Latest news with #industrialdevelopment
Zawya
14 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Sohar Freezone signs land lease agreement with Matrix Alloys (FZC) LLC for low-carbon ferrochrome plant
Suhar – SOHAR Freezone has signed a land lease agreement with Matrix Alloys (FZC) LLC, a leader in low-carbon ferrochrome production, to build a state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly ferrochrome plant. This initiative strengthens Oman's role as a regional hub for sustainable industrial development and supports the goals of Oman 2050 Net Zero commitment to reduce carbon emissions and diversify the economy. The project, with an investment of USD 10 million, will occupy 2.2 hectares within SOHAR Freezone and aims to produce 20,000 tons annually of micro-carbon and low-carbon ferrochrome. The facility will meet stringent purity and sustainability standards demanded by key markets including Europe, Japan, South Korea, and India. Utilizing an electric-based production process that avoids coal and heavy-oil pollution, the plant will significantly reduce its environmental footprint and operate with zero waste gas or wastewater emissions. Furthermore, it seamlessly fits into Oman Vision 2040, promoting sustainable industrialization and encouraging foreign investment to drive long-term economic growth and environmental stewardship. The first phase is expected to be operational by 2026. Mr. Bailin Yi, Chairman of Matrix Alloys (FZC) LLC, said, 'Launching our first international ferroalloy plant in SOHAR Freezone offers us a strategic location with excellent infrastructure, market access, and competitive, stable, and low-cost energy essential for the energy-intensive smelting processes. We are committed to delivering premium low-carbon ferrochrome products that support global stainless-steel producers and promote a cleaner industrial future.' Mohammed Al Shizawi, Acting CEO of SOHAR Freezone, stated: 'This agreement underscores the trust that international investors place in SOHAR's integrated industrial ecosystem. Matrix Alloys is bringing advanced, sustainable manufacturing capabilities to our ferroalloy cluster, aligning perfectly with our vision to attract clean technology investments and strengthen SOHAR Freezone's position as a competitive gateway for global trade.' Matrix Alloys will benefit from SOHAR's proximity to raw material suppliers and customers, as well as direct port access, and a supportive regulatory environment that reduces operational costs. The plant also plans to secure ISO 14001 and ISO 14067 certifications to ensure full carbon emission traceability and compliance with international standards such as CBAM, EcoLeaf, and K-ETS. As SOHAR Freezone approaches full capacity in its initial development phase, this agreement marks a significant milestone in expanding Oman's green industrial base and attracting technology-driven industries to the region. For more information about SOHAR Port and Freezone, please visit: About SOHAR Port and Freezone SOHAR Port and Freezone is one of the world's fastest-growing integrated industrial and logistics hubs, strategically positioned to connect businesses to the world and facilitate trade across diverse sectors. This significant mega-project, a collaboration between ASYAD Group & the Port of Rotterdam, offers a comprehensive range of services, including logistics, petrochemicals, metals, and the region's first dedicated agro terminal. With over 20 years of operation, SOHAR has become the primary gateway for Oman's import and export activities, contributing 2.1% to the nation's GDP and creating nearly 42,000 direct and indirect jobs. The SOHAR Freezone enhances operational efficiencies through synergies in green manufacturing, logistics, and trade. Currently, land occupancy for both phase one and phase two has reached 66%. As of 2024, SOHAR Port has achieved a remarkable throughput of 75.4 million metric tons, rise in roll-on, roll-off (RORO) operations. SOHAR Port is a multifunctional port driving innovation and efficiency in Oman's logistics, marine services, and trade sectors, committed to sustainable development and advanced technology. This modernization aligns with the economic diversification objectives outlined in Oman's Vision 2040.
