August 2025 | SCZone – Under the esteemed presence of Egypt’s Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly and Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry H.E. Yuichiro Koga, the 12th Egyptian-Japanese Business Council and Investment Forum emerged as a pivotal platform for advancing a transformative partnership between Egypt and Japan. Central to this historic event was Mr. Waleid Gamal El-Dien, Chairman of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), whose visionary leadership is steering unprecedented collaboration aimed at revolutionizing the maritime bunkering landscape through green fuels and industrial innovation.
With the Suez Canal serving as a linchpin in global shipping, SCZONE has rapidly evolved into a beacon of integrated industrial and logistical excellence — uniquely positioned at the crossroads of the Red Sea and Mediterranean, empowering Egypt’s ambitions to become a global maritime and trade powerhouse.
“SCZONE transcends the concept of an industrial zone — it is a sustainable development powerhouse that aligns strategic infrastructure, cutting-edge industries, and green energy solutions to catalyze regional and global growth,” affirmed Mr. Waleid Gamal El-Dien in his keynote address.
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Landmark Agreements Cement Green Marine Fuel Leadership
In a decisive stride towards decarbonizing shipping and transforming fuel supply chains, SCZONE formalized two visionary agreements that underscore Egypt’s commitment to sustainable maritime operations:
- Ammonia as a Marine Fuel: Partnering with industry leaders ITOCHU Corporation and Orascom Construction, SCZONE will pioneer integrated ammonia bunkering facilities at the strategic ports of Sokhna and East Port Said. This initiative marks a critical milestone in deploying ammonia — a promising zero-emission fuel — as a viable, large-scale marine energy solution.
- Green Hydrogen Collaboration with Tokyo: In a forward-looking pact with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, SCZONE will jointly accelerate the development and deployment of green hydrogen for ship bunkering. The collaboration focuses on knowledge exchange, demand creation, and scaling future-ready clean energy applications, positioning Egypt and Japan at the forefront of maritime decarbonization innovation.
Forging New Frontiers in Industrial Development and Asian Investment
Beyond green fuel bunkering, Mr. El-Dien’s strategic dialogue with Sumitomo Corporation executives, including Mr. Shohei Takenouchi, laid the groundwork for expansive industrial cooperation. Their discussions illuminated a visionary roadmap to:
- Establish a pioneering industrial zone under the developer model, designed to attract substantial Asian investments and catalyze high-value manufacturing clusters.
- Expand the integration of diverse green fuels within SCZONE’s bunkering ecosystem, supporting the global energy transition in shipping.
- Explore green hydrogen production for multi-sector applications — including export, maritime refueling, and decarbonizing heavy industries like steel production.
- Leverage Sumitomo’s expertise and investment capacity in vital infrastructure projects such as water desalination and hydrogen corridors, fortifying SCZONE’s sustainable industrial backbone.
Pioneering the Future of Maritime Sustainability and Economic Growth
This landmark convergence of industrial visionaries and government leaders underscores SCZONE’s role as a dynamic catalyst driving Egypt’s maritime and industrial transformation. By embedding sustainability at its core and forging strategic international alliances, SCZONE is redefining what it means to be a 21st-century economic zone — one where innovation, green energy, and global connectivity converge to power a cleaner, smarter shipping future.
About SCZONE
Since its inception in 2015, the Suez Canal Economic Zone has emerged as a flagship national project, transforming Egypt’s economic landscape by harnessing its unique geographic and strategic advantage. With a focus on attracting cutting-edge industries including pharmaceuticals, electric batteries, automotive manufacturing, and renewable energy, SCZONE offers unparalleled incentives, advanced infrastructure, and a fully digitalized service ecosystem. This comprehensive platform is engineered not only to drive investment but to foster a resilient, sustainable, and globally competitive industrial hub.
Source Suez Canal Economic Zone