Al Abbas Transport, one of the foremost transport and logistics firms in the region, announced Tuesday 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's Shatat Group of Investments in Egypt and Saudi Arabia's Cardoba and Radwa Groups. Commenting on the announcement, Mohamed Atta Gad, Chairman and Managing Director of Al Abbas Transport, said “Al Abbas Transport has seen cargo volumes to Sudan rise in the past year, reflecting the increased trade between Egypt and Sudan and prompting us to add a new transport route. The new road connecting southern Egypt and Northern Sudan is also a testament to the stronger ties between our two countries. To expand our logistics network and be the first company to inaugurate such a breakthrough transport route is something we are proud to do.” 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 Egypt and North Sudan with a total investment of $150 million under a Build Operate Transfer accord in order to encourage trade between the two countries. According to recent statistics, Egypt was 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. Transport and logistics activities are also expected to increase due to the heightened trade between the two countries. Al Abbas Transport will launch its new route and begin using the Erqan to Dongola road by initially sending 20 trucks per day loaded with various goods and merchandise. The final destination for merchandise 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 commodities, goods and merchandise between Egypt and Sudan as well as ultimately destinations further into Africa such as Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. This better serves our customers by providing them timely and efficient cargo delivery to their intended destinations,” Atta Gad further said. With already substantial shipments of goods and strong business ties, Al Abbas Transport has been doing business in Sudan for over twelve 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. — SG
