Egypt's Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Hassan El-Khatib, visited the Banha Investment Zone in Qalyubeya governorate to meet with investors and review conditions. The gathering, attended by the local governor and investment authority officials, aimed to address operational needs and streamline procedures. Discussions highlighted plans to expand support for business growth in the area.
Hassan El-Khatib, Egypt's Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, held a meeting with investors at the Banha Investment Zone in Qalyubeya governorate to assess conditions and tackle their requirements. The session included Ayman Atiya, the Qalyubeya governor; Mohamed El-Gosky, CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI); and Yasser Abbas, GAFI's deputy CEO.
El-Khatib noted that the government is expanding investment zones across the country, managed by boards comprising representatives from relevant state bodies. This setup, he said, enables swift licensing and decisions, positioning these zones as an effective model for business support. He announced plans to bolster staffing at investor service offices in governorates for simpler procedures and quicker responses, alongside a temporary licensing platform offering 389 permits to speed up operations.
The minister emphasized the ministry's dedication to clearing investor hurdles and establishing clear timelines for resolutions, aiming to deliver efficient services that aid business expansion and output growth. Qalyubeya Governor Ayman Atiya affirmed strong collaboration with the ministry to ease processes and supply essential project support, including utilities, road networks, and transport connections.
Investors raised key needs for scaling activities and major challenges, especially in obtaining financing to ramp up production and exports. In reply, El-Khatib reiterated a set timetable for addressing all concerns, with ongoing oversight for implementation. They praised the zone's one-stop integrated services from all authorities, saving time and effort.
Post-meeting, El-Khatib, joined by the governor and GAFI CEO, toured an exhibition of products from zone factories. The Banha Investment Zone covers 46 feddans and hosts 60 industrial projects in food and agricultural sectors, generating over 2,800 direct and indirect jobs.