Egypt advances investment climate as Guardian Glass plans expansion and energy-efficient technology launch
The Chief Executive Officer of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), Eng. Mohamed El-Gawsky, met with a delegation from Guardian Glass to discuss the company’s expansion plans in Egypt and the launch of new glass-coating technology. The meeting aligned with the directives of the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade of Egypt (MIFT) to foster a business environment conducive to domestic and foreign investment.
The engagement was held in line with directives from Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid Saleh to enhance dialogue with the business community, accelerate service delivery, and streamline procedures to strengthen confidence in Egypt’s investment climate. The meeting was attended by Mr. Jean Ries, Director of Government and Public Affairs for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, and Mr. Saeed Bin Bella, Director of Government Affairs Egypt.
During the discussions, Guardian Glass outlined its plans to expand glass-coating production capacity at Guardian Glass Egypt and to manufacture Low-E glass, which reduces electricity consumption within buildings by up to 40 percent while maintaining natural daylight and thermal insulation. The company indicated that the new technology will be launched in Egypt and Africa for the first time by June, with exports targeting markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.
Mr. Jean Ries noted that Egypt’s infrastructure development and improvements in the investment environment have supported the company’s expansion strategy. He highlighted the efficiency of the Egyptian workforce and the country’s trade linkages, particularly its membership in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which facilitates access to regional markets.
Eng. Mohamed El-Gawsky stated that Guardian Glass could benefit from MIFT’s plan to establish logistics zones in Morocco, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Congo, Kenya, and South Africa, aimed at supporting Egyptian exports to African markets. He added that export growth to Africa is expected to record double-digit increases in the coming years.
The GAFI CEO also reviewed state efforts to integrate Egyptian industries into global value-added chains, including measures to reduce customs clearance time from approximately 15.8 days to 5.8 days, resulting in estimated shipping cost reductions of USD 1.5 billion for Egyptian businesses. He further referenced government investments amounting to USD 550 billion in infrastructure development, including roads and ports, to support investment activity.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing readiness to continue cooperation in support of industrial expansion, export growth, and sustainable investment in Egypt.
Source: Invest Egypt
