The United States supports Egypt’s efforts to develop world-class maritime infrastructure, strengthen trade-route security, and enhance the resilience of global supply chains, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Robert Silverman said on Sunday.

 

Speaking at the opening of the U.S.–Egypt Ports and Maritime Transport Innovation Forum in New Cairo, Silverman said the U.S. backs Egypt’s efforts under its Vision 2030 framework, stressing that stronger maritime infrastructure would create broader opportunities for economic cooperation between the two countries.

 

“U.S. companies are well positioned to compete for new projects and deepen commercial ties between our two countries,” Silverman said, addressing Minister of Transport Kamel Elwazir and other officials and business representatives attending the forum.

 

He highlighted the role of American companies in supporting Egypt’s port and maritime infrastructure, citing OSI and Rapiscan Systems, which have installed advanced large-scale X-ray inspection systems for vehicles and cargo, contributing to security at the tunnels beneath the Suez Canal.

 

Silverman also pointed to Cisco Systems’ work in developing information technology infrastructure at a number of Egyptian ports, saying such technological upgrades contribute to making both countries “more secure, safer and prosperous.”

 

The forum, hosted by the US Embassy in Cairo, brings together leading American companies and Egyptian officials to explore opportunities for cooperation in ports, maritime transport, logistics and infrastructure.

 

The event featured the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce Mark Mitchell, Minister of Transport Kamel Elwazir and Deputy Minister of Maritime Transport Major General Nehad Shahin, alongside representatives of US companies.

 

Silverman also welcomed Mitchell’s participation, saying his presence underscored Washington’s commitment to supporting Egypt’s efforts and building a prosperous future for the maritime sector.

 

The forum marks the launch of a broader U.S. commercial mission in Egypt.

Following the Cairo event, participating American companies are scheduled to hold high-level consultations with the Chairman of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) and the Governor of North Sinai, before visiting Safaga Port to explore bilateral cooperation in maritime logistics, terminal management and port expansion.