SCZONE received the Ambassador of Switzerland and a UNIDO delegation to discuss The Global Eco-Industrial Parks Program (GEIPP)

Mr. Waleid Gamal El Dien, Chairman of the General Authority of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), received Ms. Yvonne Baumann, Ambassador of Switzerland in Cairo, and a delegation of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), headed by Ms. Elena Panova, United Nation’s Resident Coordinator, and Mr. Patrick Gilabert, Representative of the Regional Office Hub in Egypt, UNIDO. The high-level meeting discussed the latest developments in the Global Eco-Industrial Parks Program (GEIPP) implemented by UNIDO with funding from the Swiss government within SCZONE, through the industrial developer Orascom for industrial parks.

 *“SCZONE represents a giant national project that seeks to support sustainable practices, contribute to the Egyptian national gross domestic product, and provide many job opportunities, in addition to establishing integrated industrial complexes based on an effective environmental system depending on green energy. SCZONE is also interested in the circular economy, and we recently participated in the World Circular Economy Forum at the invitation of UNIDO.” Mr. Waleid Gamal El Dien, Chairman of SCZONE declared.*

*“I’m glad to be at SCZONE, especially in this period, which represents great challenges for SCZONE, but It was able to represent a success story through its distinguished location, resources, talents, and labor. This partnership aims to support several countries to implement environmentally friendly economic practices, and to provide this support through several Swiss agencies in cooperation with international organizations. The environmentally friendly complexes can be achieved by reducing emissions resulting from construction and operation processes and relying on green fuel, which represents a great potential for SCZONE in creating a green economic environment. The success of the experiment within SCZONE paves the way for replicating this model in other economic zones.” Ms. Yvonne Baumann, Ambassador of Switzerland stated.*

*“My visit today to SCZONE is a good opportunity to learn about the tangible results of implementing the Eco-Industrial Parks Program (GEIPP), which is taking place between UNIDO and the Egyptian government for 5 years, which represents a road map for the strategic partnership that aims for sustainable development in Egypt by making progress towards environmentally friendly practices in the industry. What we are witnessing today on the ground represents a real gain for all concerned parties. By sharing the adoption of sustainable practices and sharing resources, we will be able to achieve emissions reductions. The commitment to these practices also represents an attractive point for investments, I’m glad to learn closely about what SCZONE offers in the field of environmentally friendly practices and creating more job opportunities.” Ms. Elena Panova, United Nation’s Resident Coordinator said.* After the meeting, the delegation went on a field visit to the Sokhna Integrated Industrial Zone to visit some of the facilities that have implemented several sustainable practices targeted by the program. The delegation went to the “Integrated Solutions” Factory for Packaging and the “Hema Plast” Factory, which specializes in manufacturing plastic products for agricultural purposes.