Cairo plans industrial zones

Cairo will launch the second phase of its industrial development programme by 16 October, involving the creation of 10 new industrial zones, says a senior figure involved in the project.

'Another 10 zones will be set up in the next four months,' says Amr Assal, head of Cairo's Industrial Development Authority. Applications to prequalify must be received by 18 November. About 14 companies have already expressed interest.

Three contracts will be awarded by the end of October to complete the programme's first phase. China's Bac and the local Samcrete will sign a joint venture deal for a 2 million-square-metre automotive centre in 6 October City to accommodate 220 companies.

A joint venture of China's Tida and Siac Industrial Construction & Engineering Company and El-Sewedy, both local, will sign an agreement for a 2 million-square-metre zone for 180 companies in 10 Ramadan City. Specialising in engineering, the zone will attract investment of up to £E 4,000 million ($716 million) in seven years.

Jordan's Al Tagamoat Investment will sign up for a

1 million-square-metre industrial zone, also in 10 Ramadan City.

Home to 120 companies

specialising in garments and textiles, the industrial zone will attract £E 1,800 million ($322 million) in seven years.

A joint venture agreement was signed by Siac and Turkey's Polaris in early October for the third industrial zone in the development.

The 2 million-square-metre development in 6 October City will house 150 garments and textiles companies, bringing investment of £E 4,000 million over seven years and creating 22,000 jobs.

Agreements were signed in the summer for the two other zones, which will host companies from Qatar and Saudi Arabia

(MEED 1:6:07).

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