Latest news with #VeronicaSquinzi
Arab News
28-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi-Italian Business Forum showcases robust trade relations
MILAN: The Saudi-Italian Business Forum, which was held on Monday in Lombardy, showcased the robust economic relationship between Italy and Saudi Arabia. Spearheaded by prominent figures such as Veronica Squinzi, vice president for internationalization at Assolombarda, and Waleed Al-Orainan, secretary-general of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, the forum aimed to enhance collaboration and explore new business opportunities between the two nations. Squinzi welcomed the forum and spoke of the significance of the gathering in strengthening economic ties, underscoring the importance of governmental support in fostering international business. She said: 'This forum represents a vital step in enhancing our economic collaboration and building lasting partnerships.' Al-Orainan stressed the historic relationship between the two nations, dating back to the 1930s. He said: 'The warm reception we receive in Italy reflects the mutual respect and eagerness to enhance our bilateral cooperation.' Kamel Al-Munajjed, chairman of the Saudi-Italian Business Council, expressed optimism regarding future collaboration. He said: 'We are at a pivotal moment where collaboration can unlock significant value chains, invigorating our economies.' He acknowledged previous visits of Italian officials to Saudi Arabia which had helped to lay a solid foundation for partnerships. Discussions at the forum revealed a landscape rich with business potential. Maria Tripodi, undersecretary of state for foreign affairs, noted that Saudi Arabia had emerged as a priority partner for Italy, with exports exceeding €6 billion in 2024 — an increase of 27.9 percent from the previous year. Tripodi said: 'Our relationship with Saudi Arabia is not only growing, it is thriving, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.' This growth positions Saudi Arabia as the second-largest market for Italian exports in the region, reflecting a burgeoning relationship across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and high-tech innovation. The forum also highlighted opportunities in Saudi Arabia and success stories of Italian companies in sectors such as infrastructure and construction, renewable energy, and sport. Barbara Cimmino, vice president for export and foreign investment at Confindustria, said: 'When we align our strengths, we create a synergy that benefits both nations.' Discussions at the event turned to the Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the Saudi economy and reduce its dependence on oil. Tripodi said: 'This strategic plan presents numerous opportunities for Italian enterprises, particularly in technology, education, and public services.'
Zawya
23-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Mapei Group expands in Egypt with new 30,000 sqm plant in 10th of Ramadan City
Egypt - The Mapei Group, a global leader in chemical products for the construction industry, has expanded its industrial operations in Egypt with the inauguration of a 30,000-square-meter production plant in 10th of Ramadan City, northwest of Cairo. The new facility will manufacture a broad range of Mapei's signature products—ceramic adhesives, mortars, concrete admixtures, and cement grinding aids—to meet rising domestic demand and support major projects across the region. This marks Mapei's second production site in Egypt, following its Vinavil polymer plant in Suez, which has been operational since 2002 and currently employs 150 staff. Veronica Squinzi, CEO of Mapei, said the company views Egypt as 'a highly promising market for the global construction sector,' citing the country's population of over 100 million and steady demographic expansion. 'There is soaring demand for residential and infrastructure projects, spurred by significant public investment in transport, tourism, and mega-developments,' she added. According to Squinzi, Mapei's expanded presence in Egypt will boost its competitiveness, enhance local manufacturing, create employment opportunities, and support the transfer of advanced technologies to the region. Strategically located near key transport corridors—Cairo-Suez and Cairo-Ain Sokhna—the new plant offers logistical advantages for Mapei to distribute its products across Egypt and export to neighboring North African and Middle Eastern markets. It will also serve as a springboard into Sub-Saharan Africa, leveraging existing trade agreements and growing regional integration. Beyond manufacturing, the facility includes a quality control lab and a training center under the Mapei Academy, aimed at upskilling local professionals and supporting sustainable construction practices. Egypt's construction sector is projected to grow by 10%, with Mapei already contributing to landmark projects such as the Cairo Metro Line 4, Alamein Towers, the New Administrative Capital's Government District, and its Central Business District (CBD). Mapei's operations in Egypt currently generate €60m in annual turnover and employ 220 people, underlining the company's ongoing role in shaping the country's infrastructure and supporting its economic growth.
Daily News Egypt
23-04-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Mapei Group expands in Egypt with new 30,000 sqm plant in 10th of Ramadan City
The Mapei Group, a global leader in chemical products for the construction industry, has expanded its industrial operations in Egypt with the inauguration of a 30,000-square-meter production plant in 10th of Ramadan City, northwest of Cairo. The new facility will manufacture a broad range of Mapei's signature products—ceramic adhesives, mortars, concrete admixtures, and cement grinding aids—to meet rising domestic demand and support major projects across the region. This marks Mapei's second production site in Egypt, following its Vinavil polymer plant in Suez, which has been operational since 2002 and currently employs 150 staff. Veronica Squinzi, CEO of Mapei, said the company views Egypt as 'a highly promising market for the global construction sector,' citing the country's population of over 100 million and steady demographic expansion. 'There is soaring demand for residential and infrastructure projects, spurred by significant public investment in transport, tourism, and mega-developments,' she added. According to Squinzi, Mapei's expanded presence in Egypt will boost its competitiveness, enhance local manufacturing, create employment opportunities, and support the transfer of advanced technologies to the region. Strategically located near key transport corridors—Cairo-Suez and Cairo-Ain Sokhna—the new plant offers logistical advantages for Mapei to distribute its products across Egypt and export to neighboring North African and Middle Eastern markets. It will also serve as a springboard into Sub-Saharan Africa, leveraging existing trade agreements and growing regional integration. Beyond manufacturing, the facility includes a quality control lab and a training center under the Mapei Academy, aimed at upskilling local professionals and supporting sustainable construction practices. Egypt's construction sector is projected to grow by 10%, with Mapei already contributing to landmark projects such as the Cairo Metro Line 4, Alamein Towers, the New Administrative Capital's Government District, and its Central Business District (CBD). Mapei's operations in Egypt currently generate €60m in annual turnover and employ 220 people, underlining the company's ongoing role in shaping the country's infrastructure and supporting its economic growth.
