Egypt's Deputy Housing Minister Sayed Ismail visited Wednesday the newly launched $150 million Chinese factory producing ductile iron pipes in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone). The new factory aligns with the government's push to localise strategic infrastructure industries and reduce reliance on imports. The plant, operated by China's Xinxing and spanning over 270,000 square metres in the TEDA-Egypt industrial zone, is expected to produce up to 250,000 tons of ductile iron pipes annually for use in major national infrastructure projects, with diametres reaching 2,600 mm. It will create 700 direct and 220 indirect jobs. "This factory holds strategic importance as it supports our efforts to localise key components used in large-scale utility and infrastructure works," Ismail said during the tour, adding that the project will help Egypt curb import costs and expand exports to African and Gulf markets. Accompanied by senior ministry officials and military engineering representatives, Ismail toured the production lines and discussed collaboration with Xinxing executives, who shared their global track record in delivering infrastructure materials. Egypt is encouraging foreign direct investment into high-employment, export-oriented industries with strong local input. The new facility aligns with national plans to promote local manufacturing across 27 governorates and 44 new cities. The ductile iron pipes produced at the facility will support projects in water, wastewater, and basic utilities. Officials said production follows international specifications and will cater to growing demand from Egypt's national development initiatives. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: Y.Yasser
