It’s hard to concentrate on algebra when all you can think of is food

Education is highly prized by Egyptians and most parents will send their children to school regardless of the sacrifices they may have to make. In the poorest governorates of Upper Egypt however, where levels of poverty, reach the highest in the country, the meager incomes of the very poor are barely enough to meet families’ basic food needs. Insufficient food consumption, compounded by poor hygiene, disease and inappropriate dietary habits and illnesses, has brought about a significant level of malnutrition among children; one in five of under-5 children is severely or moderately stunted and nearly 11% are underweight.

It is widely acknowledged that education has a crucial role in helping children to lead more fulfilled lives, which leads to the development of more productive societies. A daily meal at school nourishes healthy minds as well as healthy bodies. Children who have full stomachs are more physically and mentally alert, absorb more from their lessons and generally achieve higher academic results. Moreover, through exposure to their children’s achievements, parents gain a better appreciation of the value of education.

In an effort to extend quality education to all Egyptians, the Egyptian government has a school-feeding programme in place that provides food to over 7 million school children. The “School Feeding in Upper Egypt Initiative” project started in 2003, compliments the government’s effort in areas where the poorest families live by ensuring children attending primary school receive a school meal every school day of the year. Through funding secured under the Italian-Egyptian Debt-for-Development Swap Programme, the World Food Programme (WFP) is assisting the Government of Egypt to deliver daily nutritious food, all year round, to over 200,000 primary school boys and girls in the poorest regions of the country. WFP believes the provision of regular school meals over the entire school year is a fundamental requirement to ensure effects on attendance, nutrition and learning are maintained.

In 2003, over 30 million date/raisin pies were prepared and baked in special purpose-built government factories that are supported by the project. These snacks were delivered fresh throughout the school year in the governorates supported by WFP. The snacks are tasty and rich in essential nutrients, and are prepared under strict hygiene and safety conditions to ensure the highest standards for the children.

Additionally, job opportunities are being created for local people in the bakeries many of whom are young women. All new recruits receive training on food technology and food processing and all employees in the bakery facilities can access on-site health care and health advice.

The Italian-Egyptian Debt-for-Development Swap Initiative is an innovative and timely funding mechanism that represents an opportunity to assist Egypt to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and alleviate poverty and food insecurity. Already the “School Feeding in Upper Egypt Initiative” has received visit from neighbouring officials in Iraq to study and learn from the project, as well as featuring in a television spot for RAI. WFP looks forward to extending collaboration with the Italian- Egyptian Debt for Development Swap Initiative in the future.  

  الصناعات اليدوية والتقاليد فى مصر المعاصرة

 فى إطار برنامج التنمية Marketing Link والذى يموله برنامج التعاون الإيطالى و تنفذه المنظمة غير الحكومية الإيطالية COSPE (التعاون من أجل تنمية الدول النامية) ، وبالتعاون مع الشركة المصرية للإستشارات NSCE (الشمال والجنوب لتبادل الإستشاريين) ، والمعهد الثقافى الإيطالى ومكتب التعاون الإيطالى سيقومون بعرض المنتجات اليدوية المصرية تحت عنوان "الصناعات اليدوية والتقاليد فى مصر المعاصرة" و ذلك فى الفترة من 21 – 28 نوفمبر 2004 و ذلك بمعرض المعهد الثقافى الإيطالى.

ويهدف برنامج Marketing Link إلى الحفاظ على الثراء الثقافى المصري و تقنيات الإنتاج والأشياء التقليدية وذلك لتحفيز إستخدام المواد الأولية المحلية ، كما يهدف البرنامج إلي تعزيز القدرات الإنتاجية والتجارية لمجموعات المنتجين مع إهتمام خاص بالمجموعات  الأكثر ضعفاً من المجتمع (النساء و الشباب و العاطلين عن العمل).

ويهدف المعرض إلى الترويج للمنتجات اليدوية المصرية و بيع تلك التى أنتجت فى إطار المبادرة و التى يسوقها مركز مصر للصناعات اليدوية ECC ، وهذه الشراكة التى أنشئت عام 1999 فى إطار المرحلة الأولى من مشروع Marketing Link تستفيد من النظام الذى يسمح بعلاقة مباشرة بين المستهلك والمنتج ومن الدوائر التجارية المناظرة والتى تشجع هذه المبادرة وذلك من أجل توزيع المنتجات فى الخارج و أيضاً من أجل تشجيع طرق الإنتاج و إحترام الكرامة الإنسانية والحفاظ على البيئة.

 جميع السادة الصحفيين مدعوين لحضور حفل إفتتاح المعرض الخاص بالصناعات اليدوية والتقاليد فى مصر المعاصرة (21-28 نوفمبر 2004) .

 حفل الإفتتاح يعقبه كوكتيل : 21 نوفمبر 2004 السابعة مساء.

جاليري المعهد 3 شارع الشيخ المرصفى بالزمالك

The 108^th meeting of the Gender and Development Donors’ Sub-Group will be held on Monday, November 8^th, 2004, from 10:00 to 12:00 noon at the Italian Cooperation Office. The Italian Cooperation will invite speakers from Italian NGOs to give an overview on their ongoing projects with particular focus on the gender approach adopted.

Guest speakers:

1-    Ms. Maria Donata Rinaldi, Country Representative of COSPE NGO : “Community Crafts Producers & Markets, Target Areas: Aswan, Cairo, El Arish, Sohag, Fayoum, Siwa, Marsa Alam, Beheira, Sharkia and more”

2-    Ms. Alessandra Ferri, Country Representative of MAIS NGO: “Poverty Alleviation and Community Development Programme by supporting the living conditions of women and pre-school children (0 to 6 years)”

3-    Ms. Paola Chianca, Country Representative of MOVIMONDO “Development of Women Entrepreneurship and Gender Equality Promotion”

October 2004

Project to revitalize the El Fustat area establishing a Pottery School and a Center for the Revitalization of Traditional Arts and Crafts.

