Anticipated cooperation in the fields of waste recycling, water, and technology with Italian companies

The activities of the international conference and exhibition for the circular economy “Ecomondo”, which is held in the Italian city of Rimini, organized by the Italian Exhibition Group and in cooperation with several governmental entities, universities, and Italian organizations concerned with the environment, have concluded.

Over the course of 4 days spent by the “Green Future” site inside the exhibition halls, numerous solutions, innovations, and new technologies offered by European companies in the fields of water desalination, waste recycling, and sewage treatment were monitored to keep up with global development and complete plans to reduce carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality.

Many of the booths dedicated to companies working in the field of waste recycling witnessed a large turnout of visitors, and a festival of discussions and consultations regarding purchasing operations for equipment was held.

It is expected to be accomplished in the coming period, and the same applies to companies producing environmental and sustainability solutions.

The benefits of moving towards a green, emission-free economy are estimated at around 689 billion euros over 10 years, compared to cumulative costs of 136.7 billion euros from the European regulatory package for carbon removal alone.

The Arab presence was noticeable at Ecomondo, especially with the presence of representatives and visitors from Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Jordan, and Lebanon.

Numerous discussions and joint workshops were conducted between representatives of the Arab delegations and Italian companies to consult on future cooperation and learn about new technologies in the field of the circular economy.

The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Cairo organized a visit of the Egyptian delegation to “Ecomondo”. The delegation included about 60 individuals representing various Egyptian industrial entities and institutions working in various industries, including engineering and chemical.

Italian innovations attract Egyptian companies

The Egyptian side held numerous visits and intensive discussions with many companies present at the exhibition over 4 days, exceeding 100 meetings, with some companies expressing their willingness to cooperate with the private sector in Egypt in the fields of plastics and waste recycling.

Jihan Heiba, the president of Green Services for Environmental Services, said that she conducted several visits to Italian companies at “Ecomondo” to learn about the latest innovations and technologies in the field of waste recycling, which her company operates in.

She explained that her company is about to operate a new waste recycling plant in the Beni Suef area and has purchased the necessary equipment and devices for the plant, with other expansion plans that they aim to implement in the coming period.

She emphasized the need for cooperation with European entities and facilitating obstacles for future cooperation in line with Egypt’s vision to enhance cooperation with friendly countries targeting carbon neutrality through announced plans.

Mostafa El-Zoghbi, the president of Acropol Energy Solutions, said that Egypt has made significant strides towards diversifying electricity production sources and the energy mix and is currently seeking to enhance its plan, which requires keeping up with technological advancements in this industry.

He mentioned that many discussions were held with companies of different nationalities at “Ecomondo”, especially since his company operates in the field of renewable energy and heating, and there is advanced technology in this matter.

He clarified that the company is looking to implement projects both inside and outside Egypt according to a long-term strategy, and the company is about to execute new projects in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and intends to enter other markets in the Middle East.

He mentioned that the company is cooperating with Doctors Without Borders to provide small-scale solar power stations to supply electricity to hospitals in Gaza in the near future.

Okolo Ekechukwu, the president of ARIK Real Estate Investment Company in Egypt, said that the company aims to enhance its investments and projects in Egypt by partnering and allying with other entities, whether Arab or Italian.

He continued, “The company has various packages of projects in Egypt and needs a system in the field of waste recycling and the benefit from sewage treatment, and many conversations were held with manufacturers in Italy on the sidelines of participating in Ecomondo.”