Ahmed Rostom, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, discussed opportunities to strengthen investment cooperation between Egypt and the United Arab Emirates with Essa Kazim, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Chairman of DP World Group, with a focus on expanding partnerships in logistics and digital financial services.

The meeting explored ways to increase investment in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) and broaden cooperation with DP World in logistics, container management and handling. The discussions focused on enhancing the zone’s ability to capitalize on its strategic location as a major hub for trade and the movement of goods between regional and international markets.

Rostom reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maximizing the investment potential of the SCZONE and further developing infrastructure across its ports and logistics areas. These efforts, he said, are aimed at attracting new investment and improving the quality and efficiency of services provided to investors.

The two sides also discussed the procedures and steps required to register Sahel, a digital solutions, bill payment and utility services company in which Egypt’s National Investment Bank holds a stake, at the Dubai International Financial Centre. The move could provide the company with a platform to expand its operations across regional markets.

Discussions also addressed the possibility of using Sahel’s registration at DIFC to offer electronic payment services to Egyptians living in the UAE, enabling them to settle bills and other financial obligations through secure and efficient digital solutions.

Rostom said digital transformation remains a key pillar of Egypt’s efforts to build a modern economy, highlighting the importance of expanding digital government and financial services to improve efficiency and make services more accessible to citizens both inside and outside the country.

He added that supporting Egyptian companies operating in fintech and digital services, and helping them expand into regional markets, is an important part of the government’s strategy to strengthen the digital economy and enhance services available to citizens.

The minister also noted that deeper cooperation with major UAE financial and logistics institutions could create opportunities for further high-value investment and knowledge exchange, particularly in logistics, financial services and digital technology.

He said the partnership with DP World could contribute to Egypt’s plans to develop the transport and logistics ecosystem within the Suez Canal Economic Zone, reinforcing its role as a regional hub for trade and logistics services.

Both sides agreed to continue coordination to support joint investment opportunities and develop cooperation frameworks in priority sectors, in line with Egypt’s objectives of attracting investment and strengthening the competitiveness of its economy.