Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister, held a meeting today to follow up on the implementation status of two major development projects: the Rashid Fishing Port and El-Hamra Spring in Wadi El-Natrun. The meeting was attended by Dr. Jacqueline Azar, Governor of Beheira; Eng. Ahmed El-Assar, Chairman of Arab Contractors; Dr. Walid El-Borqi, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Alexandria University; along with a number of senior officials.
At the outset, the Prime Minister emphasized that the state aims to develop natural and economically significant areas to support projects that generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities, while advancing the government’s objectives for sustainable and inclusive development. Such initiatives, he noted, are vital to driving economic growth.
Dr. Jacqueline Azar then presented the progress of the Rashid Fishing Port development project, which is part of a broader national plan to revitalize the city of Rashid. She highlighted the ongoing efforts to accelerate the completion of various components of the port to maximize its potential and economic return.
She explained that the project, which covers an area of approximately 48,000 square meters, is a comprehensive development initiative with a strong service and economic dimension. It is designed to foster commercial, industrial, and environmental growth, while creating both direct and indirect jobs.
The Governor added that Alexandria University’s Faculty of Engineering has been appointed as the project consultant, and an extensive committee has been formed to prepare a technical report on the required works to expedite the port’s operation.
She also reviewed the project’s core elements, including port buildings, utilities, and site layout, noting that much of the work has already been completed. In addition, she outlined the main economic activities based on fishing operations and fish production capacity, stressing that vessel services will play a central role. The Governor further elaborated on the logistics infrastructure designed to support the port’s functions.
Turning to the El-Hamra Spring project, Dr. Azar presented the development plan for an integrated tourist resort in Wadi El-Natrun. She explained that the project site, adjacent to El-Hamra Lake, was selected for its unique characteristics that support therapeutic and wellness tourism. The location is strategically positioned, only about 10 kilometers from the Cairo–Alexandria Desert Road and 12 kilometers from Wadi El-Natrun city.
She underlined that the project aims to deliver comprehensive sustainable development in the El-Hamra area, capitalizing on its natural resources and unique geographical location to promote eco-tourism and therapeutic tourism, while attracting environmentally and socially responsible investment. She also noted that Beheira Governorate holds religious tourism significance, being part of the Holy Family’s route and situated near the historic monasteries of Wadi El-Natrun.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of preparing a feasibility study for the El-Hamra project, which is planned to be developed in partnership with the private sector, ensuring long-term sustainable returns for the governorate.
