Transcargo International (TCI), operating at Adabiya Port under the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), has been granted Egypt's first customs licence to operate as a port-based distribution centre — a milestone that supports the state's strategy to position Egypt as a leading regional logistics hub facilitating intercontinental trade. The new licence authorises TCI to import goods under its own name as a custodian rather than an owner, allowing the company to store shipments within the port until they are cleared for local distribution or re-exported to international markets. This mechanism is expected to streamline trade flows, shorten shipping times, and enhance Egypt's role as a gateway for global commerce. The initiative represents a significant step towards attracting foreign exporters to use Egyptian ports as regional distribution bases, capitalising on the country's strategic location and world-class port infrastructure. The SCZONE's logistical capabilities and proximity to major shipping lanes make it well positioned to capture trade volumes that have historically bypassed Egypt. Walid Gamal El-Din, Chairperson of the Suez Canal Economic Zone, said that awarding TCI the first customs distribution centre licence marks a key milestone in developing integrated logistics services across SCZONE ports. "This type of licence opens new opportunities for investors and international logistics and shipping companies to use SCZONE ports as central hubs for cargo consolidation, storage, and re-export operations to diverse markets," he noted. Gamal El-Din emphasised that the achievement underscores effective cooperation between the SCZONE and the Egyptian Customs Authority in implementing a modern, internationally aligned framework for storage and trade facilitation. The initiative, he added, supports Egypt's long-term vision of becoming a global centre for trade and maritime services. He reaffirmed that the SCZONE continues to offer comprehensive incentives to investors while enhancing the competitiveness of its ports as critical nodes on global trade routes.
