SCZone Eyes Stronger Belgian Investment in Ports, Logistics, and Advanced Manufacturing

The Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) stepped up efforts to deepen economic ties with Belgium, hosting Belgian Ambassador to Egypt Bart De Groof for high-level talks focused on expanding investment and industrial cooperation across a range of strategic sectors.

The meeting, held at the SCZone headquarters in Ain Sokhna, underscored both sides' interest in strengthening partnerships in priority industries, including ports and logistics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, engineering and metal industries, as well as food and beverage manufacturing.

The Belgian delegation was welcomed by Captain Ahmed Gamal, SCZone Vice Chairman for the Southern Zone, and Mostafa Shekhoun, Vice Chairman for Investment and Promotion, alongside senior SCZone executives and the Belgian Embassy's commercial attaché.

During the discussions, SCZone officials presented the authority's investment strategy, highlighting the competitive advantages that have positioned the economic zone as one of the region's leading manufacturing and logistics destinations. Officials emphasized the zone's strategic location along the Suez Canal, the world's busiest maritime trade corridor, and its integrated network of Red Sea and Mediterranean ports connected to industrial and logistics hubs.

The presentation also showcased the benefits available to investors, including Egypt's extensive network of international free trade agreements, which provide manufacturers operating within the SCZone with preferential access to markets representing more than two billion consumers worldwide. Officials further highlighted the zone's modern infrastructure, reliable utilities, competitive energy supply, and skilled workforce as key drivers of investment.

Talks also explored opportunities for closer collaboration with Belgium's business community, reflecting the country's role as a major European economic hub and home to the European Union's institutions. Particular attention was given to sectors where Belgian companies possess significant expertise, including chemicals, advanced materials, port management, logistics, pharmaceuticals, and active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Following the meeting, the Belgian delegation toured several industrial facilities within the Ain Sokhna Integrated Industrial Zone, visiting projects in renewable energy, construction materials, and one of the ready-to-operate factory complexes. The visit provided firsthand insight into successful international investment projects operating within the SCZone and the business environment supported by a combination of financial and non-financial incentives.

The visit concluded with a tour of Ain Sokhna Port, where the delegation reviewed the extensive modernization works aimed at enhancing the port's capacity and reinforcing its role as a strategic gateway in global supply chains.