 Completion of Pottery Village Al Fustat

The El Fustat district has been known for its excellent pottery for centuries. The villagers have been forced to move many times because of the city expansion, which has had a devastating effect on both the pottery production as well as their social life. Finally the Governorate decided to donate the land to the craftsmen themselves, and the Ministry of Tourism contributed with 3,750,000 EP for the construction of the work-shops.

In this regard, the Italian-Egyptian Debt for Development Swap Program has funded the project “Completion of Pottery village”, implemented by the Ministry of Tourism, with a budget of EP 5,985,414.00.

This project aims to revitalize the El Fustat area establishing a Pottery School and a Center for the Revitalization of Traditional Arts and Crafts. The ambitious core of the economic rejuvenation program will employ about 2,000 people directly or indirectly once it becomes fully operational.

Thanks to this project 32 pottery units with a capacity from 10 to 20 labours have been rehabilitated.

Consequently, the completion of the Pottery Village will give the opportunity to the craftsmen of the El Fustat district to preserve Egyptian pottery profession which is an old craft passed down from father to son.  

Enhancing Italian-Egyptian Environmental Cooperation

 On 25^th October 2004 the Italian Ambassador to Cairo, H.E.Antonio Badini, and the Egyptian Minister of State for Environmental Affairs, H. E. Maged George signed the Agreed Minutes of the meeting held in Cairo which was aimed at finding new  means to enhance sustainable and effective  activities in the environmental sector.

The agreement falls in the framework of the exceptional and fruitful cooperation between the two Countries made up of bilateral, regional and international Conventions which see, among the others, the Memorandum of Understanding signed in Cairo on 24/3/1998 between the Government of Italy (GOI) and the Government of Egypt (GOE), and its additional Agreement signed in Cairo on February 2000, concerning the cooperation program of Institutional Support to the EEAA to improve planning capabilities for rehabilitation and protection of natural and cultural environmental resources, in addition to  the two Project Implementation Agreements (PIAs) signed in January 2004 within the framework of Debt for Development Swap Initiative. The two officials decided to review the activities of the existing projects in order to implement mainly those field activities able to produce sustainable and concrete impact in reducing environmental pollution as well as in the conservation of natural resources.

Sign of two important contracts between Italy and Egypt for the realization of a New Technological Centre  providing assistance to Egyptian tanneries.

 Agreement between Assomac And Egyptian Ministry of Industry and Foreign Trade

On 10th October 2004, ASSOMAC (Italian Leather Industries Association) signed with IMC (Egyptian General Organization for the Industrial and Mining Projects – Ministry of Industry and Foreign Trade) an important contract agreement for the realization of the New Robaiki Leather Industrial District in Badr City – Cairo.

On the basis of this agreement, leading Association ASSOMAC will provide all the necessary technical assistance to the project and will release consulting services to Egyptian tanneries through a new specialized Technological Center.

The new industrial District in Badr City will put up more then 100 specialized companies and tanneries that will be transferred and relocated from Magra El-Eyoun, in Old Cairo, to the new settlement.

The agreement is part of the contribution of the Italian Development Cooperation Aid project, through the funds put on disposal by the Italy-Egypt Debt Swap Agreement.

Visit of the Italian vice Prime Minister, On. Gianfranco Fini

Visit of the Italian vice Prime Minister, On. Gianfranco Fini, related to strengthening the consolidated political dialogue among Italy and Egypt.

Italy has always set great importance to the progress of the Middle East developments mainly in the light of its excellent bilateral relations with Egypt.

In this framework, on 2 and 3 October the Italian vice Prime Minister, On. Gianfranco Fini, visited Cairo with the objective of strengthening the already consolidated political dialogue at the highest level among the two countries.

During his mission, the first in an Arab country, On. Gianfranco Fini held a number of political-institutional talks.  On 2 October he met the Secretary General of the Arab League H.E. Amr Moussa and on 3 October, he met the President of Arab Republic of Egypt H.E. Hosni Mubarak, the Prime Minister H.E. Ahmed Nazif, the Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Ahmed Abul Gheit and the Great Imam of “Al-Azhar” H.E. Mohamed Tantawi.

Visit of General Director for the Italian Cooperation for Development, Minister Giuseppe Deodato, related to the launch of a Partnership Agreement ad hoc.

First visit in Cairo of General Director for the Italian Cooperation for Development, Minister Giuseppe Deodato

On September 11 and 12, 2004, was carried out in Cairo the first visit of General Director for the Italian Cooperation for Development, Minister Giuseppe Deodato.

The mission of Minister Deodato fell within the framework of the excellent bilateral relationships with Egypt and, in particular, it underlined the importance which Italy gave to the field of the Development Cooperation. For this reason, they intend to launch a Preliminary Agreement ad hoc.

During talks Minister Deodato had with Minister of the International Cooperation, Faiza Abul Naga, and Minister of Culture, Farouk Hosny, it have been faced the following topics:

• the agreement on Debt for Development Swap, which intends to converts the Egyptian debt into assets for development projects. The current agreement concerns a total budget of 149 million Dollars, of which 92 million are already converted. Thanks to these assets, Egypt is realizing 47 projects;

• the important enterprise for carrying out the new Egyptian Museum and the Italian and Egyptian restoration center in the Red Palace of  Muhammad Ali’s Citadel. With the Italian support, this center will let to realize an acceptance one for the Country and  the Region.

