
Egypt: SCZone, China's Jiangsu Guotai ink $10mln deal for ready-made garment factory
Arab Finance: Waleid Gamal El-Dien, Chairman of the General Authority of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone), penned a usufruct agreement with Chinese Jiangsu Guotai to establish a ready-made garment factory, with total investments of $10 million (EGP 500 million), as per a statement.
To be developed on an area of 21,000 square meters in the Qantara West Industrial Zone, the factory will export its entire production to global markets. It will also provide 2,000 direct job opportunities.
Gamal El-Dien highlighted that the SCZone has signed 15 usufruct contracts in Qantara West at a combined value of $490 million.
These projects span over 1.31 million square meters and are expected to employ 20,000 workers.
The factories will export 80% of their output to Europe and the Americas, mainly through West Port Said Port.
He added that the authority has already broken ground on five projects, with two of them expected to be inaugurated in the second half (H2) of 2025.
Meanwhile, the remaining projects will follow in the completion process.
It is worth highlighting that Jiangsu Guotai is a subsidiary of the Jiangsu Guotai International Group (GTIG), which was founded in 1988.
The group provides high-level services in textiles, ready-made garments, spinning, yarn production, fabrics, home textiles, and accessories.
It owns branches in the US as well as several Asian and European countries, employing over 4,000 people. In 2023, the company's revenue hit $9.2 billion.
© 2020-2023 Arab Finance For Information Technology. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Tourism Breaking News
4 hours ago
- Tourism Breaking News
85% of UAE travel sites adopt email authentication measures to protect holidaymakers during peak booking season
Post Views: 39 Proofpoint, Inc., a leading cybersecurity and compliance company released new research revealing that 85% of the top online travel sites* in the UAE have adopted Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance (DMARC), a key email security protocol that helps protect users from email fraud. However, only 45% of these sites have implemented it at the highest enforcement level of 'reject,' which actively blocks unauthorised emails from reaching inboxes. The findings are based on a DMARC adoption analysis of the top 20 online travel sites in the UAE, and across Europe and the Middle East. DMARC is an email validation protocol designed to protect domain names from being misused by cybercriminals. It authenticates the sender's identity before allowing a message to reach its intended destination. DMARC has three levels of protection – monitor, quarantine and reject, with reject being the most secure for preventing suspicious emails from reaching the inbox. With travel demand in the UAE continuing to rise, a recent KPMG study found that 77% of UAE travellers use mobile apps or hotel booking services, increasing the volume of digital interactions between consumers and travel brands. But as consumers eagerly plan and book their getaways, this surge in activity – coupled with a high volume of emails and promotional offers from travel companies – creates a perfect storm for cybercriminals, turning dream holidays into costly scams through sophisticated email fraud. Key findings include: • The UAE demonstrates stronger foundational email security adoption compared to its European counterparts, with 85% of the top travel sites publishing a DMARC record, reflecting growing awareness of cybersecurity best practices across the country's travel sector. • However, there is room for improvement with only 45% of the UAE's top travel sites using the policy at 'reject' level, meaning 55% are leaving their customers, staff, and partners more vulnerable to receiving fraudulent emails impersonating these brands. • On average, 88% of the top travel websites across Europe and the Middle East have published a basic DMARC record. However, only 46% of all travel sites analysed are at reject, meaning 54% of the top travel sites across the regions are leaving customers at risk of email fraud. 'Holiday bookings often represent a significant number of high-value financial transactions and bring experiences of high personal and emotional value; this combination makes travellers prime targets for cybercriminals. Attackers actively use sophisticated email fraud, especially during peak holiday season, to exploit vulnerabilities,' says Matt Cooke, cybersecurity strategist, Proofpoint. 'Fake booking confirmations, too-good-to-be-true deals, and urgent payment requests for supposed flight changes are common tactics. These fraudulent communications can appear highly convincing, putting travellers' finances and personal data at risk.' 'Travel companies bear a social responsibility to do everything they can to stop convincing scam emails being sent in their name, to holidaymakers,' continues Cooke. 'Implementing DMARC technology to its fullest level of 'reject' allows travel companies to massively reduce the risk of that happening, protecting both their brand and all of the holidaymakers at the same time., it's a win-win.' Proofpoint advises consumers to follow these tips to stay safe when booking and managing travel online: 1. Secure your bookings – and your accounts. Use strong, unique passwords for travel accounts and booking sites. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible to add an extra layer of security. 2. Watch out for fake travel deals – and websites. Be wary of unsolicited offers that seem too good to be true. Scammers create convincing fake websites for airlines, hotels, or comparison sites to steal money and credentials. Always book through official sites or reputable, verified agents. 3. Navigate away from phishing trips – and smishing scams. Stay alert to phishing emails or smishing (SMS phishing) messages regarding flight changes, booking confirmations, or visa applications that demand urgent action or personal details. These often lead to fake login pages designed to capture your information. 4. Don't get detoured by suspicious links. Avoid clicking directly on links in unsolicited emails, social media messages, or pop-up ads, especially for special offers or urgent alerts. Instead, type the official website address directly into your browser. 5. Check reviews before You book. Fraudulent travel offers, websites, and apps can look deceptively genuine. Before providing payment details or downloading a new travel app, invest time in researching the company, reading independent online reviews, and checking for customer complaints.


