strategies. Together, they aim to help Egypt meet its goal of becoming a top logistics center.
This mix of skills matches Egypt’s push for smarter, safer ports. Recent data shows Egypt’s port sector grew by 12 percent in cargo volume last year, per industry reports.
Goals of the Roadshow
The main aim is to support Egypt’s vision for world class ports. U.S. officials say this could create thousands of jobs and strengthen economic ties.
Egypt wants to attract foreign cash to expand its infrastructure. The Suez Canal area alone handles over 10 percent of global trade, making it a hot spot for investors.
By partnering with U.S. firms, Egypt hopes to add advanced tech like automated systems and better security. This fits into broader efforts to recover from economic challenges, including a recent $35 billion deal with the UAE for coastal development.
Ambassador Garg called the ports hubs of energy and ambition. The roadshow ties into ongoing U.S. Egypt talks on trade and security.
It also builds on events like the Egypt U.S. Strategic Dialogue in 2024, where leaders discussed boosting cooperation.
Impact on Trade and Economy
Stronger ports could mean faster shipping and lower costs for goods moving through the region. For the U.S., it opens doors for exports and joint ventures.
Egypt’s economy benefits from foreign direct investment, which hit $10 billion in 2024, up from previous years. Ports play a big role in this growth.
Challenges remain, such as global supply chain issues from events like Red Sea disruptions in 2024. But experts see potential for recovery through these partnerships.
Local businesses in Egypt expect new tech to improve efficiency. One port operator said U.S. involvement could cut processing times by 20 percent.
This visit aligns with Egypt’s plan to invest billions in port upgrades over the next five years.
Broader US Egypt Relations
The tour highlights the strong ties between the two countries. Beyond ports, they cooperate on military exercises like Bright Star 2025, which ran from August 28 to September 10.
Recent visits by U.S. officials, such as the Senior Advisor for Africa in May 2025, focused on peace and security. These efforts show a commitment to shared goals.
Trade between the U.S. and Egypt reached $9 billion in 2024, with room to grow. Ports are key to expanding this.
Public sentiment on social media shows excitement about job creation and economic boosts from such deals.
Looking Ahead
Future steps might include formal agreements or joint projects. Egyptian officials have invited more U.S. firms to invest in related areas like rail and shipping.
As global trade evolves, these partnerships could position Egypt as a bridge between Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Analysts predict that successful deals from this tour could add $2 billion in investments over the next two years.
What do you think about this U.S. Egypt partnership? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this article along to friends interested in global trade.
