MEA logistics firm, in cooperation with Egyptian Castle Investment, will be the first to inaugurate new route between Egypt's Erqan and Sudan's Khartoum. Company also plans to open new logistics hub. Al Abbas Transport, one of the foremost transport and logistics firms in the region, announced recently that it has expanded its logistics network with the addition of its latest route between Egypt's Erqan and Sudan's Khartoum. Al Abbas' new route coincides with the opening of the Egypt-Sudan overland link connecting Erqan to Sudan's northern city of Dongola. The project is being implemented by Agrojet, a consortium of companies including Sudan's El Zawaya and Khartoum Group for Roads and Bridges, Asfour Crystal & Shatat Group of Investments in Egypt and Saudi Arabia's Cardoba and Radwa Groups. Mohamed Atta Gad, Chairman and Managing Director of Al Abbas Transport, said “reflecting the increased trade between Egypt and Sudan, Al Abbas Transport is set to send an initial fleet of 60 trucks loaded with 3,000 tons of Egyptian cargo including urea, fertilizer, as well as Egyptian asphalt to Sudan as the first company to inaugurate the breakthrough transport route.” “The new road is a strategic priority for us, which is why we requested the Egyptian Port Authority and the Egyptian Ministry of International Cooperation to speed the official opening as well as construct a fixed customs station to facilitate entry procedures. Currently both countries mandate customs clearance by committee, affecting trade negatively,” added Atta Gad. The new Erqan to Dongola route is approximately 362 kilometers and opens up unprecedented access to Northern Sudan. The road was done in cooperation and common development between the governorates of South $150 million under a Build Operate Transfer (B.O.T) accord in order to encourage trade between the two countries. According to recent statistics, Egypt is Sudan's third largest investor and the two intend to double their trade and investment, stepping up cooperation in sectors ranging from manufacturing to tourism. Thus, transport and logistics activities are also expected to increase due to the heightened trade between both countries. Al Abbas Transport will start using the Erqan to Dongola route by sending daily trucks loaded with various goods and commodities. The final destination for goods will be Khartoum. Al Abbas Transport has also planned the establishment of a new logistics hub for goods storage in the Upper Egypt city of Erqan. This will accommodate the processing of incoming and outgoing goods to and from Sudan. “Our new logistics hub will facilitate the processing of goods, commodities and merchandise not only between Egypt and Sudan, but also to further destinations in Africa such as Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. This better serves our customers by providing them timely and efficient cargo delivery to their intended destinations,” concluded Atta Gad. With already substantial shipments of goods and strong business ties, Al Abbas Transport has been doing business in Sudan for over 12 years. As a foremost transport and logistics company, Al Abbas Transport is adept at transporting primary commodities such as cement, fertilizers, bitumen, food staples, steel, phosphate, chemicals, industrial products, as well as a wide range of consumer goods and merchandise. Their extensive transport and logistics network covers Egypt, Uganda, Sudan, Kenya and Libya in Africa as well as the UAE in the Middle East. — SG
