SCZONE and EBRD launch the 2nd phase of the digitization of investor services

Gamal El-Dien: We seek to provide competitive procedures and digitization of services in seaports

The Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) announced the launch of the second phase of the digitization of investor services in cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The event was attended by Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, Mr. Walied Gamal El-Dien, Chairman of SCZONE, Mr. Alan Bailey, Vice Chairman of EBRD, Ms. Heike Harmgart, Director General of EBRD for SEMed region, and a number of representatives of the Bank.

The second phase of the technical support program is being launched to digitize investor services with the aim of simplifying administrative procedures, speeding up the management of investor services, and raising the efficiency of human capital. SCZONE has established a one-stop-shop service to develop an efficient, competitive, and environmental-friendly business atmosphere that is attractive to international investors. The second phase will include the re-engineering of more than 60 services, including land management services, project approval services, environmental approval services, company registration services, and work permit services for foreigners.

“The one-stop service provided by SCZONE to its investors is one of the main pillars of SCZONE’s strategic plan for 2020/2025, which is based on digital transformation. SCZONE aims to provide competitive and streamlined procedures for businesses that attract foreign investment and create a growth hub for Egyptian businesses and the workforce alike. The digitization and re-engineering efforts also include raising the efficiency of seaports and increasing their competitiveness, especially after the development and expansion of port activities that require more flexibility, speed, digitization, and qualification of the human element.” The Chairman of SCZONE declared.

“We are delighted with the extended cooperation between SCZONE and EBRD in launching the 2nd phase of digitization and re-engineering of services. We discussed aspects of cooperation with regard to the field of green fuel and the need to work on localizing complementary industries. This reduces the cost of producing green fuel and thus affects better prices for the final product.” He added.

It is worth mentioning that this phase will operate within the framework of creating solutions and software to better serve and support investors. Technical staff will also receive comprehensive training to enhance their skills. The second phase is a continuation of what was done in the first phase, which included the re-engineering and development of the set of priority services, which paved the way for the restructuring and digitization of investor services.