Written by: Suhaib Shams
The General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone succeeded in attracting diverse investments and developing an integrated system to support industrial and logistical activities, benefiting from its strategic location on one of the most important global trade corridors. Indicators showed that total investments in the industrial zones affiliated with the authority reached about $16.91 billion through 560 industrial projects.
Development of Industrial Projects and Ports
The economic zone includes 4 industrial zones and 6 ports on the Mediterranean and Red Seas, with a total area of 455 square kilometers, where the number of operating facilities in the zone exceeded 700 facilities. The industrial projects are distributed among 161 projects that have already entered the production phase, while 399 projects are still in the stages of construction and completing procedures. In the ports sector, project investments reached about $1.68 billion, reflecting tangible expansion in activities related to marine and logistical services.
Strategic Expansion in the East Port Said Region
The East Port Said region witnessed remarkable development over the past three years, with 54 projects signed with investments amounting to $1.54 billion. These projects aim to support feeder industries and expand the production base, contributing to the provision of new job opportunities. The economic zone has provided a total of about 163,000 direct job opportunities, with an additional 70,000 job opportunities provided within current project indicators.
Distribution of Industrial Activities and Digital Services
The authority relies on a strategy to distribute activities according to the competitive advantages of each region; where the Qantara West region focuses on textile and food industries, while the Sokhna region includes chemical, engineering, and petrochemical industries. In the East Ismailia region, the focus is on industries based on mineral materials, while East Port Said targets various projects including industries related to railways. To facilitate business, the authority made available 18 electronic services via the single-window system to reduce the time required to complete transactions.
Trends of Deepening Local Manufacturing
The authority seeks to attract more value-added investments and localize new industries to increase reliance on the local component. Production of the first car tire factory in the economic zone is scheduled to begin next month, in a step aimed at supporting Egyptian industry, meeting the needs of the local market, and enhancing the region's ability to transform into a leading regional hub for industry and logistical services.
