The opening of the New Suez Canal, slated for Thursday, shows to the world that the Egyptian people are capable of attaining achievements and that Egypt is a country that is able to confront all the challenges and finalize mega projects, said Chairman of the Egyptian-Russian Business Council (ERBC) Mikhail Orlov.

The New Suez Canal sends a message to the world in the 21st century that Egypt is an important partner in the global trade despite the challenges and difficulties it faced over the past years, he added in exclusive statements to MENA on Saturday.

The Suez Canal acquires 10 percent of the global maritime trade, he said, adding that the Suez Canal axis development project will represent an opportunity for cooperation between Egypt and Russia.

Egypt will inaugurate the New Suez Canal on August 6, which will massively increase the capacity of the existing canal and offer an important chance to boost the country’s economy.