The General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) has announced the trial launch of a series of digital services dedicated to investors, part of the first phase of the Authority's digital transformation plan, aimed at automating services and improving the efficiency of investment-related processes.

The new digital services, announced in a statement today, include key offerings under the Investor Relations Management (CRM) system.

These include reception and consultation services, as well as investor qualification and project approval services. In addition to these, the first phase introduces a range of one-stop services, such as issuing permanent licenses through a notification system and conducting annual follow-ups for facilities with operating licenses.

Other services, including the issuance of operating licenses through a pre-approval system and the release of temporary licenses for the first time under the notification system, are planned for future rollout.

Walid Gamal El-Din, Chairman of the General Authority for the SCZone, expressed his enthusiasm about the launch of these services, stating that it marks a critical milestone in the Authority's ongoing digital transformation efforts.

This initiative is designed to simplify procedures for investors and provide more efficient, transparent services, he said. "It is a key part of our broader efforts to enhance the investment climate in the Suez Canal Economic Zone."

Gamal El-Din also highlighted the Authority's continuous commitment to improving its business model by supporting investors with simplified procedures, better infrastructure, and competitive advantages. He stressed the importance of technological advancements in creating a fully integrated investment environment, one that will attract both local and foreign investments.

The digital transformation initiative has received backing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

According to Gamal El-Din, the EBRD's support plays a crucial role in exchanging global best practices in digital transformation and investment facilitation, as well as improving the region's digital infrastructure.

Mark Davis, the EBRD’s Executive Director for the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean region, emphasized that the Suez Canal Economic Zone's digital services initiative will help revitalize Egypt's investment ecosystem.

This pioneering initiative will contribute to economic growth, job creation, and a thriving investment climate that will attract more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Egypt, Davis remarked.

As part of the ongoing initiative, daily workshops are being organized to enhance the digital skills of investor services staff, ensuring they are equipped to offer world-class support to companies. These efforts are aligned with the Suez Canal Economic Zone's strategic vision to modernize logistics services, support industrial zones, and digitize administrative processes.