Egypt and Russia discussed expanding industrial cooperation and accelerating the Russian industrial zone project.
By: Mohamed Zain
Thu, May. 14, 2026
Egypt and Russia are moving to deepen industrial cooperation through strategic manufacturing partnerships and the long-awaited Russian Industrial Zone project in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
Manufacturing, localization, industrial zones, and regional export expansion
Egypt’s Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem held high-level talks with Roman Chekushov and Oleg Vladimirovich to discuss ways to strengthen industrial, trade, and investment cooperation between Egypt and Russia.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the “Russia-Islamic World: Kazan 2026” International Economic Forum and focused on accelerating the implementation of joint strategic projects between the two countries.
Senior Egyptian officials attending the talks included Dr. Ahmed Maghawry, Assistant Minister of Industry for International Cooperation, alongside representatives from Egypt’s commercial office in Moscow and the Egyptian Embassy in Russia.
Egypt confirmed it has allocated approximately 300,000 square meters for the first phase of the Russian Industrial Zone project in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
During the meeting, Hashem emphasized the depth of Egypt-Russia strategic relations and praised the strong support provided by the leaderships of both countries to bilateral cooperation.
A major part of the discussions focused on the planned Russian Industrial Zone within the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
The minister confirmed that Egypt has already allocated around 300,000 square meters for the project’s first phase and stressed that the Egyptian government is prepared to provide all necessary incentives and procedures to accelerate implementation.
He added that Egyptian authorities are ready for immediate coordination regarding any requirements needed from the Egyptian side to facilitate the launch of the project.
Egypt and Russia discussed expanding industrial localization across multiple strategic sectors.
The two sides also discussed opportunities to localize Russian industries in Egypt across several strategic sectors, including heavy equipment manufacturing, engineering industries, petrochemicals and fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and energy-related equipment manufacturing.
Talks additionally covered cooperation with major Russian companies in the manufacturing and assembly of industrial vehicles inside Egypt to serve African and Arab markets.
The discussions also addressed opportunities in supporting industries, maintenance services, and technical training programs.
Russian officials said Egypt’s infrastructure, trade agreements, and export capabilities position the country as a potential regional industrial hub for African and Middle Eastern markets.
For his part, Roman Chekushov said Russian companies are interested in increasing industrial investments in Egypt, praising the country’s modern infrastructure, extensive trade agreements, and export capabilities.
He said these advantages position Egypt as a potential regional hub for Russian industry targeting markets across Africa and the Middle East.
Chekushov described the Russian Industrial Zone project as a strategic priority for Moscow, adding that work is currently underway to accelerate procedures related to the industrial developer ahead of implementation in the coming phase.
Egypt has allocated land and pledged incentives to accelerate the Russian Industrial Zone project.
Both countries aim to localize strategic Russian industries inside Egypt.
Egypt is being positioned as a gateway for exports to African and Arab markets.
Talks included technical training, maintenance services, and industrial expertise exchange.
On the sidelines of the meetings, Egyptian and Russian officials conducted a joint tour of several factories to review Tatarstan’s industrial development experience, particularly in technology-intensive industries.
The visit aimed to explore opportunities for industrial cooperation and exchange expertise in advanced manufacturing sectors.
The discussions in Kazan reflect Egypt’s broader strategy to position itself as a regional manufacturing and export hub by attracting industrial investment, localizing advanced industries, and leveraging its geographic and trade advantages.
For Russia, the planned industrial zone inside the Suez Canal Economic Zone represents a strategic platform to expand industrial cooperation and access markets across Africa and the Middle East through Egypt.