Zawya
18 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt reaffirms ban on industrial projects on farmland, in residential areas
In a continued effort to boost industrial development while preserving vital resources, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel Al-Wazir held a meeting with investors in Beheira to address challenges facing the region's industrial zones and explore practical solutions. During the meeting, officials reviewed the implementation status of Beheira's three approved industrial zones, which span a total of 1,162.47 feddans. These include the Wadi El-Natrun Industrial Zone, covering 519.47 feddans; the Al-Tarrana Industrial Zone in Hosh Issa, covering 346 feddans; and the Nubaria Industrial Zone, covering 297 feddans. The discussions focused on land allocation, operational readiness, the availability of utilities, and the progress of ongoing infrastructure work in each zone. Attention was also given to the textile and ready-made garments industrial zone in Kafr El-Dawar. This complex, extending over more than 618,000 square meters, currently houses 138 factories operated by 103 investors. The Minister emphasized the importance of completing infrastructure and utility connections in the area to support production readiness. Al-Wazir directed officials from the Ministry of Industry, the Industrial Development Authority, and the Beheira Governorate to intensify planning efforts aimed at localizing industries based on the specific resources and advantages of each region. He noted that strategic localization should focus on sectors that deepen local manufacturing, create employment opportunities, and enhance the added value of national resources. The Minister underscored the urgency of accelerating infrastructure and utility development, while streamlining bureaucratic procedures to facilitate the rapid operation of factories. He also reaffirmed the Egyptian state's commitment to prohibiting any industrial activity on agricultural land or within residential areas, in accordance with directives from President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. These directives, he said, are crucial for preserving arable land and securing food supplies for future generations. Al-Wazir reiterated the government's commitment to genuine industrial development within properly designated and fully serviced zones, which offer a sustainable and regulated environment for growth. He encouraged serious investors to make use of the 1,800 industrial plots recently made available through Egypt's Digital Industrial Platform, stressing that suitable alternatives will always be offered within the planned zones. Calling on investors to prioritize the national interest, he described the preservation of agricultural land as a shared responsibility. During the meeting, several investors raised concerns about recurrent power outages and voltage fluctuations in the Wadi El-Natrun zone, which are disrupting factory operations. In response, Al-Wazir directed immediate coordination with the Ministry of Electricity and the relevant distribution companies to identify urgent and sustainable solutions. He also instructed the development of a clear technical plan to strengthen the area's electrical network and ensure stable power supply, thereby supporting uninterrupted industrial activity and preventing production delays.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Eramet's response to the Gabonese government's announcement on crude manganese export ban starting in 2029
Paris, 2 June 2025, 8:00 a.m. PRESS RELEASE Eramet's response to the Gabonese government's announcement on crude manganese export ban starting in 2029 Eramet takes note of the Gabonese government's intention to ban crude manganese exports from January 1st, 2029. This move is described as part of the country's stated ambition to strengthen its industrial base, initiated by H.E. President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and his Government. A long-standing partner of Gabon and with over 30 years of presence in the country, Eramet has a track record as a committed investor in Gabon, supporting the country's industrial development ambitions through investing in sustainable mining operations, constructing value-adding transformation facilities and upgrading key infrastructure. Eramet acknowledges the Government's ambition and, as the main co-shareholder in Comilog, will continue to work with the authorities in a spirit of constructive partnership and mutual respect. Eramet will remain attentive to this policy shift and will work collaboratively to identify further opportunities for it to contribute to Gabon's economic development in the long term, whilst maintaining the sustainability of its mining and metals operations. In particular, the Group aims to safeguard the strategic role of Comilog and Setrag in being an internationally significant supplier of manganese to the global steel industry — and the 10,460 Gabonese jobs they sustain. Calendar 30.07.2025: Publication of 2025 half-year results 30.10.2025: Publication of 2025 Group third-quarter turnover ABOUT ERAMET Eramet transforms the Earth's mineral resources to provide sustainable and responsible solutions to the growth of the industry and to the challenges of the energy transition. Its employees are committed to this through their civic and contributory approach in all the countries where the mining and metallurgical group is present. Manganese, nickel, mineral sands and lithium: Eramet recovers and develops metals that are essential to the construction of a more sustainable world. As a privileged partner of its industrial clients, the Group contributes to making robust and resistant infrastructures and constructions, more efficient means of mobility, safer health tools and more efficient telecommunications devices. Fully committed to the era of metals, Eramet's ambition is to become a reference for the responsible transformation of the Earth's mineral resources for living well together. INVESTOR CONTACTDirector of Investor RelationsSandrine Nourry-DabiT. +33 1 45 38 37 02 PRESS CONTACTMedia Relations OfficerNedjma AmraniT. +33 6 65 65 44 Attachment 2025 06 02 - Eramet - PR - Response_ Gabonese government's Announcement EN VFSign in to access your portfolio