The ongoing projects are more than 80 on a total invested amount of about 330 million Euros. The main intervention fields of the Italian Cooperation in Egypt, are:

• Poverty Alleviation Program, which is based on micro-credit in the Governatorates of Giza and Minia, and has already involved 25.000 families and 70 million EGP;

• Public Health, faced with a program of rehabilitation and building of 45 health care units in the Governatorate of Beheira;

• Support to the Egyptian Small and Medium Enterprises, through a Line of Credit of a total amount of 80 million Euros;

• Development of eco-compatible tourism, through the Italian and Egyptian project of environmental protection and valorization. The total amount of intervention is 15 million Euros, which includes the development and management of Al Fayoum and Siwa’s protected areas.

During meetings, Italian and Egyptian parts reached the conclusion of a Partnership Agreement, which let to cooperation's agreements between Italy, Egypt and others African countries.

Signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between both Egyptian and Italian Ministers of Health Tag el Din and Girolamo Sirchia, with reference to the scientific cooperation in the field of health and medical specialities.

From September 25 through 27, 2004, Prof. Girolamo Sirchia, Italian Minister of Health, was in Cairo for an official visit.

The Minister was accompanied by a delegation of Italian experts among which the Director of the Innovation Department of the Ministry of Health Prof. Vittorio Silano, the Director of the General Directorate for International and EU relations Dr. Claudio De Giuli, the Director of the General Directorate for Communication and Institutional Relations Dr. Roberto Iadiccio,  the Scientific Director of the Mediterranean Institute of Hematology Prof. Guido Lucarelli and the famous haematologist Prof. Franco Mandelli.

Minister Sirchia met H.E. Awad Tag el Din, Egyptian Minister of Health and Population, to exchange talks focused on the scientific cooperation in the field of health and medical specialities (cancer diseases, blood diseases, organ transplants and stem cells) between the two countries, in order to exchange information, documentation, medical specialists and define joint research interventions and health service provision.

During the visit, Minister G. Sirchia signed a memorandum of understanding with the Minister Tag el Din as an institutional framework for the collaboration between Egypt and Italy.

  The Italian Regional Assembly of Tuscany and the Conference of European Regional Assemblies (CALRE) organized in Florence the First Conference on the Decentralization with the participation of Governor of Minia and Giza.

“Decentralization: the new dimension of Peace Democracy and Development"

In the light of the pivotal role played by local and regional authorities in promoting local sustainable development, the Italian Regional Assembly of Tuscany and the Conference of European Regional Assemblies (CALRE) organized the I Conference of the European and African Regional Assemblies "Decentralization: the new dimension of Peace Democracy and Development", held in Florence on 17-18 September 2004.

The Conference saw the participation of the Governor of Minia H.E.Hassan Hemida, the Governor of Giza H.E. Fathy Saad and the Secretary  of Giza's CDA(Community Development Association) Mr. Abu El Hamed El Gales. Minia and Giza are the Governorates where the Italian NGO COSPE is implementing several development projects.

To present the initiative a press conference, at the presence of the two Governors and the Italian Ambassador H.E. Antonio Badini, was hold at the Italian Embassy on 8 September.

On August 29, 2004, at the Minister of Education’s Office, H.E. the Italian Ambassador Antonio Badini will hand a copy of the book Friends of the Mediterranean to H.E. the Minister Dr. Ahmed Gamal El Din Moussa in the presence of the local press.

Friends of the Mediterranean is the new Italian language text book for Egyptian public schools, 4000 copies of which will be presented by the Italian Government to the Egyptian Government.

The book is the product of the efforts of a working group of specialists from the University of Siena for Foreigners. This new text book, which has also been reviewed in Egypt by an Italian-Egyptian technical committee, aims at being a modern and effective means for teaching Italian in schools.

The initiative falls within the framework of the policies for the promotion of the Italian language being carried out according to the Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Education, signed on February 28, 2004.  The purpose of the MoU is to promote a number of significant initiatives for the diffusion of the Italian language, whose importance is growing both due to the constantly increasing tourist flows, and to Italy’s primary position in bilateral trade.

A further support to these policies will be provided by the creation of permanent training courses for teachers in Egypt, by the establishment of scholarships to Italy for meritorious students, teachers and inspectors, and by supplying audiovisual material and books.

بيان صحفى

 سوف يقوم سعادة سفير إيطاليا بالقاهرة أنطونيو بادينى يوم التاسع و العشرين من أغسطس 2004 بمكتب سعادة وزير التربية و التعليم،  بإهداء نسخة من كتاب "اصدقاء البحر المتوسط Amici del Mediterraneo" لسعادة وزير التربية و التعليم، د/ أحمد جمال الدين موسى ، و ذلك فى حضور السادة ممثلى الصحافة المحلية.

" أصدقاء البحر المتوسط" هو كتاب اللغة الإيطالية المدرسى الجديد الخاص بالمدارس الحكومية المصرية و الذى تهدى الحكومة الإيطالية منه 4000 نسخة هدية للحكومة المصرية. 

إن ذلك الكتاب هو ثمرة جهد نخبة من أخصائيى التعليم بجامعة الأجانب بمدينة سيينا الإيطالية، و قد تمت مراجعته فى مصر بواسطة لجنة فنية مصرية - إيطالية مشتركة و يعتبر ذلك الكتاب طريقة جديدة و فعالة لتدريس اللغة الإيطالية فى المدارس.

إن ذلك الحدث يأتى فى إطار سياسة نشر اللغة الإيطالية و التى تأتى فى مرحلة التنفيذ بعد توقيع مذكرة التفاهم مع وزارة التربية والتعليم بتاريخ 28/2/2004، بهدف صياغة مجموعة من المبادرات التى تهدف إلى زيادة إنتشارلغة لهاأهمية كبرى سواء من الناحية السياحية من أجل جذب المزيد من السياح الإيطاليين إلى مصر أو من الناحية التجارية من أجل زيادة التبادل التجارى.

