Egypt’s SCZONE, China’s CNCEC sign $34 mln soda ash manufacturing project in Sokhna

Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) has signed on Sunday a $34 million agreement with China National Chemical Engineering Group (CNCEC) to manufacture equipment and production lines for soda ash plants in the Sokhna Industrial Zone.

The project, which will be built on 100,000 square metres, will produce facilities, production lines, and pipelines used in sodium carbonate (soda ash) manufacturing. It will include the production of steel structures, prefabricated carbon steel, and stainless-steel piping, and non-standard industrial equipment.

Designed annual capacity will reach 20,000 tons of steel structures and 400,000 diametre inches of prefabricated piping, according to SCZONE statement.

The contract was signed by SCZONE Chairman Waleid Gamal El-Dein and Zhang Hongfeng, representing CNCEC Group and its Egypt-based Branch 16, in the presence of senior executives from both sides.

The agreement marks the first phase of two integrated projects planned by CNCEC in the Sokhna area. A second project, to be developed at Sokhna Port in two phases, is expected to attract investments of around $250 million and cover 200,000 square metres, with a quay extending between 350 and 400 metres.

The port-based facility will manufacture chemical and petrochemical equipment used in sectors including petrochemicals, oil refining, power generation, mining, and pharmaceuticals. The second project is scheduled to be launched in 2026.

Gamal El-Dein said the project supports Egypt’s strategy to localise soda ash production, a key input for industries such as chemicals, petrochemicals, oil refining, stainless steel manufacturing, and tyres, helping reduce imports and boost value added.

He added that SCZONE’s integrated industrial and port infrastructure, alongside Egypt’s trade agreements, strengthens the zone’s appeal to global investors.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English