Event Report: Investment Seminar for Suez Canal Special Economic Zone (SCZone) / Exploring Investment Opportunities for Japanese Companies

On 13 February 2023, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Investment and Technology Transfer Promotion Office in Tokyo (UNIDO ITPO Tokyo), in cooperation with the Economic and Commercial Bureau of the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Japan, and the Japan Cooperation Center for the Middle East (JCCME), hosted the “Egypt Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) Investment Seminar.” The seminar and networking session was attended by about 70 Japanese companies considering an investment or starting a business in various sectors. SCZone’s investment incentives for foreign companies and its target sectors were introduced during the seminar. Also, three Japanese companies that have already established business in Egypt gave presentations to share their business experiences.

At the beginning of the seminar, Mr. Ferda Gelegen, Officer in Charge of UNIDO ITPO Tokyo, and Mr. Mitsuo Tamura, Managing Director of JCCME, delivered opening remarks and expressed appreciation for the visit to SCZone during the Japanese Business Mission to Egypt held in December 2022. H.E. Mr. Mohamed Abubakr Saleh Fattah, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Japan, gave a speech on the investment environment in Egypt and stressed that the Embassy fully supports Japanese companies to set up operations in the SCZone.

During the presentation session, Mr. Waleid Gamaleldien, Chairman of the SCZone, reported that the Suez Canal is a maritime hub connecting the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia, with four industrial zones and six ports in the surrounding 455 square kilometers, and 20,000 cargo ships passing through the area annually. Mr. Gamaleldien also introduced the investment incentives and its target sectors at the SCZone, and invited Japanese companies to invest there.

The seminar was followed by presentations from three Japanese companies with businesses established in Egypt. Mr. Ko Takikawa, General Manager of SARAYA Co., Ltd., introduced the recent establishment of a factory in SCZone and their greening project through jojoba plantations in the desert that covers most of Egypt’s land area. Mr. Tokuji Koyama, General Manager of the Energy Infrastructure Project Department at Toyota Tsusho Corporation, presented their project for RoRo Terminal at East port Said in the SCZone, stating that the project could not be accomplished without SCZone’s cooperation with the company, not just an investor but also as an essential project partner. Finally, Mr. Shigenori Okada, Regional Manager of Torishima Pump Manufacturing Co. Ltd., addressed in his presentation that the key for Japanese companies to expand their business in Egypt is the high quality and performance of the products.

To conclude the seminar, Mr. Hidenori Saito, Chairman of the Japan Business Association in Egypt, gave a short presentation titled “Enhancing Business between Japan and Egypt,” mentioning that the Egyptian government is hoping to grow manufacturing, export, green industry, and hydrogen production, which have high job creation effects. He concluded by recommending the audience to visit Egypt once, either for business or leisure, to learn more about Egypt’s opportunities and advantages. Mr. Waleid Gamaleldien, Chairman of the SCZone also provided a closing message, by stating the importance for Japanese companies not to miss out on opportunities in Egypt and urged them to contact them for any information or questions they may have.

After the seminar, the participants enjoyed a lively discussion with the speakers at the networking session.

Overview

Date/Time:	Monday, 13 February 2023 (Seminar: 15:00 – 17:00; Networking 17:00 – 18:00)
Venue:	Annex Hall (1F), United Nations University
Language:	English – Japanese (simultaneous interpretation)
Organizers:	Economic and Commercial Bureau, Embassy of Egypt, Tokyo United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Investment and Technology Promotion Office Tokyo Japan Cooperation Center for the Middle East (JCCME)
Supporter:	Japan Institute for Overseas Investment (JOI)
MC:	Ms. Kayoko Seki (JCCME)

Programme

14:30 – 15:00	Registration
Opening
15:00 – 15:10	Opening Remarks Mr. Ferda GELEGEN Officer in Charge, UNIDO ITPO Tokyo Mr. Mitsuo TAMURA Managing Director, JCCME
15:10 – 15:25	Investment Climate in Egypt H.E. Mr. Mohamed ABUBAKR Saleh Fattah Ambassador, the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Japan
Presentation and Discussion
15:25 – 15:55	Suez Canal Economic Zone Investment Opportunities for Japanese Companies Mr. Waleid GAMALELDIEN Chairman, Suez Canal Economic Zone
15:55 – 16:10	SARAYA’s Business in Egypt Mr. Ko TAKIGAWA General Manager, Africa Business Development Section, Global Operation Division, SARAYA Co., Ltd.
16:10 – 16:25	RoRo Terminal Project at East Port Said – SCZone, a stronger partner for new business development Mr. Tokuji KOYAMA General Manager, Energy Infrastructure Project Department, Toyota Tsusho Corporation
16:25 – 16:40	Torishima Business in Egypt Mr. Shigenori OKADA TGT Sales Middle East – Regional Manager Torishima Pump Manufacturing. Co., Ltd.
16:40 – 16:50	Enhancing Business between Japan and Egypt Mr. Hidenori SAITO Chairman, Japan Business Association in Egypt
Q/As and Closing
16:50 – 17:00	Q/As and Closing
Networkning
17:00 – 18:00	Exchange of Business Cards with Light Refreshments