Many members of the press were represented at the
Egyptian Businessmen, Association meeting, and at the launching event on August
3, 1999 at Adabia Port in Suez. The represented Press was Al Ahram, Al Akhbar,
Roselyousef Magazine, and others.
Al Ahram wrote that chartering new lines to African nations is an important action towards
boosting exports to COMESA Countries, especially the eastern countries Kenya, Ethiopia,
Djibouti, and Uganda. The Press captured the Ministers and governments support for the event
and emphasized that exports from Egypt need to be boosted to balance Egypt’s current
import costs amounting to more than 600 million U.S. dollars.
Mr. Mostafa El Ahwal, President of IACC and founder of Transmar informed that Transmar is
the first shipping line with an Egyptian Flag, serving the ports between Suez, Djibouti,
Mombasa, and Dar Es Salaam. Transmar was established in 1999 with a capital of L.E. 25
million to serve the COMESA countries, which are 21 countries in South and east Africa. There
are multiple benefits with the discounted tariff and Egypt is a COMESA country that can benefit.
Dr. lbrahim Fawzy is quoted as saying that Transmar has taken the risk to expand into these
territories, even though the database on.
Import-exports is not precise, and the sea coast near the region of Somalia is not as safe as
expected. The operation of such a line makes us the Egyptian government, responsible to its
success, because failure may signal others not try. The manufacturers, exporters, and
producers are to make use of this Egyptian flagship line to the maximum effort, and boost
Egypt’s exports. The government must give its full support to increase Egypt’s exports and the
Egyptian Flag Shipping line.
Dr. Ahmed Sheeha, of the African Committee of Egyptian Businessmen’s Association said,
Egyptian Businessmen’s Association should cooperate in developing exports for the good of
the Country. Ongoing efforts to boost exports to African nations is ripe for penetration in the
COMESA countries. The direct line of Transmar should facilitate this export activity as it
serves six main countries and other neighboring countries.
Most of the newspapers focused on the launch and presence of Dr. Ahmed Gweily, Minister of
trade and visiting distinguished guests of Kenya, Uganda, and Djibouti Ambassador who were present at the launch in Suez.
