DP World Egypt Celebrates the Inauguration of the Integrated Central Industrial Laboratories at Ain Sokhna Port
DP World Egypt, the global operator of Ain Sokhna Port within the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone), celebrated the inauguration of the Integrated Central Industrial Laboratories, marking a new milestone in Egypt’s logistics and trade facilitation infrastructure.
The ceremony was attended by H.E. Eng. Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade; Mr. Walid Gamal El-Din, Chairman of the General Authority of the Suez Canal Economic Zone; Mr. Hossam Heiba, Chairman of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones; Eng. Essam El-Naggar, Chairman of the General Organization for Export and Import Control; Mr. Sherif El-Kilani, Deputy Minister of Finance for Tax Policy; and Mr. Ahmed Amouie, Head of the Customs Authority. Senior executives from government ministries, regulatory bodies, the Export Council for Engineering and Electronics Industries, leading import companies, and internationally accredited inspection firms also attended the event.
During the visit, the Minister reviewed a detailed presentation by DP World Egypt, showcasing recent advancements in customs clearance procedures and efforts to reduce the time required for cargo release. The presentation included an overview of the Joint Risk Management System, which connects all government entities involved in import and export processes—ensuring faster, more transparent, and accurate operations. It also highlighted the upgraded digital export cycle, which integrates stakeholders across the export ecosystem through electronic linkages with shipping lines, agencies, and container terminals.
The newly established laboratories represent a transformative step in modernizing Egypt’s industrial inspection system, ensuring that products comply with international quality and safety standards. This initiative is expected to significantly accelerate customs clearance, strengthen Egypt’s export competitiveness through globally recognized inspection certificates, and protect the local market from non-compliant products. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, the laboratories reinforce Ain Sokhna Port’s position as a premier gateway for global trade and investment.
Speaking at the event, H.E. Eng. Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, said:
> “The Ministry’s strategic objective is to eliminate bureaucracy and streamline procedures by unifying government efforts to serve investors and facilitate trade. What we have witnessed today reflects the Prime Minister’s directives to ensure seamless operations seven days a week, including public holidays, to maintain the highest levels of efficiency in trade flows. We will continue regular field follow-ups to sustain the progress achieved in reducing customs clearance time and cost, and in enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian ports as regional and global logistics hubs.”
Mr. Walid Gamal El-Din, Chairman of the General Authority of the Suez Canal Economic Zone, commented:
> “The Authority is fully committed to enhancing customs procedures across all its ports. We recognize the importance of unifying efforts with various government entities to overcome challenges in customs clearance and cargo movement. This project is a testament to our shared vision to strengthen the Suez Canal Economic Zone’s role as a world-class logistics hub.”
Mr. Mohammad Shihab, Chief Executive Officer of DP World Egypt, added:
> “Integrating the new Central Industrial Laboratories into Ain Sokhna Port’s operations will significantly enhance efficiency, cargo handling speed, and quality assurance for imported goods. This development will further improve our ability to serve local and international partners with greater precision and stricter adherence to global safety and quality standards. At DP World Egypt, we believe that the port’s success is a collective achievement, and we remain committed to supporting every initiative that adds real value and reinforces Ain Sokhna’s position as a key regional and global logistics hub.”
Through this strategic initiative, DP World reaffirms its commitment to investing in Ain Sokhna Port’s infrastructure and logistics capabilities, strengthening its role as a primary gateway to regional and international markets, and contributing to Egypt’s sustainable economic growth.