Deputy Minister of Trade Jerry Sambuaga engaged in discussions with representatives from the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) in Cairo, Egypt, aiming to bolster trade cooperation between Indonesia and Egypt. This meeting was part of Deputy Minister Jerry's official visit to Egypt, focused on exploring potential collaboration between SCZone and Indonesia's Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Highlighting SCZone's significance for regional business activities, Deputy Minister Jerry emphasized its strategic importance for trade and value-added supply chains. He underscored Indonesia's efforts to promote its flagship products not only in Egypt but also across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia, leveraging the substantial global trade passing through the Suez Canal annually. Established in 2015, SCZone spans 461 km2 along the Suez Canal, serving as a crucial trade route linking the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. With four development zones and six ports, SCZone facilitates vital trade between Europe and Asia.
Deputy Minister Jerry expressed appreciation for the warm reception from the SCZone delegation, expressing hopes for strengthened cooperation between Indonesia and Egypt, leading to increased Indonesian exports to Egypt. Data from the Ministry of Trade revealed that Indonesia-Egypt trade in 2023 amounted to USD 1.58 billion, marking the largest trade volume in North Africa. Indonesia's exports to Egypt reached USD 1.37 billion, ranking as the largest in North Africa and the third largest in the Middle East after the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The dialogue underscores Indonesia's commitment to expanding its economic footprint globally, capitalizing on strategic partnerships to enhance trade relations and foster economic growth.
