Chairman of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) Mustafa Sheikhoun discussed on Monday, September 28, 2026, with Panama’s Ambassador to Egypt Ricardo Isaza ways to deepen economic and investment cooperation between SCZONE and the Panamanian business community, building on the strong and distinguished relations between the two countries.
The meeting, held at SCZONE’s headquarters in the New Capital, also addressed frameworks for strategic partnership and developments in areas of mutual interest. Sheikhoun stressed SCZONE’s keenness to strengthen cooperation with Panama, noting that the talks build on the successful partnership between SCZONE and Panama’s Colón Free Trade Zone.
The partnership aims to create sustainable development opportunities, exchange logistics and industrial expertise, and capitalize on the competitive advantages of both sides. He said SCZONE serves as a strategic gateway and key hub for accessing African and Middle Eastern markets through its ports on the Red Sea and Mediterranean and its integrated zones.
Panama, meanwhile, provides key gateways to the Latin American market, which comprises hundreds of millions of consumers. He said, this could help boost Egyptian exports and support global supply chains amid current geopolitical challenges. For his part, the Panamanian ambassador expressed appreciation for the depth of bilateral relations, explaining that the visit was part of preparations and coordination for the upcoming visit of Panama’s Foreign Minister to Egypt.
The visit will include a tour of SCZONE to gain firsthand insight into the zone’s major development and rapid growth, which have earned it international recognition as a leading economic and logistics hub. The ambassador also invited the SCZONE Chairman to visit Panama during the first half of next year to explore new prospects for partnership and investment integration between the business sectors of the two countries.
Egypt sees major expansion in agricultural development projects Egypt sees major expansion in agricultural development projects