و لأجل مزيد من الدفع لتلك السياسة فسوف يتم تنظيم دورات تدريبية للمدرسين و منح بعثات دراسية للطلبة المتفوقين و تزويد المدرسين و المفتشين بالكتب و  بالأجهزة السمعية و البصرية الحديثة.

On August 12th 2004 in Abu el Nomros with presence of local authorities, the Director of Italian Cooperation Mr. Nino Merola will open the Community Media Centre created by the Italian NGO COSPE and  the CDA of Abu el Nomros in the framework of a 3 years cooperation project funded by Italy.

The Centre, supplied with the ultimate ICT technologies, gives courses based on the International Computer Driving Licence framework and operates like an Internet Cafe', a Computer Music Space for children, Movie Making Crew and Science Club for teenagers.

The idea is to use new technologies to cope with poverty  not only providing courses at low cost to facilitate the entry in the labour market but fighting against marginalization giving opportunities to the youngest generations to exchange ideas world wide, express themselves and be exposed to different cultures,  becoming familiar with communication technologies enhancing the participation and citizenship awareness.

In order to achieve sustainable development and provide more opportunities to the local Communities the Centre adopt a strategy of exclusive free/open source software in order to  minimize costs and constraints promoting the free access, use, improvement and exchange of technologies and applications.

From July 12 trough 14, a high-level delegation of Italian businessmen headed by Mr. Andrea Batazzi, representative of Italia Lavoro and appointed by the Italian Ministry of Labour to follow up the recruitment of Egyptian workers in Italy, will be in Cairo on an official mission.

The visit takes place in the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding on the regulation of Egyptian workers flows to Italy signed on January 19, 2004 by the Head of Emigration and Egyptian Abroad Department of the Ministry of Manpower, Mr. Moustafa Abdel Monsef, and the Assistant Minister for Immigration Affairs of the Italian Ministry of Labour, Dr. Giuseppe Silveri. Dr. Silveri already carried out a follow up visit to Egypt in March 2004.

The agreement aims at regulating the legal migration of Egyptian workers to Italy, taking into account the requirements of the Italian labour market, particularly in the fields of agriculture, tourism and construction.

Purpose of the visit is making a pre-selection of specific professional figures (painters, masons, floor layers, tile settlers, blacksmiths), as part of the pilot project of selection and training of Egyptian workers.

During the visit, the Italian delegation is expected to meet with the Italian Ambassador to Egypt H.E. Antonio Badini, with the Minister of Manpower and Emigration Mr. Mostafa Abdel Monsef and with officials of the Emigration Section of the said Ministry.

The delegation will also visit renowned educational and professional training centres in Egypt, such as the American University of Cairo, the Cairo University and the Italian Institute “Don Bosco”.

It is worth mentioning that the authority responsible for the selection of Egyptian workers interested in job opportunities in Italy is the Ministry of Manpower and Emigration.

بيان صحفي

من الثانى عشر حتى الرابع عشرمن يوليو سيأتى إلى القاهرة فى مهمة رسمية وفد رفيع المستوى من رجال الأعمال الإيطاليين . و يرأس الوفد السيد/ أندريا باتاتسي الذي يمثل مؤسسة "إيطاليا لاﭬـورو" . و تعتبر الزيارة تطبيق لتوجيهات وزير العمل الايطالي من أجل متابعة موضوع تشغيل العمالة المصرية في ايطاليا.

  و تأتى الزيارة فى اطار مذكرة التفاهم الخاصة بتنظيم تدفق العمالة المصرية إلى ايطاليا والتي قام بتوقيعها فى 19 يناير 2004 السيد/ مصطفى عبد المنصف – رئيس قطاع الهجرة و المصريين المغتربين بوزارة القوى العاملة المصرية والدكتور/ جوزيبي سيلفيري – مساعد وزير شئون الهجرة الايطالي بوزارة العمل الايطالية. ولقد قام الدكتور سيلفيري بزيارة سابقة لمصر في شهر مارس 2004من أجل متابعة الموضوع.

  و يهدف الاتفاق الى تنظيم الهجرة الشرعية للعمالة المصرية إلى ايطاليا، مع أخذ متطلبات سوق العمل الايطالي في الاعتبار ، و خاصة في مجالات الزراعة و السياحة و التشييد. تهدف الزيارة الى القيام باختيار مبدئى لمتخصصين في مجالات محددة مثل (اعمال الدهانات – اعمال البناء – اعمال الارضيات – اعمال التبليط – اعمال الحدادة) كجزء من المشروع الارشادى لاختيار وتدريب العمالة المصرية. من المتوقع أن يلتقي الوفد الايطالي خلال الزيارة بالسفير الايطالي/ انطونيو باديني والسيد/ مصطفى عبد المنصف – رئيس قطاع الهجرة بوزارة القوى العاملة المصرية وكذلك بمسئولى قطاع الهجرة بالوزارة.

  كما سيقوم الوفد الايطالي بزيارة بعض المراكز التعليمية والمهنية المعروفة مثل الجامعة الامريكية بالقاهرة وجامعة القاهرة وكذلك المعهد الفني الايطالي "دون بوسكو".

ومن الجدير بالذكر ان وزارة القوى العاملة والهجرة المصرية هي الجهة المختصة باختيار العمال المصريين المهتمين بفرص العمل المتاحة فى إيطاليا.

Signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of Egypt and Italy with particular reference to the field of clean technology in transportation, energy policy and  air quality in urban areas. 

On June 21, 2004, the Egyptian Minister of State for Environmental Affairs, H.E. Dr. Mamdouh Riad, and the Italian Ambassador in Egypt, H.E. Antonio Badini, signed a Memorandum of Understanding between Italy and Egypt.

