Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt's SCZone hosts high-level S. Korean delegation to boost investment ties
Walid Gamal El-Din, Chairman of the General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) welcomed a high-level delegation from the Republic of South Korea this morning at the authority's headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.
The delegation was led by Han Koo Yeo, South Korea's Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy. The visit aimed to introduce the SCZone's capabilities, highlight available investment opportunities in its ports and industrial zones, and strengthen bilateral cooperation. It also underscored the zone's readiness to attract global investments in targeted sectors.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy—including representatives from trade policy, trade agreements, and Middle East/Africa affairs—as well as members of the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP). Several executive leaders from the SCZone were also present.
In his opening presentation, Dr. Walid Gamal El-Din showcased the SCZone as a globally competitive investment destination. He emphasized its integrated model linking industrial areas with seaports, leveraging its strategic geographic location as a vital bridge connecting continents. Key advantages include world-class infrastructure and facilities, support from free trade agreements enabling full market access worldwide, a skilled technical workforce, and competitively priced diverse energy sources.
Dr. Gamal El-Din noted that the SCZone targets localizing industries, deepening manufacturing, and technology transfer across 21 diverse sectors spanning industrial, logistics, and services fields. He highlighted South Korean companies' strong expertise in electronics, electric vehicles and their supply chains, and related industries.
He cited successful existing collaborations with Korean firms, including:
- H&L and Samil in textiles and ready-made garments at the West Qantara Industrial Zone.
- Hyundai Rotem, a key technical partner in the NERK railway project at the East Port Said Industrial Zone.
He also announced plans for an upcoming promotional tour to South Korea to further explore opportunities.
Minister Han Koo Yeo and the delegation expressed delight at visiting the SCZONE and learning about its competitive edges and investment prospects across sectors. The minister affirmed his interest in deepening ties between South Korean companies and the authority, reflecting the strong relations between the two countries. He pointed out that many Korean firms are keen to invest in the zone, particularly due to its advantages such as global market access through free trade agreements and international pacts.
The visit aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance economic partnerships and position the SCZONE as a hub for advanced manufacturing and logistics investments from Asia and beyond.