Mohamed Shaaban, the Vice-President of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) for the Southern Region, said that development work is currently underway in Sokhna Port to turn it into the most important and largest hub on the Red Sea that serves global trade.
He explained that Ain Sokhna enjoys a distinguished geographical location, as its port is close to the industrial and logistical zone, which allows for the creation of an integrated area affiliated to the SCZone. Moreover, it allows it to benefit from the presence of investors and major projects there, where the necessary infrastructure and facilities are available.
The area also facilitates export operations to international markets, especially Asian markets.
Furthermore, the port’s components contribute to providing marine services and ship catering services according to the highest international standards.
Shaaban’s statements were made on behalf of President of the SCZone Yehia Zaki at the Red Sea Maritime Transport and Logistics Conference (RSMTL), which kicked off on Sunday morning with the participation of several transportation ministers, trade representatives of countries bordering the Red Sea, and heads of ports and companies operating in the sector.
The conference was held under the patronage and presence of Minister of Transportation Kamel El-Wazir and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Khaled Abdel Ghaffar.
Shaaban also stressed the great importance of Sokhna Port in terms of attracting targeted industries in the sectors of clean energy, cars, and others; especially those that target the transition to a green economy, such as the green hydrogen industry, in light of Egypt hosting the upcoming United Nations Conference of Parties on Climate Change (COP 27) in November. Furthermore, the port can provide marine and bunkering services.
Additionally, he reviewed the strategy of the SCZone, which aims to transform the Suez Canal — the most important waterway that connects the Red Sea and the Mediterranean — into a global logistical hub serving the global trade movement, since about 12% of global trade passes through the Suez Canal.
Shaaban also talked about the potential of the area, given that it features six ports and four industrial zones, adding that the region will be joining the Egyptian Export Support programme soon and will eventually provide jobs, industry localisation, and provide investment incentives and services to expedite and facilitate procedures for partners.
Furthermore, he revealed that many facilities, power stations, distribution networks, water desalination plants, and industrial sewage treatment plants have been implemented in order to improve the business climate for investors and provide the necessary infrastructure for projects.
A national road network will also be established to facilitate the movement of cargo and people through the June 30 Axis, in addition to six giant tunnels under the Suez Canal as well as a road network that connects it with Africa, Cairo, and Cape Town.