The MoU was signed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the presence of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Fayza Abou El Naga.

In an effort to strengthen the relations between the government of Egypt and Italy, the Italian Government proposed a bi-lateral agreement with particular reference to the field of clean technology in transportation, energy policy and air quality in urban areas.
Through this MOU both sides will identify a list of projects that will affect air quality in Egypt by reducing pollution in congested urban areas using innovative clean technologies in the above-mentioned activities, enlarging also the use of natural gas. 
The MOU is part of the MEDA 2 Program of the European Union for funding projects in the Mediterranean non EU countries.

This activity has been promoted by the Italian National Research Council of Naples (Engine Institute) involving other Mediterranean Arab Countries (Morocco-Syria- Lebanon-Tunisia).
Arabia Gas is appointed by both parties as a coordinating body to identify and to develop the technical work plan of the project.

مذكرة تفاهم فى مجال التكنولوجيا النظيفة

 بين حكومة الجمهورية الإيطالية و حكومة جمهورية مصر العربية

 فى الحادى و العشرين من يونيو 2004 ، وقع وزير الدولة لشئون البيئة دكتور ممدوح رياض و سفير إيطاليا بالقاهرة أنطونيو بادينى مذكرة تفاهم بين إيطاليا و مصر. 

و قد تم توقيع مذكرة التفاهم بمقر وزارة الخارجية فى حضور وزيرة الدولة للشئون الخارجية السيدة/ فايزة أبو النجا.

و رغبة فى توطيد العلاقات بين حكومتى مصر و إيطاليا ، إقترحت الحكومة الإيطالية اتفاقا ثنائيا بين الحكومتين يتناول بصفة خاصة مجال التكنولوجيا النظيفة فى قطاعات النقل و سياسات الطاقة و جودة الهواء فى المناطق السكنية. 

و بموجب مذكرة التفاهم هذه سيحدد الطرفان قائمة بالمشروعات التى ستؤثر على جودة الهواء فى مصر من خلال خفض التلوث فى المناطق السكنية المزدحمة باستخدام تكنولوجيا نظيفة مستحدثة فى الأنشطة المذكورة أعلاه و كذلك من خلال التوسع فى استخدام الغاز الطبيعى. 

و مذكرة التفاهم تعتبر جزء من برنامج ميدا 2 التابع للاتحاد الأوروبى.  و هو برنامج لتمويل المشروعات فى الدول البحرمتوسطية غير المنتمية للاتحاد الأوروبى.  

و يقوم المجلس القومى الإيطالى للأبحاث بنابولى (معهد الطاقة) بتشجيع هذه المبادرة  التى تضم دولا عربية متوسطية أخرى (المغرب – سوريا – لبنان – تونس)

و قد اختار الطرفان آرابيا جاز لتكون الجهة المعنية بالتنسيق لتحديد خطة الأعمال الفنية للمشروع. 

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF IN SHARM EL SHEIKH

On June 12, 2004, the Italian Embassy in Cairo, in collaboration with the Governorate of South Sinai and with the cooperation of the Sharm el Sheikh Association of Investors, organized a round table on the development of tourism in Sharm el Sheikh at the Movempick Jolie Ville in Naama Bay.

Sharm, for the massive presence of Italians, has become a place whose future development concerns not only Egypt but Italy as well. For these reasons, representatives of the two countries and sector operators organized this meeting, which was focused on the “resource” tourism and the most appropriate ways to implement it.

The round table was opened by H.E. Ambassador Antonio Badini and by H.E. the Governor of South Sinai Mustafa Afifi. The Minister of Tourism H.E. Mahmud Beltagi and the Minister for the Enviroment H.E. Riad Tadros also attended the meeting. The responsible of the different sectors of the Italian Embassy, of the Cultural Institute and of the Italian Consulate in Cairo, Sharm el Sheikh investors and sectors operators intervened.

Several important issues were discussed like the priority of protecting Sharm`s natural resources (see environmental programme Italian Cooperation for Development), the possible improvements in the quality of services offered to tourists - in the first place means of transportation and sanitary services-, the development of local handicrafts, and the possibility of promoting new tourist segments, like sport, congress, and therapeutic tourism.

ALESSANDRO GOPPION`S VISIT TO EGYPT

From June 13 through 17, Italian Architect Alessandro Goppion, holder of “Studio Museotecnico Goppion”, the leading Italian company in displaying systems for museums and libraries, visited Cairo. Alessandro Goppion realized projects for prestigious international institutions, like the British Museum, the Louvre and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt. In Cairo, Goppion met the Egyptian authorities and evaluated the possibility of being part of the team that Italy intends to provide for the realization of the New Egyptian Museum.

Italy`s ambition of becoming the Egyptian partner in the realization of the new museum is based on its historical tradition of collaboration between the two countries in the archaeological field. Italian archaeologists discovered important sites, the Greek and Roman Museum of Alexandria was founded and directed for a long time by Italians, and Papyrology  itself received important contributions by the Italian Archaeologist Breccia. In addition to this, Italy contributed to the salvation of the ancient Egyptian monuments threatened after the creation of Lake Nasser, moving Isis` temple to Philae.

Important names of Italian archaeologists – Sergio Donadoni, Edda Bresciani, Paolo Gallo - will be part of the scientific committee that is working on the selection of the collections which, once restored and organized, will be shifted to the New Egyptian Museum.

Conference on “The Legal Aspects for production and commercialization of Horticultural Crops”

On June 6, 2004, from 8.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m., a conference on “The Legal Aspects for production and commercialization of Horticultural Crops” has been held at the premises of the Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGERI), in the Agricultural Reasearch Center. The conference, organized by the Union of Producers and Exporters of Horticultural Crops (UPEHC) in cooperation with the Italian Embassy in Cairo and the European Center J. Monnet of Rome, focused on the juridical aspects of the harmonization of technical rules of production and commercialization of agri-food products in the Mediterranean area. Commercial aspects concerning the production and commercialization of Mediterranean products to be exported to Europe as well as Egypt/UPEHC export and partnership opportunities were also discussed during the conference.

