Egypt's Sisi calls for establishment of US industrial zone in Suez Canal

Speaking during a meeting in Cairo with a high-level delegation of American business leaders, Sisi described investment in Egypt as "a real opportunity," citing what he called the country’s political and societal stability.

That stability, he said, stems from "the awareness of citizens and their resilience in enduring the harsh economic reforms implemented for the public good, despite the difficult political conditions facing the region".

The delegation was led by Suzanne Clark, President of the US Chamber of Commerce, and John Christmann, Chairman of the US-Egypt Business Council and CEO of Apache Corporation. The visit came as part of the Egyptian-American Economic Forum and was attended by several top Egyptian officials, including Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.

During a bilateral meeting ahead of the main session, Sisi expressed Egypt’s ambition to become "a regional industrial hub for American industries and a gateway to Arab and African markets".

He also conveyed the Egyptian government’s willingness to cooperate across various fields of mutual economic interest, "particularly in light of President Trump’s supportive orientation toward enhancing bilateral cooperation," in his words.

According to a statement issued by the Egyptian presidency, Clark expressed pride in the depth of the partnership between the US Chamber of Commerce and Egypt, describing it as "a successful model of bilateral investment cooperation".

She praised the performance of American companies in the Egyptian market, singling out Apache Corporation as a leading example. President Sisi welcomed those remarks and expressed appreciation for the company’s contributions and ongoing expansion of its operations in Egypt.

In the expanded session that followed the bilateral meeting, Sisi presented the key steps Egypt has taken to attract foreign investment. He highlighted "major legislative reforms, infrastructure development," and underscored the competitive opportunities available in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.

He reiterated that the state is committed to "empowering the private sector" and outlined the government’s investment priorities in a range of high-potential industries.

These include telecommunications, artificial intelligence, pharmaceuticals, automotive manufacturing, renewable energy, construction, and food processing - all areas, Sisi said, "in which Egypt holds competitive advantages".

The call to deepen US-Egyptian economic ties comes amid growing Egyptian efforts to position the country as a regional investment gateway, especially in strategic industries linked to global supply chains and sustainable development.