Egypt Signs MoU to Localize Electric Cars Industry

Electric cars being charged on a street (AFP)
Electric cars being charged on a street (AFP)
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Egypt Signs MoU to Localize Electric Cars Industry

Electric cars being charged on a street (AFP)
Electric cars being charged on a street (AFP)

Egypt’s Nasr Automotive Manufacturing Company, of the Ministry of Public Enterprise, signed two agreements with China's Dongfeng Motor Corporation to reconstruct its factory to produce the first electric car in Egypt.

Egypt’s Public Enterprise Minister Hisham Tawfik and the Chinese Ambassador to Cairo Liao Liqiang attended the online ceremony, which also included top officials from Nasr and Dongfeng.

Speaking at the ceremony, Tawfiq stressed that the agreements mark the launch of Nasr towards the project of localizing the electric car industry in Egypt.

Earlier, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi issued directives to relevant authorities on localizing and using national capabilities to manufacture electric vehicles.

Tawfik explained that the project aims to preserve the environment by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and thermal emissions that have negative impacts on people and the economy.

He explained that the agreements included a framework agreement for the production of the electric car in Nasr factories in cooperation with Dongfeng.

Dongfeng is one of the four largest car manufacturers in China that produces about 3.5 million cars annually with its main partners in the auto industry worldwide, he mentioned.

The two companies also signed an agreement to renew the Nasr factory with the latest technologies and production methods.

The project comes within the framework of the automobile manufacturing strategy adopted by the political leadership, which takes into account all the associated factors, according to the Minister.

Tawfik indicated that all relevant authorities and ministries are cooperating to ensure the success of this strategic project.

They will deploy fast chargers in the streets and parking lots all over the country and prepare electricity networks to accommodate the expected increase in consumption.

The authorities will also launch the necessary support policies which help encourage consumers to shift to new methods of transportation.

He pointed out that the ministry relied on technical and commercial studies which led to choosing China’s Dongfeng, as well as the “E70” model.

E70 electric vehicles will be used to reduce emissions and ensure successful sustainability while keeping pace with the increasing global trend of electric transport.

In light of the President’s directives, Nasr Company will start its production of electric cars at a localization rate of 50 percent. At a later stage, the plan will include a research and development center, with the participation of national cadres and specialized Egyptian companies.

An agreement is currently underway to establish a research and development center with Dongfeng and Egyptآ's Brightskies Technologies company.

The Minister also reported that the project aims to produce 25,000 cars annually in one shift, and according to market studies, the volume of demand is expected to increase with the anticipated governmental support and incentives to double this amount.



Saudi Arabia Joins International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy

Officials from the Saudi Energy Ministry after the official announcement of joining the International Partnership for the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (Saudi Energy Ministry)
Officials from the Saudi Energy Ministry after the official announcement of joining the International Partnership for the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (Saudi Energy Ministry)
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Saudi Arabia Joins International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy

Officials from the Saudi Energy Ministry after the official announcement of joining the International Partnership for the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (Saudi Energy Ministry)
Officials from the Saudi Energy Ministry after the official announcement of joining the International Partnership for the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (Saudi Energy Ministry)

The Saudi Energy Ministry announced Saturday that the Kingdom has officially joined the International Partnership for the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE), as part of its ongoing efforts to foster international collaboration in developing this vital sector.
This accession marks a major step for the Kingdom, reinforcing its pioneering role in global sustainability efforts and in innovating advanced solutions for clean energy, the Ministry said in a statement.
It aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a key producer and exporter of clean hydrogen, and to achieve greenhouse gases (GHGs) net-zero through the circular carbon economy approach by 2060, or before depending on technology maturity and availability, the statement added.
Saudi Arabia’s involvement in IPHE underscores its commitment to international cooperation as a cornerstone for attaining a more sustainable energy future.
The move also supports the objectives of the “Saudi Green Initiative” and “Middle East Green Initiative,” which focus on reducing carbon emissions and stimulating global demand for clean hydrogen, according to the statement.
"It also aims to contribute to the development and harmonization of regulations and standards that bolster the clean hydrogen economy,” it added.
IPHE serves as a crucial platform for fostering collaboration among member states to expedite the advancement and deployment of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.
The partnership is dedicated to exchanging knowledge, supporting relevant research and technologies, and raising awareness about the importance of clean hydrogen in achieving sustainable development.
In this spirit, Saudi Arabia actively participates in numerous international organizations and initiatives linked to the production of clean and low-emission fuels, including the Innovation Mission Initiative, the Clean Energy Ministerial Meeting, the Zero Neutrality Forum for Producers, the Global Methane Initiative, and other related efforts.