The Presidency
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attended the inauguration of several maritime stations in the Suez Canal Economic Zone at East Port Said Port.
Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy said the celebration began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by a documentary titled “10 Years of Achievements.” This was followed by a speech delivered by the Executive Vice President of the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group and CEO of A.P. Moller-Terminals, Mr. Keith Svendsen, who commended the pivotal role played by the President and Egypt in hosting the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit. He emphasized Egypt’s active leadership Egypt in supporting stability in the Middle East. Mr. Svendsen highlighted the fruitful cooperation between the Suez Canal Authority and the company, which has led to positive results over the years of the company’s operations in Egypt. He announced the company’s intention to increase its investments in Egypt in the coming period and expressed gratitude to the Egyptian government for the facilitation it offers.
The Chairman of the Suez Canal Automotive Handling Company (SCAT) and CEO of AGL Ports Mr. Olivier De Noray also delivered a speech in which he expressed his appreciation for the President’s vision and determination to implement the Suez Canal Economic Zone project, which has made the zone a strategic gateway to Africa and the surrounding regions. Mr.Noray confirmed that SCAT projects in Egypt would serve as a platform for automobile production and export worldwide.
This was followed by the inauguration of the automotive handling station via video conference.
The Chairman of Sky Ports Egypt, Mr.Tarek Fathy, also gave a speech in which he emphasized that the group’s projects in Egypt would contribute to transforming Egypt into a global logistics hub. Following his speech, the multi-purpose terminal was inaugurated via video conference.
The event featured a documentary about the integrated East Port Said zone, followed by a presentation by the Chairman of the Suez Canal Economic Zone Authority, Mr. Waleid Gamaleldien, who affirmed that this year is exceptional in the Authority’s journey. He clarified that East Port Said Port is classified as the first container port in Africa and the third globally. Mr.Gamaleldien commended President El-Sisi’s vision in establishing the Suez Canal Economic Zone despite the challenges, and thanked state agencies for their efforts in developing and securing related facilities that connect the East and West of the canal, which helps attract more investments.
He also outlined the Authority’s strategy to attract investments, noting that from 2016 to 2025, over 136,000 direct job opportunities have been created, drawing investments totaling $11.6 billion, with an emphasis on localizing industries, including in the field of green hydrogen production, in line with Egypt’s national low-carbon hydrogen strategy. At the end of his speech, Mr. Gamaleldien presented a commemorative gift to the President in the form of a model of a Pharaonic ship.
Following this, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport Lieutenant General Eng. Kamel El-Wazir gave a speech in which he reviewed the country’s strategy for port development, confirming that Egypt has become a regional hub for transport, logistics, and transit trade. He mentioned that, as part of this strategy, 14 ports have been developed and 5 new ports have been established as part of a comprehensive plan aimed at making Egypt one of the world’s most important centers for transport, logistics, and transit trade.
During the celebration, President El-Sisi emphasized that the development work is the result of joint efforts and noted the promising opportunities that Egypt enjoys due to its distinct strategic geographic location and the presence of the Suez Canal as a global shipping route.
President El-Sisi referred to the challenges that existed in 2015 when implementing the Suez Canal Economic Zone project. However, the willpower and hard work enabled the state to achieve the targeted goals. The President emphasized the need to continue striving in order for Egypt to assume its rightful place among nations, especially in the fields of transport and logistics. The President thanked Maersk for honoring its commitments and expressed that Egypt looked forward to an increase in investments by
the company and other investors.
President El-Sisi assured that Egypt would offer all necessary facilitation in this regard. The President called for making achievements and completing projects at a faster pace, highlighting that Egypt is witnessing achievements in the sectors of ports, railway, roads, axes and energy. The President praised the support and resilience of the Egyptian people in the face of challenges, urging continued dedication and sacrifice for more accomplishments for the benefit of present and future generations.
The event concluded with a commemorative photo of the President, ministers, and Maersk senior officials.
