Egypt: Talks between Suez Cement (SCGC) and Egyptian authorities are continuing to ensure the continued financial viability of the SCGC's Wind Farm project, according to Managing Director Bruno Carré.
The company, which is part of Italcementi Group, is currently holding discussions with the Egyptian government to reach specific terms that could help in reaching a solution. This would then help the company present the project to banks, which would provide financing for the project.
According to Carré, negotiations have been ongoing with the government since an Economic Summit that was held in March 2014 in Sharm El-Sheikh. "It's a complex issue and it's not moving as rapidly as we wanted," Carré said. He emphasised, however, that the slow progress is understandable, noting that, on the one hand, the Ministry of Electricity is proactive in ensuring the project happens, as it will help in electricity production. However, the ministry also has to bear in mind the economic balances, and will need to consider the Wind Farm project in relation to other projects, Carré added.