Prime Minister, Dr. Ahmed Nazif, chaired the 92nd meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers to discuss internal and external affairs.

 

The meeting reviewed a report on contracts signed by the Cabinet during the current week concerning the establishment of three new trade compounds, in the framework of the first phase of the internal trade support programme. The first phase would include Al-Mansoura, Damnhour, and Luxor governorates to cover all governorates within the second phase. The programme is based on various aspects topped by the establishment of trade and logistic zones in greater cities, facilitating procedures related to licenses of the internal trade establishments, facilitating legislations and training cadres to manage such significant sector.

 

The prime ministers confirmed that such programme would have positive impact on the national economy through creating new job opportunities, reducing the unorganized trade, and maintaining standards, quality and health.

 

El-Tonsy Bridge accident was covered in the meeting and Dr. Nazif instructed several measures to be taken including;

 

·          Continue strengthening the pillars of the bridge.

·          Ensure the bridge's safety in accordance to the safety procedures. 

·          Taking procedures of relocating the market below the bridge to another area to be determined by Cairo Governorate.

·          Re-planning the area and making landscapes.

·          Studying alternatives routes linking the high way with the Ring Road.

 

 

The meeting reviewed a report on ending the parliamentary round of People's Assembly and Shoura Councils, including the open dialogue taken by President Mubarak with members of the parliamentary round of the National Party in the Shoura Council. They reviewed priorities of the Egyptian foreign policy concerning the Palestinian issue and peace process, beside determining priorities of the coming period which focus on the growth rates increase, expansion of the social justice base, provision of more job opportunities, and facing the population increase. On this occasion, the prime minister gave two speeches in the People's Assebmly and Shoura Councils. 

 

Regarding foreign affairs, the report included several points such as the Greek President's visit to Egypt where he met President Mubarak and discussed the bilateral relations between both countries, means to increase the trade and investments exchange, and covered issues of the region, the Middle East, and Union for the Mediterranean. The report also referred to the Czech President's visit and they tackled means to enhance the African work.

 

A report was presented on outcomes of the Egyptian-Lebanese Joint Supreme Committee, held in Beirut and 18 agreements were signed.

 

Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Irrigation presented a report on the carried negotiations on the Nile Basin Initiative, and the prime minister underlined the importance of continuing dialogue and cooperation with the basin countries aiming to achieve mutual interests. Egypt will continue supporting development in the Nile basin and African countries, Dr. Nazif stated.  

 

The Minister of Housing and Urban Communities, Eng. Ahmed Al-Mgahraby, reviewed Cairo planning 2050 and Head of the Urban Planning Authority presented general perspective on such issue.  The presentation included Greater Cairo development through dealing with various challenges such as population increase, traffic congestion, environmental deterioration, and squatters spread. The initial planning aims at making Cairo a global city coping-up with its value and components as being gate for the African Continent and Middle East region.

 

The perspective is based on main points such as raising people's living standard, increasing competitiveness, and preserved the planned region in Cairo and Giza. The set perspective included an integrated vision on development of Greater Cairo transport services, and expansion of public transport networks.