Al Etihad
6 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Iran-Israel tensions: Analysts optimistic about stability of oil supplies
15 June 2025 16:56 A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)Most analysts remain optimistic about the stability of crude prices and the continuity of global oil shipments, especially through the Strait of Hormuz, despite escalating tensions between Iran and the conflict has fuelled market speculation, most industry analysts and trade experts continue to express confidence in the resilience of global energy trade. Their view is anchored in historical precedent, economic pragmatism, and the deeply interwoven trade relationships that characterise the Arabian Gulf Strait of Hormuz — a narrow but critical maritime corridor at the mouth of the Arabian Gulf — handles close to 30% of the world's crude and refined petroleum exports and around 20% of global LNG flows. A complete closure would undoubtedly shake global energy markets. However, most observers consider such an outcome unlikely. "While we don't yet foresee a war escalating to a Hormuz blockade, its closure would severely impact global energy flows," a Chinese oil trader told S&P Global. But despite rising tensions and military strikes between Israel and Iran, there has been no significant disruption to commercial shipping so far. Historical confrontations between the two countries have also avoided this red a note issued on June 13, JP Morgan analysts assessed the risk of Iran closing the Strait as 'very low', citing Iran's reluctance to damage its economic lifeline — especially its vital trade relationship with to S&P Global Commodity Insights, Iran pumped 3.24 million barrels per day (b/d) in May, most of which is exported to China. Any move to restrict traffic through Hormuz would not only sever this economic artery but also affect its ability to send supplies to initially reacted with concern. ICE Brent crude futures spiked 8.97% on June 13 — the sharpest single-day gain in five years. But analysts at S&P Global and Goldman Sachs expect such price volatility to be temporary, barring direct attacks on energy infrastructure. 'We've seen these spikes before. Prices jump, then retreat when it's clear that oil flows are not actually impacted,' said Richard Joswick, Head of Near-Term Oil Analysis at S&P this outlook is the presence of alternative logistics. The UAE's Habshan–Fujairah pipeline, for instance, enables crude to bypass Hormuz altogether. Long-term LNG supply contracts between China and exporters like Qatar and the UAE also offer stability and reduce reliance on spot risk insurance premiums in the Arabian Gulf, which cover ships navigating high-risk zones, remain steady at 0.05%–0.07% of vessel hull value — unchanged for 18 months. Though freight charges could rise if hostilities deepen, there is no current indication of a shipping refiners are the largest buyers of Gulf crude. 'Extreme actions could provoke responses from Asian military powers. So both Iran and Israel are likely to exercise caution,' said a Tokyo-based feedstock manager. Refiners in South Korea, Japan, and Thailand have echoed similar sentiments, underscoring confidence that the Strait of Hormuz will stay Goldman Sachs, while adjusting its geopolitical risk premium, predicts Brent crude to fall back to the $60s in 2026, assuming no long-term infrastructure damage and a compensatory output from OPEC+.In a potential escalation scenario, Goldman estimates a temporary loss of 1.75 million b/d from Iran if its export infrastructure is damaged — but believes this shortfall could be partially offset by OPEC+ spare capacity. Under such conditions, Brent could peak over $90/b, before normalising as supply recovers.S&P Global concurs that the real inflection point would be a direct disruption to exports. 