Acting Director of the US Trade and Development Agency Thomas Hardy has met several Egyptian ministers, including Petroleum Minister Tarek El-Molla, to discuss the agency’s support for US commercial engagement in Egypt’s infrastructure development.

During the visit, Hardy signed a grant with Egyptian energy and electric cable corporation El Sewedy Electric to evaluate the technical, regulatory and financial viability of a waste lube oil collection and re-refining network in Egypt, the US embassy posted on its website.

“We are pleased to support this important project that will advance Egypt’s energy development goals,” Hardy said in a statement.

“Today’s grant is an excellent example of the types of projects that USTDA supports, one with a strongly committed Egyptian partner who seeks the best of U.S. technology in achieving its objectives.”

Hardy also met with leaders and members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt to explore areas of collaboration between US and Egyptian businesses.

The US Trade and Development Agency helps companies export US goods and services for priority development projects in emerging economies.

USTDA’s past successes in Egypt include a vessel traffic management system in the Suez Canal and various petrochemicals plants.