Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, met with investors operating at the Investment Zone in the city of Banha, Qalyubeya governorate, during a visit aimed at reviewing investment conditions and addressing investors’ needs.
The meeting was attended by Ayman Atiya, Governor of Qalyubeya; Mohamed El-Gosky, Chief Executive Officer of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI); and Yasser Abbas, Deputy CEO of GAFI.
During the meeting, El-Khatib said the state is working to expand the number of investment zones nationwide, noting that these zones are managed by boards of directors that include representatives from all relevant state entities. This governance structure, he explained, facilitates the rapid issuance of licences and decisions, making investment zones a successful model for supporting business activity.
The minister added that the number of staff at investor service offices in the governorates will be increased to simplify procedures and respond more efficiently to investors’ requests. He also highlighted the temporary licensing platform, which currently offers 389 licences aimed at accelerating the issuance of permits required to begin operations.
El-Khatib stressed the ministry’s commitment to resolving any obstacles facing investors and to setting clear timetables for addressing issues, with the objective of providing streamlined services that help investors expand their businesses and increase production.
For his part, Qalyubeya Governor Ayman Atiya affirmed that there is close cooperation and coordination between the Ministry of Investment and the governorate to facilitate procedures for investors and provide the necessary support for the success of their projects.
Atiya also underlined the governorate’s commitment to providing all required services for investors operating within the investment zone, including utilities, road networks, transport links, and other essential infrastructure.
During the meeting, investors outlined their key requirements for expanding their activities, as well as the main challenges they face, particularly in securing financing to increase production and boost exports.
In response, the Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade reiterated that a specific timetable has been set to resolve all issues facing investors, with continuous follow-up to ensure that solutions are implemented.
Investors also noted that the investment zone provides integrated services in a single location, with all relevant authorities represented, helping them save time and effort.
Following the meeting, El-Khatib, accompanied by the Governor of Qalyubeya and the CEO of GAFI, toured an exhibition showcasing products manufactured by factories operating within the Banha Investment Zone.
The Banha Investment Zone spans an area of 46 feddans and includes 60 industrial projects specialising in food and agricultural industries and their complementary sectors. The zone provides more than 2,800 direct and indirect job opportunities.
