The gathering of partners and stakeholders in Beirut, Lebanon on the 18th and 19th October 2022 witnessed a number of significant events. Not only did it mark the for the 3^rd TECHLOG Steering Committee meeting and the Launch of the Eastern Living Lab, but it also marked the signing of two cooperation agreements to create a framework to facilitate and develop cooperation in the implementation of TECHLOG project activities.

During the opening session on October 18th, presentations from various partners' representatives included one by Dr. Sandra Haddad, Vice Dean for Scientific Research, College of International Transport and Logistics at Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport (AASTMT) about the TECHLOG Eastern Living Lab's aims and activities, as well as explaining AASTMT's capabilities and scale in terms of the number of campuses, colleges, and simulator complexes. Dr. Sandra also showed photos of the AASTMT-prepared Eastern Living Lab, which is set to begin training and practical activities in March 2023. The presentation was followed by the signing of two agreements for collaboration in innovation and training between AASTMT and the Egyptian Global Logistics Company, with Eng. Mohamed Medhat El Kady (Marketing and Contract Manager) present, and Ship & C.R.E.W, represented by Mrs. Sherine Fawzy (Business Administration Manager).

Egyptian Global Logistics Company (EGL)

EGL was established in 1999, following the success story of the parent company Kadmar Shipping Co. founded in 1983 by Admiral Mahmoud Hatem El-Kady. Admiral El-Kady is a well-known figure in the maritime industry in Egypt and the Middle East. The group started with 4 employees, and currently they have over 400 experts working within KADMAR GROUP. EGL offers transport and logistics solutions, where the amount of work done by EGL in ocean, air and road freight is phenomenal. The company had more than 200 logistics experts serving clients with 18 offices in Egypt and Tunisia and more than 10,000 partners. EGL is equipped with 7 bonded and non-bonded storage facilities, and 150,000 SQM of warehousing & storage facilities.

EGL takes training as a serious matter at all levels. More than 5% of the companies budget are spent on professional training, human resource techniques to improve staff and company performance. EGL also support post graduate studies for their employees, where 8 employees hold a master of Business Administration Degree (MBA) and 3 Doctoral of Business Administration (DBA). Other professional certificates gained by employees include; 15 licensed customs brokers, 9 FIATA Diplomas (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations) and 2 Higher-FIATA Diploma in Supply chain management. Women are encouraged to take leadership positions within all companies to reach a target is 40% by 2022. EGL also complies with worldwide quality assurance standards; ISO 9001 – 14001 – 45001.

Ship & C.R.E.W

Ship & C.R.E.W was established in 1993. Strongly present in all Egyptian ports, it is a market leader in Port Operations, Container Service and Land Transport. Ship & C.R.E.W lives by its slogan “Your trusted partner”. Admiral Mahmoud El Sammak is the company’s founder, a highly knowledgeable man in the maritime Field who has a large network of relations due to his naval background. Its integrated services, innovative solutions and ethical practices have proven their dependability to customers, global entities and local authorities over the years. The company has been keen on adhering to the requirements of ISO 9001, ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 further enabling it to provide a distinguished service while upholding its environmental and social responsibilities. The company’s values focus on; integrity and quality, sustainability, cost effectiveness and efficiency, customer centric, interdependence, agile & competitive and team work.

The company’s excellent track record has enabled it to take the lead on several national projects relating to clean energy production. Ship & C.R.E.W. transported equipment on site to the solar power generation project in Benban, Aswan. The company also unloaded windmills in several ports to advance the wind energy project. Its integrated services, highly trained team and responsible attitude prepared Ship & C.R.E.W. to complete all operations up to standard.

The signed protocols aim to establish an appropriate framework for facilitating and developing cooperation in the implementation of the TECHLOG project's activities. TECHLOG intends to drive knowledge-based development and a collaborative R&D process that addresses the actual needs of the EU-Med (transport) community. The agreements also intend to broaden the scope of cooperation, strengthen coordination, and exchange experiences and knowledge, with the understanding that coordination and cooperation would improve the effectiveness of their respective activities, particularly in the areas of training, innovation, capacity building, and technical consultancy.

In the framework of the TECHLOG Project, the College of International Transport and Logistics – AASTMT and the Egyptian logistics companies aim to:

1. develop common actions aimed at ensuring that training and innovation take on a truly primary role in the company objectives, assigning knowledge and effective human capital and concrete strategic value;
2. activate opportunities for discussion and sharing on training, research, and technology transfer paths;
3. promote and coordinate innovation initiatives in the transport field of interest and taking part in related pilot actions

AASTMT will make every effort to work with logistics stakeholders to co-create at least one innovation/training initiative based on the use of advanced driving simulators. The co-design process will consist of three steps: analyzing Egyptian Global Logistics Company's innovation needs, defining innovation goals (Company and College), and designing innovation strategies (Company and College). A thematic pilot action to test and validate the proposed innovation initiative will also be also be taken into account.