The event has been included in the framework of the protocol on the “Green Corridor” initiative launched in February 2002 by the Italian and the Egyptian Ministers of Agriculture, and warmly encouraged by the Italian Embassy in Cairo. The “Green Corridor” project aims to establish a permanent and effective channel for the commercialization of Egyptian agricultural products and their export to the Italian and European markets through three means: facilitating agricultural production, port procedures and maritime transportation.

25th April 2004

Second edition of the MEDITERRE and signature of the Twinning and Cooperation Agreement between the Italian National Park of the Gran Sasso and the Laga Mountains and the protected area of Wady El Rayan in Fayoum

From the 22nd to the 25th April, an Egyptian delegation led by Prof. Moustafa Fouda, Head of Nature Conservation Sector of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) participated to the Second edition of the MEDITERRE, an event dedicated to parks and natural protected areas throughout the Mediterranean. The Egyptian delegation also included the Directors of the protected areas of Siwa and Gabal Elba, representatives of the Ministry of Tourism and the Supreme Council of Antiquities. The aim of the event is to promote, through the establishment of a network, the exchange of ideas and common projects among the various entities involved in the management of these areas. The event took place in the attractive setting of Otranto Castle (near Lecce, Italy),

  The event has seen the participation of twenty-three nations overlooking  the Mediterranean Sea (Gibraltar, Spain, France, Principality of Monaco, Italy, Malta, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon and Syria), plus Portugal, Andorra, Macedonia, Serbia and Jordan, whose nature, culture and history have always been significantly influenced  by the Mediterranean sea.

The Egyptian participation has been of great importance, given the extension of Egyptian protected areas which were at the centre of discussion for a full day (23.04.04). The Egyptian stand has been one of the most visited; among the visitors also the Italian vice Prime Minister Gianfranco Fini and the Italian Minister of Environment Altero Matteoli. Prof. Moustafa Fouda, addressing a large audience, illustrated the Egyptian policy in managing protected areas and underlined the importance of the Italian cooperation in the field of environment. An 18 ml. euros program (6 of which have been already made available in the last three years) is under implementation with the Egyptian Ministry of Environment. Egypt's key role in the Mediterranean network has been confirmed by the signature of the Twinning and Cooperation Agreement between the Italian National Park of the Gran Sasso and the Laga Mountains and the protected area of Wady El Rayan in Fayoum. The protocol has been signed at Otranto on 25^th April 2004, in the presence of the Italian Minister of Environment, by Prof. Moustafa Fouda and Mr. Aldo Cosentino, General Director for Environment Protection of the Italian Ministry of Environment.

This evening (March 30th, 2004), an important agreement between two Poverty Alleviation Programme (PAP) agencies will be signed at the premises of the Italian Cultural Institute, in the framework of the activities organized for the Italian-sponsored Minia Promotion Week.

The two local agencies, from the Governorates of Minia and Giza, are part of the Italian-funded Poverty Alleviation Programme, focusing on the mechanisms for local poverty alleviation and job creation.

These agencies are composed of 28 associations for the development of local communities, which participate to the project of “rotating loans”, financed by an Italian grant to Egypt. As of today these agencies managed to organize and allocate more than 23.000 credits (for an overall amount of more than 80 millions LE) to workers and beneficiaries with a minimum salary or without income.

Through this agreement, the two agencies will facilitate and help the mutual promotion of craft items and goods produced by the targeted workers of the two Governorates. Among the other activities, the collaboration will provide useful exchange of experience, training, and support for the organization of exhibitions.

بيان صحفى

سيتم مساء اليوم توقيع اتفاق هام بين وكالتى برنامج الحد من الفقر و ذلك بمقر المعهد الثقافى الإيطالى فى إطار أنشطة أسبوع الترويج لمحافظة المنيا الممول من الجانب الإيطالى. 

إن الوكالتين المحليتين تنتميان إلى محافظتى المنيا و الجيزة و هما جزء من برنامج الحد من الفقر الممول من إيطاليا  و يتركز نشاط الوكالتين على محاربة الفقر و خلق فرص عمل جديدة فى المحافظتين. 

إن هاتين الوكالتين تتكونان من 28 جمعية تعمل من أجل تنمية المجتمعات المحلية التى تشارك فى مشروع القروض الدوارة الممول من منحة إيطالية مقدمة لمصر.  و بدءا من اليوم ستتمكن الوكالتان من تنظيم منح أكثر من 23 ألف قرض تبلغ قيمتها الإجمالية أكثر من 80 مليون جنيه مصرى.  ستخصص هذه القروض للعمال و للمستفيدين من ذوى الدخل المنخفض أو من معدومى الدخل.

كما ستقوم الوكالتان من خلال هذا الاتفاق بتيسير الترويج المتبادل للمصنوعات و السلع التى ينتجها العمال الموجه إليهم البرنامج فى المحافظتين.  و من بين الأنشطة الأخرى سيقدم هذا التعاون تبادلا مفيدا للخبرات و التدريب و الدعم لتنظيم المعارض.

$US 16 Million Program for Environmental Management

Launch of the second phase of the Egyptian-Italian Environment Co-operation Program

Egypt’s Minister of State for Environmental Affairs will host on 7 March 2004, a signing ceremony for nine projects under the second phase of the Egyptian-Italian Environment Co-operation Program (EIECP). Under the sponsorship of the Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs, the Italian Government and the United Nations Development Program, the projects will be funded from bilateral Italian assistance amounting to US$11.2 million and an Italian debt-for-development swap of US$ 4.4 million.

