The Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) is courting Chinese investors to reel in USD hundreds of mns in new investments as part of its first international promotional roadshow for FY 2025-2026, according to a statement. The SCZone’s delegation, led by head Walid Gamal El Din, made its first stop in Shenzhen to pitch the zone’s offerings.

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Hong Kong-based clothing manufacturer Crystal International Group is looking at establishing a USD 250-300 mn textile factory in the Qantara West Industrial Zone. The proposed project would span 1.5 mn sqm and is expected to create 30k–35k jobs, with Crystal International Group planning to export all of its output from the factory.

SCZone officials also pitched EV giant BYD on potentially setting up operations within the zone. The proposed investment could cover EV assembly, battery production, and solar panel manufacturing. No investment ticket or further details were provided.

REMEMBER- BYD’s local agent Al Amal Auto was reportedly in discussions with Egypt’s Industry Ministry in September 2024 to locally assemble two new models — a hybrid and a gasoline-powered vehicle. EVs were not part of that agenda at the time, due to infrastructure limitations.

Also in the meeting lineup: The delegation separately discussed future avenues for cooperation and investments in ports and logistics with representatives from Hong Kong’s Hutchison Ports, which operates a container terminal in Sokhna Port. The Sokhna Port terminal investment — which was announced in 2023 as part of a USD 1.6 bn bundle to construct new terminals at the Ain Sokhna and Dekheila ports — is estimated to have cost USD 250 mn.

ICYMI- Construction on the terminal began in July 2024 by construction firm EDECS, with operations slated for January 2026. EDECS has secured USD 93 mn in credit facilities from NBK Egypt to finance the project.

BY THE NUMBERS- The SCZone has attracted more than USD 4 bn in Chinese investments over the past three years. Egypt is targeting USD 16 bn in total Chinese FDI by 2029. China’s Belt and Road Initiative funnelled USD 4.8 bn into Egypt in 1H 2025, making Egypt the third-largest BRI investment destination worldwide.

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