Ain Sokhna – Last week, two Brazilian institutions learned firsthand about investment opportunities in Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE). Representatives of Getulio Vargas Foundation Europe (FGV Europa), the international branch of the Brazilian higher education institute, and the International Center for Innovation and Transfer of Agricultural, Livestock, and Environmental Technologies (CIITTA) visited the site and got to know its projects.
The Embassy of Brazil in Egypt organized the visit in cooperation with the regional office of the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) in Cairo. The Brazilian delegation was received by the vice president of SCZONE for the Southern Region, Walid Youssef, who reported on the zone’s efforts and its partners to develop environmental solutions.
Youssef presented the incentives for direct and indirect investments within the industrial zones and affiliated ports and discussed forms of cooperation with the Brazilians. The vice president gave a detailed presentation on the SCZONE, during which he explained the advantages offered by the region, its geographic location, proximity to foreign markets, and connection with many international trade agreements facilitating access of goods to many markets.
He highlighted the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) provides services to investors, particularly at the one-stop shop, to facilitate procedures and obtain licenses in all sectors. Youssef explained food industry is a critical sector targeted by the economic zone. The Abu Khalifa area, in eastern Ismailia, is strategically located and home to food industries and agriculture-related plants.
In the meeting, representing the Embassy of Brazil in Cairo, were Fernando Neto, the Embassy’s commercial adviser, and Rafael Mohana, the Embassy’s agricultural attaché. Also participating was Rania Hagrass, director of International Relations of the ABCC Regional Office in Cairo.
Cleber Guarany represented FGV Europa in the visit. Willian Caetano and Fernando Abreu represented CIITTA, a non-profit specializing in agricultural development and support of environmental protection efforts. CIITTA representatives said a cooperation agreement could be signed with the economic zone in the fields where CIITTA operates, especially agriculture and environment.
After the meeting, the Brazilian delegation toured the Sokhna Industrial Zone to see a series of industrial projects installed there. The delegation visited the Saraya Middle East factory, an Egyptian-Japanese company specializing in sanitary, sanitation, and environmental solutions. Its products range from hand and surface sanitizers to skincare and jojoba oil production. The delegation also visited the Ateco Pharma plant, which produces pharmaceutical inputs and medicines such as glucose solutions.
Translated by Georgette Merkhan & Elúsio Brasileiro