According to Italian Ambassador, Antonio Badini, “These projects will provide Egyptian decision-makers with a number of lessons-learned and best practices, which could be used as the basis for developing national policies for protecting and conserving Egypt’s diverse and rich environment”.

Over the next 3 years, EIECP II will implement a series of projects aimed at supporting the management of Egypt’s natural resources. The program will test a number of innovative methods for better managing some of Egypt’s most precious natural assets, while also providing a means to overcome poverty and generate secure livelihoods for people in those regions where the 9 projects will be implemented. This will include developing methods for managing solid waste in Minya, introducing techniques for sustainable agriculture in Siwa, conserving ancient cultural heritage sites and monuments at Saqqara and Fayoum and testing a decision support system for water resources. In addition the programme will create income-generating opportunities through eco-tourism in the protected areas of Siwa, Wadi Rayan and Gabal Elba.  A tenth project, worth US $ 1.1 will also be signed (Biomap), which will aim to protect Egypt’s natural heritage and biodiversity.

بيان صحفى

برنامج لادارة البيئة بتكلفة 16 مليون دولار

اطلاق المرحلة الثانية من برنامج التعاون المصرى الإيطالى للبيئة.

سيستضيف وزير شئون البيئة المصرى يوم 7 مارس 2004 مراسم الاحتفال بتوقيع تسعة مشروعات تضمها المرحلة الثانية من برنامج التعاون المصرى الإيطالى للبيئة.  و سيتم تحت رعاية وزارة الدولة لشئون البيئة و الحكومة الإيطالية و برنامج الأمم المتحدة الإنمائى تمويل هذه المشروعات من خلال منحة إيطالية مقدارها 2, 11 مليون دولار بالإضافة إلى 4, 4 مليون دولار من أموال برنامج مبادلة الديون الإيطالية. 

و طبقا لما صرح به السفير الإيطالي فإن "هذه المشروعات ستمد صانعى القرار المصريين بعدد من الدروس المستفادة و أفضل الخبرات لتكون بمثابة قاعدة لتطوير السياسات الوطنية لحماية البيئة المصرية الثرية".

و خلال الثلاثة أعوام القادمة سيقوم برنامج التعاون المصرى الإيطالى للبيئة  - فى مرحلته الثانية – بتنفيذ مجموعة من المشروعات تهدف إلى دعم إدارة الموارد الطبيعية فى مصر. كما سيختبر البرنامج عددا من الأساليب الجديدة من أجل إدارة أفضل لبعض من أغلى ثروات مصر الطبيعية ، بينما يقدم فى الوقت ذاته وسائل للتغلب على الفقر و تأمين فرص معيشة للمواطنين فى تلك المناطق التى سيتم تنفيذ التسعة مشروعات فيها.  كما سيتضمن ذلك تطوير طرق إدارة المخلفات الصلبة فى المنيا و تقديم تقنيات من أجل الزراعة المستدامة فى سيوة و الحفاظ على الآثار و مواقع التراث الثقافى القديمة فى سقارة و الفيوم و تجربة نظام لدعم اتخاذ القرار فيما يتعلق بالموارد المائية. و سيخلق البرنامج فرصا لايجاد مصادر للدخل من خلال  السياحة البيئية فى محميات سيوة و وادى الريان و جبل علبة.  و سيتم التوقيع كذلك على اتفاق عاشر (خريطة بيولوجية) قيمته 1, 1 مليون دولار و يهدف إلى حماية الثروة الطبيعية و تنوع الأحياء الطبيعية فى مصر.

Press release

From the 18 to the 20 of March 2004, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Fayza Aboulnaga, and the Ambassador of Italy to Egypt, H. E. Antonio Badini, will make a visit to Siwa to focus on the possible ways and means to support the development of the oasis, both at the national and international levels. Other Ministers might join the delegation, together with high-ranking Government Officials and Ambassadors.

The Italian Government supports the Siwa Environmental Amelioration Project, in the framework of the Egyptian-Italian Environmental Cooperation Program (EIECP), implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs.

The EIECP has the overall objective “to contribute to the protection of Egypt’s natural and cultural resources”, and aims in particular at strengthening local capabilities to analyze and implement measures to preserve and rehabilitate natural and cultural environments.

It also aims at expanding available natural resources to increase productivity, reduce migration, improve living conditions of the local population and enhance the role of the Egyptian Environmental Affair Agency in the protection of the environment.

While securing links with the local institutions (Governorate and municipality) and traditional representatives (sheikhs) of the tribes, the first phase of the Siwa Project achieved considerable results, as for instance the establishment of the Siwan Association, an NGO which has initiated the exports of certified organic products, and the constitution of a Protected Area.

A second phase of the project is due to start soon; and will focus on the development of sustainable agriculture, and, through the support of Italian NGOs, on cultural heritage, eco-tourism and handicrafts, with the active participation of women.

بيـان صحفي

  تقوم السيدة / فايزة أبو النجا ، وزيرة الدولة للشئون الخارجية و السيد / أنطونيو باديني ، سفير إيطاليا بالقاهرة بزيارة إلى واحة سيوة في الفترة من 18 إلى 20 مارس 2004 لبحث السبل و الوسائل الممكنة لدعم تنمية الواحة على الصعيدين الوطنى و الدولي. ومن المحتمل أن يرافقهما في الزيارة بعض الوزراء و لفيف من كبار المسئولين    و السفراء.

إن الحكومة الإيطالية تقوم بدعم مشروع تحسين البيئة في سيوة في إطار برنامج التعاون البيئي المصري الإيطالي ، الذي تم تنفيذه بالتعاون مع وزارة الدولة لشئون البيئة.

