Technological cooperation talks with France

Egyptian Prime Minister Atef Ebeid, with a French delegation yesterday discussed transferring the latest French technology and expertise in training to Egyptians in all sectors.

The French economic delegation - representing various French sectors including harbours, civil society, academia and media - was headed by Chairman of the Mediterranean Institute for Economy and Development Nicolas Boya Digues.

"The government called upon the delegation to focus on training new technicians to improve their skills and acquaint them with the latest technology to develop Egyptian products to international standards," Boya told reporters.

He said that this visit asserts the wish of France to get close to its Mediterranean partners.

"Joint industrial, electronic and developmental projects will be established with our Egyptian counterparts and French firms will contribute to upgrading local industry and transfer agricultural expertise to support the performance of agricultural research centres," said Boya.

The two governments will raise joint Egyptian-French finances to fund rural development ventures and provide technical expertise for small farmers in desert areas, he said.

"An Egyptian delegation will pay an official visit to Marseille next year and, in turn, a French delegation will come here in 2004 to promote trade and activate partnerships between the two countries," said Boya.

He added that a fraternity agreement would be signed between Marseille and the port of Alexandria in September.