'Unless exports are impacted, the price upside will fade,' its analysts noted. Joswick reinforced this by citing 2024, when similar flare-ups triggered short-term price movements that quickly reversed once it became clear supply was Pollack, vice president for policy at the Middle East Institute, noted: 'If Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, the US would come in with all guns blazing.' Analysts warn that such a move would not only provoke military responses but would be viewed by Gulf neighbours as a direct economic threat.'There is no doubt the situation in the Arabian Gulf is very tense. We have reports that more shipowners are now exercising extra caution and are opting to stay away from the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf,' said Jakob P Larsen, Chief Safety & Security Officer at BIMCO, the world's largest international shipping association.'There is currently no indication that Iran will seek to disrupt shipping in the Gulf, and no indication at this point that the Houthis will seek to disrupt shipping in the Red Sea. The tripwire will be the perception of the US' involvement. If the US is suddenly perceived to be involved in attacks, the risk of escalation increases significantly,' Larsen told Aletihad.'BIMCO encourages shipowners to follow developments closely and implement ship defence measures according to the industry guidance document,' he added. Meanwhile, broader OPEC+ dynamics are also at play. Eight OPEC+ member states are moving to restore 2.2 million b/d of curtailed output to regain their market share. 'We'll likely see more unwinding of voluntary cuts,' said Harry Tchiliguirian, Head of Research at Onyx Capital Advisory. This will likely have a mitigating impact on oil prices.

Gulf Today
7 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Dollar's crown is slipping due to rapidly changing US trade policies
The dollar has sunk to its lowest in three years as rapidly changing US trade policy unsettles markets and expectations build for Federal Reserve rate cuts, fuelling outflows from the world's biggest economy. While the dollar was higher on Friday, lifted by safe haven flows as Israel launched a strike on Iran, it was still set for its biggest weekly drop in a month. It is also down almost 10% against a basket of major currencies this year, leaving other countries grappling with unanticipated FX moves that are having a knock-on impact on economic growth and inflation. 'There's clearly solid dollar selling,' said Kit Juckes, chief FX strategist at Societe Generale. Here's a look at some of the biggest movers: 1/ CROWN JEWELS Scandinavia's currencies are the standout performers against the dollar so far in 2025. The Swedish crown is up 15%, its best performance at this point in the year against the US currency in at least 50 years. Norway's crown is up 13%, its best run since 2008. Highlighting just how much of this strength stems from dollar weakness, Sweden's crown is up only 4.5% against the euro and Norway's just 2% . Sweden is expected to cut rates this month as inflation and its economy slow, yet its currency shows no signs of weakening. In Norway, lower oil prices often temper the crown, but that dynamic has also been upended by its relationship with the dollar. The euro, Swiss franc and Japanese yen are also among the biggest beneficiaries of the dollar's fall from grace, up roughly 10% each so far this year. But this comes at a price. Swiss inflation turned negative in May, marking the first decline in consumer prices for more than four years. The surge in the franc reduces the price of imported goods, and piles pressure on the central bank to cut rates back below 0%. European Central Bank rate setters will also have a wary eye on the single currency, which at around $1.1533 is near its highest since 2021. 'In my heart-of-hearts we are going to get to $1.20 but we shouldn't get there too fast because it's deflationary,' said SocGen's Juckes. Even after the recent surge, the yen remains down roughly 30% from end-2020 levels, leaving Japan to try to balance the negatives of a stronger currency with the need to demonstrate in trade talks with Washington that it is not seeking an unfair advantage from its longer-term weakness. ASIA For years, Asian investors parked trillions of dollars in US assets such as Treasuries. US President Donald Trump's April 2 'Liberation Day' fired the starting gun for that capital to start flowing back to the world's manufacturing powerhouses, boosting their currencies. Taiwan's dollar surged 10% over two days in May and is up nearly 10% this year, while the Korean won has gained around 8%. Singapore's dollar, Malaysia's ringgit and Thailand's baht are all up 6% too, but China's yuan - arguably the most exposed to tariffs - has only appreciated by about 2% offshore, hemmed in by the central bank's guardrails around its onshore counterpart. China wasn't labelled a manipulator in the US Treasury's latest currency report, but the lag in the yuan will not have gone unnoticed in Washington. Reuters