Zawya
22-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Mapei opens a new plant in Egypt
Milan, Italy: The Mapei Group, world leader in the production of chemical products for the building industry, strengthens its industrial presence in North Africa, with the opening of a new production plant in Egypt, in the 10th of Ramadan City, north-west of Cairo. This new investment confirms Mapei's long-term vision: to be a key player in the global development of the construction industry, focusing on innovation, quality, durability and local presence. With a total surface area of 30,000 square metres, the new factory will produce Mapei's main products for the local market, from adhesives for installing ceramics to mortars, from concrete admixtures to grinding aids for cement production. It will be the Group's second production plant in Egypt after Vinavil's polymer plant in Suez, which began operating in 2002 and employes around 150 people. "Egypt today represents a very promising market for the global construction industry," says Veronica Squinzi, CEO of Mapei. "With over 100 million inhabitants and a constant demographic growth, the country is experiencing a growing demand for residential construction, supported by strong government investment plans in infrastructure, hospitality and large-scale transport. The presence of two production sites in the area, Mapei and Vinavil, will strengthen the Group's competitiveness, while promoting local production capacities, creating job opportunities and facilitating technology transfer". 'In addition to a local construction market expected to grow by 10 per cent – she adds, - the proactive policies promoted by the Ministry of Investment through the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), focused on industrialisation and infrastructure development, have created a favourable environment for foreign direct investment, generating the need for advanced solutions such as fibre-reinforced concrete flooring or polyurethane solutions for the growing chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries. "The new plant, designed to produce a wide range of products using cutting-edge technology," adds Marco Squinzi, CEO of Mapei, "is located in a strategic position near major logistic hubs. Its proximity to the Cairo-Suez and Cairo-Ain Sokhna corridor will allow Mapei to distribute its products efficiently both within Egypt and in the nearby markets of North Africa and the Middle East. It will also be a gateway to sub-Saharan Africa, thanks to the existing trade agreements and the growing economic integration among African nations' 'Designed to meet the needs of the local construction industry, guaranteeing proximity, faster delivery times and tailor-made technical support - he adds, - the plant also has a quality control laboratory and a space for Mapei Academy training programmes, Mapei's training offer that develops through free events aimed at professionals and companies, contributing to the development of local skills. As a regional hub, designed to be scalable, it will allow Mapei to increase production and storage capacity according to demand and to expand the offer with additional production lines, some of which are already under study' Mapei Egypt, which today has 70 employees, was founded in 2017 in New Cairo as a commercial presidium in the country, where the Group has been present since 2002 through its subsidiary Vinavil. Over the years, Mapei solutions have contributed to some of Egypt's most important infrastructure and urban development projects, such as the Cairo Metro Line 4, the Alamein Towers, the Government District and the Central Business District (CBD) of the New Administrative Capital. Today, the Mapei Group generates a turnover of 60 million Euros in Egypt and employs 220 people, contributing to the development of the local economy and the local construction market. About Mapei in Egypt Mapei Egypt for Construction Chemicals SAE, established on December 7, 2017, is a subsidiary of the Mapei Group. The company has a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in 10th of Ramadan City, equipped with advanced technologies to produce a wide range of high-performance construction solutions, including powder products (tile adhesives, self-levelling compounds, mortars, waterproofing materials) and liquid products (concrete admixtures and grinding aids for cement production). Mapei Egypt complements Vinavil Egypt for Chemicals SAE, the first Mapei Group company established in the country in August 2002. Based in Attaqa, Suez, Vinavil Egypt brings over 20 years of local expertise in producing polymer emulsions and resins for key sectors such as paints, adhesives, textiles, and construction. Together, Mapei Egypt and Vinavil Egypt form a strong industrial and commercial presence, reinforcing Mapei's long-term commitment to Egypt and the wider Middle East and Africa region. About Mapei Founded in 1937 in Milan, Italy, Mapei is one of the world's leading manufacturers of chemical products for the building industry and has contributed to the construction of the most important architectural and infrastructural works worldwide. With 96 subsidiaries distributed in 57 countries and 93 production plants operating in 36 countries, the Group employs over 12,500 people worldwide. In the year 2023, the Mapei Group recorded a consolidated turnover of 4.2 billion Euro. At the basis of the company's success: specialisation, internationalisation, research and development and sustainability. PRESS OFFICE MAPEI press@ Viale Jenner, 4 - 20159 Milan, Italy -
