News Share Article On News Image 07 May 2026 GAFI CEO Follows Up on Expansion Plans for Free and Investment Zones - 1254 projects in free zones provide 253,000 job opportunities - Digitization of services in free and investment zones to save investors time and effort Page Content In line with the directives of Dr.
Mohamed Farid Saleh, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade (MIFT Minister), regarding the development of the investment climate and enhancing the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy, Dr. Mohamed Awad, CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI CEO), held an extensive meeting with the leadership of the free, investment, and technology zones to review the progress in addition to the expansion and development plans.
Dr. Mohamed Awad stressed the importance of working in a team spirit and accelerating the pace of implementation to achieve targets. He noted that the investment zones framework has proven successful as an effective model for attracting investments and providing a supportive business environment.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of expanding and promoting these zones during the coming phase in a way that contributes to providing new job opportunities and enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy. Dr. Awad also stated that free zones have become one of the main pillars for attracting foreign investments and increasing exports.
GAFI CEO directed the need to achieve a balance between governance and facilitating procedures, without affecting the continuity of serious projects or harming the investment climate. Moreover, Dr. Mohamed Awad reviewed the latest developments in the digital transformation process and the automation of procedures in free and investment zones, which contribute to reducing service delivery time and improving the investor experience, alongside efforts to develop employees' capabilities through specialized training programs that align with institutional development requirements.
Mr. Yasser Abbas, GAFI Deputy CEO, reviewed the progress of free and investment zones across the country, as well as mechanisms for transforming the development strategy into clear executive procedures that contribute to improving operational efficiency and enhancing the quality of services provided, thereby strengthening investors' confidence in Egypt's investment climate.
GAFI is currently studying the establishment of new public free zones in accordance with the applicable rules and regulation