The European Union’s (EU) ambassador to Egypt, Ivan Surkoš, stressed the importance of Egypt fulfilling its commitments towards lifting European cars’ tariffs starting from January 2019. He stated, “Both sides agreed, 10 years ago, to gradually decrease the tariffs by 10% every year; it is time to free tariffs.”
“I am witnessing very interesting media discussions on whether the automobile industrial cars’ prices in Egypt will be decreased or not, following the zero tariffs, but I also understand that the prices are not only controlled by tariffs,” the ambassador told Daily News Egypt during an event held at the ministry of investment and international cooperation (MIIC) on Sunday. The event was held to launch an awareness-raising campaign to combat sexual harassment in public transportation.
Furthermore, the EU has always been keen on strengthening females’ voices and participation in the public sphere in full alignment with Egypt’s National Strategy for Women’s Empowerment 2030, asserted the ambassador.
“Our support to women’s empowerment in Egypt exceeded €20m worth of projects in economic and social development areas in particular, to prevent and combat violence against women,” noted the ambassador.
Surkoš stressed that promoting safe access to public transport for women will help increase their presence in economic activities. This will eventually lead to increasing the presence of women in public spaces, seeing that the public transportation options are safer and more convenient.
“Let’s stand together to promote the rights of all women and girls in Egypt and around the world not just on this day, but all over the year.” the ambassador stated.
The launch of the campaign coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women which is celebrated worldwide until the 10th of December.
