Egypt approves USD 10M citrus economic zone to boost exports

EGYPT – With an investment of USD 10 million, Egypt’s Cabinet has greenlit a new special economic zone dedicated to citrus concentrate production.

The project, anticipated to create over 300 jobs in its initial phase, is expected to strengthen Egypt’s citrus exports and support local agriculture.

Located within the Port Said industrial area, this zone, named “Ghrs for Citrus Concentrates,” is expected to help enhance Egypt’s citrus exports and strengthen the agricultural sector.

According to project estimates, the production capacity is expected to reach approximately 2,500 tons annually. This venture is also seen as a potential catalyst for economic growth in the Port Said area, driving ancillary job creation and service demand.

“Creating jobs and boosting exports are the two pillars of this project. The Ghrs zone will help provide stable employment opportunities and stimulate the local economy,” remarked an official from the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

The economic zone will span over 10,000 square meters, with the singular focus of producing citrus concentrates for export. Egyptian authorities have outlined a clear framework, requiring the company operating in this zone to use only locally sourced citrus fruits and to export 100% of its annual production.

This mandate aligns with Egypt’s long-term export strategy, which seeks to drive economic growth through agricultural exports while supporting local suppliers.

“The decision to require local ingredients reflects a strong commitment to supporting Egyptian farmers and leveraging domestic resources,” a Cabinet representative stated.

The Cabinet’s approval includes rigorous safety and environmental regulations to ensure that production adheres to high standards. The special economic zone must meet national industrial safety, civil defense, and fire prevention standards as laid out by Egyptian regulations.

Additionally, environmental clearance from the Egyptian Environmental Agency is required before operations can commence. The General Authority for Investment and Free Zones will oversee the project, ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met.

“Safety is a top priority in this project, not only to protect workers but also to maintain environmentally sound practices,” said the authority’s spokesperson.

The commitment to environmental protection is in line with Egypt’s broader goals of sustainable industrialization and environmental responsibility.

Context of agricultural reform in Egypt

This development coincides with Egypt’s recent initiatives to enhance agricultural practices and product safety.

The Ministry of Agriculture recently launched the “Sustainable Pesticide Management Framework” to curb the risks associated with pesticide use in Egypt.

Under this framework, officials aim to reduce chemical pesticide use by half by 2030, with biopesticides introduced as a safer alternative.

Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk highlighted the importance of strict safety checks and the need for regulated pesticide use.

“Egypt’s agricultural products must meet stringent quality standards to remain competitive globally,” Farouk emphasized, explaining the broader objective of the framework.

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