Ebeid, Schroeder to discuss means of activating joint cooperation

Egypt's Prime Minister Atef Ebeid and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder "will review on Sunday morning mechanisms by which eleven programs of cooperation between Egypt and Germany could be put into effect," an official source at the Cabinet said Friday.

The joint programs cover various fields, including development projects, protection of investments, prevention of dual taxation and air and sea transportation.

"Their talks would deal with invoking a cooperation agreement between the two countries businessmen so as to set up investment ventures and make the use of the highly advanced German technology in the field of information technology and the production of cars and foodstuffs," the source said.

Talks will also discuss the setting up of projects of new renewable energy, the source said, adding that they would also probe the project of moving all tannery houses to a new place at a cost of L.E. 7.7 million.

"The trade exchange between the two countries is surging as Germany contributes to over 63 projects in Egypt," he said.

Ebeid has recently discussed with the deputy head of the German firm Siemens means of setting up in Egypt a joint company for the production of advanced electronics for local consumption and for export to neighbouring countries.