Mr. Hossam Heiba: GAFI targets the launch of operations in the new Public Free Zones by the end of 2026

GAFI hosted an extended meeting that brought together investors from Egypt's public free zones to discuss joint plans for developing and improving operational mechanisms in the zones, with the aim of effectively contributing to the objectives of the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade's plan, “Investment for Export."

The meeting followed the approval of the Ministerial Group for Industrial Development—chaired by Eng. Kamel El-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development, Minister of Industry and Transport—on GAFI's plan to establish four new Public Free Zones in 10th of Ramadan, New October, New Borg El-Arab, and New Alamein. This comes after the current nine Public Free Zones reached a 95% occupancy rate.

Mr. Hossam Heiba stated that production in the new Public Free Zones will be entirely export-oriented for several reasons, most notably to achieve the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade's target of $140 billion in exports by 2030, avoid competing with domestic investment entities in the local market, uphold fair investment principles, maximize the benefits of investment incentive policies, focus on green transformation and environmental compliance in export-oriented sectors, and ensure the success of strategies targeting foreign markets with Egyptian products.

GAFI CEO announced that the new free zones are expected to begin operations by the end of 2026. He noted that GAFI will coordinate with the New Urban Communities Authority to accelerate infrastructure development in these zones to meet the surging demand for industrial investment. He also revealed that discussions are underway to activate three additional public free zones, which would double the total number to 16, following the success of this system in achieving sustainable growth in Egyptian exports.

GAFI CEO and attendees agreed to form a working group comprising representatives of all industrial sectors to develop mechanisms for the operation of Public Free Zones and propose ways to achieve the desired targets.
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