Egypt sets criteria for private free zones approval 

Egypt has outlined criteria for approving new private free zones, focusing on activities, geographic location, job creation, export potential, foreign funding, and advanced technologies. The framework was discussed during a meeting on Monday between Minister of Industry and Transport, Kamel El-Wazir and Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Hassan El-Khatib.

Key factors include project size, investment costs, reliance on local components, and overall capital, with a minimum score of 70 points required for approval.

El-Wazir reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding free zones, which attract investors by offering simplified procedures and a single authority for permits. He emphasised revising criteria to increase local content requirements and investment thresholds, ensuring these zones support large-scale industrial projects in priority sectors.

The ministry has identified 23 industries for localisation to reduce import reliance. These industries will be prioritised in private and public free zones, with updates made based on economic needs.

El-Wazir also stressed aligning the electrical capacities of industrial units with planned activities to provide investors with clear technical specifications. He directed the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones to coordinate with the National Accreditation Council to streamline technical reviews and licensing accreditation.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: M. S. Salama