The Egyptian-Chadian Business Forum discussed opportunities to boost economic and investment cooperation and broaden partnership between the two countries, alongside specialized talks on civil aviation aimed at developing air connectivity and passenger and cargo transport between Egypt and Chad.
Discussions were held as part of the fourth session of the Egyptian-Chadian Joint Committee, convened in the Chadian capital, N’Djamena, with the participation of a number of ministers, officials, and business community representatives from both sides.
In line with the political leadership’s directives to strengthen Egypt’s relations with African countries and expand areas of cooperation and regional integration, and pursuant to a mandate from Civil Aviation Minister Sameh El-Hefny, Captain Sameh Mohamed Fawzy, head of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA), and pilot Karim Gamil, adviser to the ECAA chairman and director general of agreements, joined the Egyptian delegation.
They held talks with the Chadian side on ways to develop cooperation in civil aviation and expand passenger and cargo traffic between the two countries.
Discussions included a meeting with Fatime Goukouni Weddeye, Chad’s Minister of Transport, Civil Aviation and National Meteorology, which addressed ways to facilitate operating procedures, overcome challenges facing airlines in both countries, and explore opportunities to increase air traffic between the two sides.
The Egyptian delegation also held talks with the head of the Chadian Civil Aviation Authority and the relevant working team on mechanisms to expand passenger and cargo operations and enhance direct coordination between the two civil aviation authorities to quickly address any operational obstacles.
Talks resulted in an agreement to increase the operational capacity allocated for passenger transport by 100 percent, effectively doubling it, as well as raising air cargo capacity by 125 percent. The measures are aimed at enabling air transport to keep pace with expected growth in travel and trade between the two countries.
The two sides also agreed to maintain technical and operational coordination, exchange expertise and provide technical support in areas of mutual interest in civil aviation, with the aim of enhancing operational efficiency and facilitating the work of airlines.
As part of efforts to support bilateral cooperation, the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on civil aviation, establishing frameworks for cooperation and expertise-sharing while supporting the development of the air transport system and expanding cooperation between institutions and companies operating in the aviation sector in both countries.
These steps underscore the importance of civil aviation as a pillar of regional integration by expanding connectivity networks, facilitating the movement of people and goods, linking markets, and promoting trade and investment. They are also expected to support the shared interests of Egypt and Chad and advance development and integration efforts across Africa.
