Egypt, Iraq sign IT agreement in the government’s latest push for “infrastructure diplomacy”: Egypt’s ICT Ministry signed an MoU with its Iraqi counterpart that aims to open the door for more digital infrastructure investments by companies in both countries, the cabinet said in a statement Thursday. The MoU is expected to cover cooperation in several areas including mobile and landline network coverage, e-signatures, training, legislation and policy, and joint R&D projects. The move is in line with Egypt’s efforts to encourage private sector companies to help rebuild vital infrastructure in conflict-ridden countries such as Iraq. You can learn more about Egypt’s infrastructure diplomacy in our Hardhat feature here.

Two firsts in international travel: The first direct Air Canada flight from Montreal to Cairo took off last Friday, with the airline planning to run a schedule of three weekly flights to Egypt’s capital, according to a statement. And the first EgyptAir flight from Prague landed on Friday at Hurghada International Airport, Ahram Gate reports. The national flag carrier plans to operate two weekly flights from the Czech capital to Hurghada.

Other things we’re keeping an eye on this morning:

• French international market Rungis and the Supply Ministry will establish a EUR 100 mn logistics zone for agricultural goods in Alexandria’s Borg El Arab.
• A new, joint stock company to manage wholesale markets is under consideration by the government, and could be opened to private sector participation.