The Egypt Expo and Convention Authority is currently seeking the construction of a new exhibitions and conventions center in New Cairo area to replace the existing one, which is located in the heart of the capital, an official source at the authority told Zawya.
The minister of industry and foreign commerce has allocated a total area of 1000 acres for the new project at New Cairo; the first phase of the project estimated to cost USD 590 million (EGP 4 billion), includes the construction of multiple international conference auditoriums and two hotels. The project also aims to avail a sound infrastructure for the expo market, in addition to creating some 350,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities," said the source on condition of anonymity as he is not authorized to speak to media.
Egypt's ministry of trade and commerce had unveiled the previous month its plan for the coming five years, calling for the establishment of several new conventional and expo centers at various governorates on a BOT basis. Specifically, the new projects would be located at Sharm El Sheikh, New Cairo, Alexandria and Luxor.
The source confirmed that the architectural and construction blueprints have indeed been compiled, together with the execution plans; while the preliminary allocation of project lands has been allocated by the New Urban Communities Authority. Additionally, a protocol of cooperation was also concluded between the Egypt Expo and Convention Authority and the Industrial Projects Authority - as general project consultant - according to the official source.
© Zawya 2013
