Tokyo: A formal delegation from the General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone, led by Mr. Walid Gamal El-Din, the Chairman of the Authority, with Captain Mohamed Ibrahim, the Deputy Chairman, and Dr. Mohamed Aboul Dahab, the General Manager of Green Economy at the Authority, visited Tokyo to participate in the ninth edition of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9). The delegation met with officials from Toyota Tsusho to discuss the latest developments and the official opening date of the Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) terminal at East Port Said Port.According to State Information Service Egypt, the terminal, covering an area of 212,000 square meters with a 600-meter-long dock and a logistics area of 170,000 square meters, is operated by a global alliance that includes Toyota Tsusho Japan, the French company Bolore, and NYK. The meeting was attended by Mr. Takao Tomita, General Manager of the Infrastructure Projects Sector at Toyota Tsusho, and Dr. Mohamed Abdel Jawad, Commerci al Minister Counsellor in Japan.Mr. Walid Gamal El-Din emphasized the need for the timely completion of the RoRo terminal, highlighting its role in the automotive industry sector, which the Suez Canal Economic Zone aims to localize. The project is seen as an investment advantage for the zone, positioning it as a regional hub for automotive manufacturing and its complementary industries. He also noted the integration between industrial zones and ports, allowing for smart manufacturing and logistics bases in an international trade corridor, enhancing the zone's competitiveness and supporting global supply chain integration.Mr. Takao Tomita expressed his appreciation for the cooperation with the Suez Canal Economic Zone delegation, affirming the adherence to the scheduled timeline for the terminal project. He highlighted the international expertise of the global alliance operating the terminal, supporting economic development in Egypt and leveraging the strategic geographical location that serves as a gatewa y to global markets.The Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) offers a forum for African countries and development partners, including international organizations and the private sector, to enhance cooperation between Asia and Africa. It focuses on economic growth, trade, and sustainable development in Africa, integrating African priorities into international cooperation agendas and mobilizing support for development initiatives. The conference has been held regularly since 1993, with the current edition following the eighth edition held in Tunisia in 2022.