Egypt, Japan sign agreement to fund 4th Metro line

Egypt and Japan on Wednesday signed an agreement for the fourth and final tranche of Japanese funding for the first phase of Cairo's fourth metro line, deepening cooperation on a key infrastructure project. The mutual letters and executive agreement were signed at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development.

The executive agreement was signed by Egypt's Minister of Transport, Engineer Kamel Al-Wazir, and the Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Cairo, Ibizawa Yu. The mutual letters were signed by Egypt's Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, and Japan's Ambassador to Egypt, Iwai Fumio.

Al-Wazir described the metro network as the backbone of transport within Greater Cairo. He noted that the fourth line, a key national project, aligns with Egypt's 2030 Vision and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's directives to expand environmentally friendly public transport.

The new line is a cornerstone of Egypt's urban development plan, which includes a 2,000-km high-speed electric rail network and other electric mass transit systems.

The fourth metro line will connect the Sixth of October City and New Cairo, servicing high-density areas such as Haram, Faisal, Giza, and Nasr City. It will also link historic central Cairo with the Giza archaeological sites, including the Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, to boost tourism and ease traffic congestion.

The line is expected to transport 1.5 million passengers daily upon completion.

Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that the partnership with Japan is a step towards sustainable transport. "The completion of funding for the first phase of the fourth metro line underscores the strategic partnership between our two friendly countries," she said.

The Minister highlighted Egypt's vision for developing its transport and logistics sectors to improve citizens' quality of life. She stated that metro projects are part of a broader effort to upgrade infrastructure, boost economic competitiveness, and attract foreign direct investment. This aligns with the "National Narrative for Economic Development," which uses concessional financing from multilateral and bilateral partners to support the country's development plans.

The Japanese ambassador, Iwai Fumio, called the project "the largest in the 70-year history of economic cooperation between Japan and Egypt," reflecting "the trust and solid partnership" between the two nations.

He added that the Grand Egyptian Museum, another symbol of Japanese-Egyptian cooperation, is scheduled for a full opening in November.

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