يهدف مشروع تحسين البيئة في سيوة إلى "المساهمة في حماية الموارد الطبيعية و الثقافية المصرية" ، كما يهدف بنوع خاص إلى تقوية القدرات المحلية لتحليل و تنفيذ الإجراءات التي من شأنها حماية و إعادة تأهيل البيئة الطبيعية و الثقافي ةكما تهدف إلى توسيع الموارد الطبيعية المتاحة لتعظيم الإنتاجية و لتقليل الهجرة     و تحسين الظروف المعيشية للسكان المحليين و تدعيم الدور الذي تلعبه الوكالة المصرية لشئون البيئة في ماية البيئة.

 وفي ظل الإتصالات المستمرة مع السلطات المحلية (المحافظة و مجلس المدينة) و مع شيوخ القبائل ، أسفرت المرحلة الأولى لمشروع سيوة عن نتائج هامة نذكر منها على سبيل المثال تأسيس جمعية سيوة وهى جمعية أهلية بدأت نشاطها بتصدير منتجات عضوية معتمدة و إقامة إحدى المحميات أما المرحلة الثانية التي على وشك الإنطلاق فسوف تركز على التنمية المستدامة للزراعة و من خلال دعم الجمعيات الأهلية الإيطالية  ستتم التنمية المستدامة للتراث الثقافي و السياحة البيئية و الحرف اليدوية بالمشاركة الفعالة لنساء واحة سيوة.

New Protocol on the Scientific Cooperation between Italy and Egypt

On the 29^th of February 2004, of 12.00 noon, at the Ministry for Scientific Research, the Minister of Higher Education and of Scientific Research, H.E. Mofed Shehab, and the Italian Ambassador in Cairo, H.E. Antonio Badini, will sign a new Protocol on the Scientific Cooperation between Italy and Egypt.

This Protocol will last for three years, and will promote bilateral collaboration of scientific research areas as:

• Space and remote sensing technology;

• Biotechnology;

• Microelectronics;

• Environment and energy;

• Technology transfer and innovation;

• New materials and ecologically sustainable technology;

• Technological transfer to Small and Medium Enterprises.

The protocol envisages also the financing of 27 bilateral projects, to be approved and selected by the parties, on biotechnology, environment, new materials and technological transfer in order to increase exchanges with the Egyptian researchers.

All these projects will be carried out to favour post-graduate training courses, and training courses for senior researchers.

بيان صحفى

يوم التاسع و العشرون من فبراير، فى الثانية عشرة ظهرا، سوف يوقع الوزير مفيد شهاب، وزيرالتعليم العالى و الدولة للبحث العلمى، مع السفير الايطالى بالقاهرة السيد انطونيو بادينى، بمقر وزارة البحث العلمى، بروتوكولا جديدا يتعلق بالتغاون العلمى بين مصر و ايطاليا.

و مدة البروتوكول ثلاث سنوات، والهدف منه تنشيط التعاون الثنائى من أجل تنفيذ مشروعات جديدة فى مجال البحث و ذلك فى المجالات الأتية:

 - تكنولوجيا الفضاء

التكنولوجيا البيولوجية

الميكروالكترونيات

البيئة و الطاقة 

نقل التكنولوجيا و التحديث

مواد جديدة فى مجال تكنولوجيا البيئة

ينص البروتوكول على الدعم المالى ل27 مشروعا ثنائيا تم اختيارها و التصديق عليها من الجانبين فى مجالات التكنولوجيا البيولوجية و البيئة و نقل التكنولوجيا، و ذلك بهدف زيادة تبادل الباحثين المصريين فى مصر و ايطاليا.

و تهدف كل هذه المشروعات الى زيادة برامج التدريب للمتخرجين و الباحثين.

Signature Of The Memorandum Of Understanding on the Egyptian-Italian Environmental Cooperation Program between the governments of Italy And Egypt.

On Wednesday November 5, 2003, a Memorandum of Understanding on the Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation Program (EIECP) has been signed between the Ambassador of Italy to Egypt H.E. Antonio Badini and the Egyptian Minister of State for Environmental Affairs H.E. Mamdouh Ryad.

The EIECP phase II has the overall objective “to contribute to the protection of Egypt’s natural and cultural resources”, and aims in particular at strengthening local capabilities to analyze and implement measures to preserve and rehabilitate natural, cultural and man-made environments.

It also aims at expanding available natural resources to increase productivity, reduce migration and improve living conditions and at reinforcing the role of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency and partner institutions for the protection of the environment. In addition, one of the targets of the Italian Cooperation is to increase the opportunities for civil society to participate in  the dialogue between Egyptian-Italian institutions through non governmental cooperation.

The programme includes projects for 9 million Euro allocated by the Italian side, while the Egyptian counterpart will finance the project with 21.413.760 L.E. through the Italian-Egyptian Debt for Development Swap Programme, plus in-kind contributions.

The agreement will deal with the following intervention areas:

• Conservation of Natural Resources which includes strengthening of protected areas, environmental awareness and education, promotion of sustainable eco-tourism, local community and handicraft production.
• Site management of cultural assets.
• Solid waste management.
• Sustainable agriculture.
• Institutional and legal support.
• Decision support system on water resource management.

The projects will be implemented through local institutions which include the EE.AA (Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency), the NCS (Natural Conservation Sector), the Ministry of Irrigation, the SCA (Supreme Council of Antiquities), the Governatorates of Minia, Fayoum and Matrouh plus the Siwa Municipality which has been recently visited by the Italian Ambassador,  within the framework of Egyptian – Italian Co-operation for Development and specifically on the Siwa Environmental Amelioration Project. Local NGOs will also play a big role in enhancing achievements of objectives.

The Programme is executed in partnership with UNDP.