Types of transport available for cargo shipping in Egypt. How to deliver goods to Egypt

Egypt is a country in North Africa with an ancient history and a complex situation today. Egypt is a secular state that has chosen a capitalist path of development. In terms of economic indicators, Egypt is a leader in development in the North African region. The country demonstrates rapid GDP growth every year; however, there are many challenges in the Egyptian economy. A large part of the country's territory is desert. Agriculture, as well as the main life of the country, is concentrated in the Nile River valley. There is a shortage of water and food. Egypt imports 60% of the food consumed in the country. At the same time, 5% of the population is starving, and about 30% are undernourished. However, the country is rich in oil, gas, and gold. In addition, Egypt has another "gold mine" — the Suez Canal.

General state of the transport system in Egypt

For the African continent, Egypt has a high level of development and all types of modern transport. Aviation, road, rail, and water transport and their infrastructure allow for the transportation of goods to and from Egypt. Egypt has land borders with Israel, Sudan, and Libya.

Through the Mediterranean and Red Seas, it gains access to the countries of these regions and to the global cargo supply system by sea transport. An important part of this system — the Suez Canal — belongs to Egypt. Before the canal was built, ships traveling from Europe to Asia and back had to go around the African continent. This required significant time and additional costs. With the construction of the canal, the route from the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean was shortened by 8,000 km. Naturally, ships go through the Suez Canal, and Egypt collects duties from them. These duties are the foundation of Egypt's economy, alongside tourism, remittances from Egyptians living abroad, and revenues from the export of oil, gas, cotton, fruits, and vegetables.

Roads in Egypt

The road transport network in Egypt is heterogeneous. The highways between Cairo and important cities such as Luxor, Suez, and Alexandria are in excellent condition. They are built to Western standards and fully comply with them. The roads along the coastal strip and mountain roads are in significantly worse condition. Road markings are absent, and the road surface is worn out. On mountain roads, where most accidents occur, steep turns, long climbs, and descents add to these problems. Nevertheless, the Trans-African road network connects all of Africa with Eurasia through Egypt. The total length of roads in the country is approximately 92,500 km. About 75,000 km of Egyptian roads have a solid surface. Some Egyptian roads in the Sinai area are closed to foreign traffic.

Airports in Egypt

The total number of Egyptian airports is 90. 71 of them have a runway with a solid surface. 9 airports have international status. They are located in:

1. Cairo.
2. Hurghada.
3. Sharm El Sheikh.
4. Luxor.
5. Marsa Alam.
6. Taba.
7. Alexandria.
8. Aswan.
9. Assiut.

Of course, these airports mainly serve passengers, but the delivery of cargo by air transport to and from Egypt is quite possible.

Water transport in Egypt

Inland waterways in Egypt run along the Nile, Lake Nasser, and canals in the Nile delta. Their total length is 3,500 km. The Suez Canal is 193.5 km long. The main Nile ports are Aswan and Assiut.

By sea, Egypt is connected to the whole world and can send and receive cargo through its ports. The main seaports of the country are located in Alexandria, Port Said, Damietta, Suez, and Safaga.

Condition of Egyptian railways

Egypt is the first African country to have a railway. Currently, the length of railway tracks in the country is 12,000 km. The railway in Egypt is in a worn-out state. The gauge of the railway corresponds to that accepted in Europe — 1435 mm.

What Egypt exports to foreign markets

The main export commodity of the country is oil. Additionally, gas, including liquefied gas, cotton, vegetables, and fruits are sold.