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt, Sweden discuss advancing local electric bus manufacturing, sustainable transport
Egypt - Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, Kamel Al-Wazir, met with Johan Forssell, Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in the transport and industrial sectors. Swedish Ambassador to Cairo, Håkan Emsgård, also attended the meeting. Al-Wazir underscored the longstanding and robust relations between Egypt and Sweden, expressing a strong desire to deepen collaboration, particularly in enhancing road safety—an effort aligned with Egypt's extensive national infrastructure projects in roads and bridges. Minister Forssell, leading a delegation of Swedish institutions and companies, expressed Sweden's keen interest in investing in Egypt's industrial development. He affirmed Sweden's readiness to support Egypt through technology transfer, expertise sharing, and cooperation across various transport sectors, recognizing Egypt's strategic position as a gateway to Africa. A key focus of the meeting was Egypt's initiative to localize the manufacturing of electric buses as part of its broader environmental and industrial strategy. Al-Wazir noted that Swedish company Volvo already manufactures electric buses in Egypt for export to the UK and several European markets. The ministers also discussed collaboration on Egypt's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. Plans include the joint production of 100 electric buses, the development of electric charging infrastructure for upcoming BRT phases, and the implementation of advanced control and monitoring systems. Al-Wazir welcomed Swedish support in rolling out BRT services in Alexandria and emphasized opportunities for collaboration with other Swedish companies in the fields of renewable energy and pharmaceutical innovation, such as AstraZeneca. During the meeting, Al-Wazir and Forssell, along with Ambassador Emsgård, witnessed the signing of a Letter of Intent between Egypt's Land Transport Regulatory Authority and the International Swedish Industry Council. The agreement outlines cooperation in public transport planning, capacity building, technical evaluations, and knowledge transfer—particularly for BRT projects. Both sides concluded the meeting by agreeing to establish a series of expert-level follow-up sessions to monitor the implementation of joint projects and explore additional opportunities for Swedish companies in Egypt's growing market.
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt's minister inaugurates Golden Avenue garment factory, accelerates industrial development in Minya
Egypt - Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, Kamel Al-Wazir, toured key industrial sites in Minya, highlighting Egypt's ongoing push to localize manufacturing and expand infrastructure in Upper Egypt. Al-Wazir began by visiting the Giza Company for Upper Egypt Development, a textile and ready-made garments factory that serves as a flagship example of successful local investment. Spanning 46,000 square meters and employing 2,500 workers, the factory has achieved a 50% local content rate, which Al-Wazir hailed as a major milestone in Egypt's industrial development strategy. He then officially inaugurated the Golden Avenue factory, a $3.5m Egyptian-Vietnamese joint venture specializing in the production of padded jackets for export to Europe and the United States. The facility currently employs 350 workers, with plans to grow its workforce to 1,500 by the end of the year. Following the inaugurations, Al-Wazir inspected the Matahra Industrial Zone, which spans 8 million square meters and hosts 621 projects across multiple sectors. He also reviewed proposed utility works at a 306-feddan expansion site designated for new industrial development. As part of broader investment facilitation measures, the minister announced that 16 vacant plots in the Matahra zone will be made available via the Egypt Industrial Digital Platform on June 1, 2025. Additionally, a small industries complex—comprising 68 units for food, engineering, and textile production—recently concluded a leasing round that ran from 1 to 22 May 2025. Al-Wazir stressed the urgency of accelerating development in Matahra, citing its strategic location near major transportation routes and export hubs, including Safaga Port (250 km), Ain Sokhna Port (300 km), Minya Railway Station (40 km), and Assiut Airport (130 km). Plans are underway to add 1.2 million square meters to the zone, creating Upper Egypt's first textile-focused industrial area. To ensure accountability, Al-Wazir ordered the formation of a joint inspection committee to verify that allocated industrial plots are being developed on schedule. Lands left idle or misused will be reclaimed and reallocated to serious investors to curb speculation and accelerate productive use. The minister also inspected progress on the Western Upper Egypt Desert Road, a transformative infrastructure project stretching 1,226 kilometers. He visited the Dairut–Asyut segment, which is 72 kilometers long and now 75% complete. This section will ultimately feature six lanes—three for main traffic and three for service—across a 46-meter-wide corridor. Progress along the route is advancing steadily. The Cairo–Minya segment, covering 230 kilometers, was inaugurated in December 2021. The 60-kilometer Minya–Qusiya section opened in March 2023. The 57-kilometer Qusiya–Asyut section is now 75% complete. Work is progressing on the 113-kilometer stretch between Luxor and Sibaiya, while the 215-kilometer Aswan–Toshka section has reached 23% completion. The Sibaiya–Edfu segment (25 kilometers) and the Edfu–Aswan section (87.5 kilometers) are scheduled for completion by March 2025. The remaining segments, including the 336 kilometers from Asyut to Luxor and 103 kilometers from Toshka to Arqin, are currently in the planning phase. So far, 402.5 kilometers of the road have been completed, 385 kilometers are under development, and 439 kilometers are planned for future construction. © 2024 Daily News Egypt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
