According to a release by the Egyptian cabinet, these new programmes will complement existing incentive packages for economic activities that contribute to the development of both nations.
Heiba made his announcement at the Sudanese Businessmen Forum, hosted by GAFI.
This forum was held alongside the Egyptian-Sudanese Businessmen Forum, which took place in Cairo in November 2024.
Both events are part of ongoing efforts to deepen economic cooperation and link Sudanese investors with investment opportunities in Egypt.
The second Egyptian-Sudanese Businessmen Forum will be held in Sudan next April to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries and facilitate Sudan’s reconstruction through Egyptian companies with strong track records.
The Sudanese Businessmen Forum discussed ways to enhance collaboration between the Egyptian government, the Sudanese embassy, the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, and the Sudanese Chamber of Industries to address the specific needs of Sudanese companies looking to establish projects in Egypt.
During the forum, Heiba encouraged Sudanese businesses to capitalize on Egypt’s infrastructure developments by investing in southern Egypt’s free zones.
These include the Keft Free Zone in Qena Governorate, just 170 km from Safaga Port, and the Aswan Free Zone, which is currently equipped with utilities.
These areas offer a strategic advantage for Sudanese investments, particularly those related to the supply of raw materials and intermediate industries from Sudan.
They also benefit from additional incentives as part of Egypt’s priority development zones.
Sudanese Ambassador to Egypt Emad El-Dien Mostafa Adawi expressed gratitude to GAFI and the Egyptian Commercial Representation Authority for facilitating investment and trade cooperation.
Moreover, he underscored the Sudanese business community’s eagerness to contribute to Egypt’s economic development and urged it to take advantage of the growing investment momentum between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Yahya Elwathik Bellah, the head of the Egyptian Commercial Service, highlighted the importance of leveraging the historical and geographical ties between the two nations to boost trade and investment.
He also noted that Sudanese investments in Egypt are valued at $240 million, while Egyptian investments in Sudan total $1 billion.
Furthermore, Elwathik Bellah praised Egypt's significant improvements to its investment climate. Egypt has upgraded ports to meet global standards, reduced logistical costs, signed trade agreements, and simplified procedures for small and medium-sized enterprises.
He affirmed that these steps are expected to significantly increase economic cooperation between the two nations.
Sudanese investors also articulated their appreciation for Egypt’s welcoming stance toward Sudanese expatriates and the preferential treatment offered to Sudanese investors.
They highlighted that the new generation of Sudanese entrepreneurs understands the importance of connecting with the Egyptian economy and building value-added supply chains, particularly in the textiles and food industries, to meet local demand and boost exports.
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