CAIRO - 21 April 2026: The Suez Canal is one of the most important strategic waterways upon which the Egyptian state relies to support foreign investment flows and boost exports, said Egyptian Minister of Planning and Economic Development Dr. Ahmed Rostom.
During a roundtable organized by the Ministry of Planning Tuesday, Minister Rostom highlighted the pivotal role of the Suez Canal in driving economic growth rates and achieving market integration.
The roundtable was held to discuss enhancing foreign investment and integrating Egyptian companies into global value chains.
The Minister of Planning and Economic Development explained that the Suez Canal has become a fundamental element in international trade, especially in light of the increasing challenges facing the global economy and the disruption of supply chains.
Rostom also pointed out that the Suez Canal Economic Zone plays a pivotal role in supporting and stabilizing global supply chains, explaining that "it includes six strategic ports and a number of integrated industrial zones, making it an advanced logistics hub serving international trade."
He added that the region's reliance on advanced digital systems has facilitated the handling of goods and enhanced the smooth flow of shipping, even during the recent crises and disruptions in global markets.
Facing challenges
The Minister of Planning pointed out that the challenges facing international shipping in recent years have reaffirmed the strategic importance of the Suez Canal as one of the most efficient maritime routes in terms of time and cost compared to alternative routes.
He emphasized that the Canal has successfully overcome the repercussions of previous crises and restored its operational capacity, thus reinforcing its position as a preferred option for global trade, especially given the competitive advantages it offers to international shipping.
The Minister of Planning added that the ongoing development work in the Canal, whether in terms of increasing ship capacity or improving the efficiency of logistical services, has directly contributed to reducing transportation costs and enhancing the attractiveness of the waterway.
He explained that these efforts have resulted in increased investor confidence and higher rates of Canal usage in global trade in recent times.
Increased Revenues and New Investments
Rustom revealed that these developments have resulted in a 20% increase in Suez Canal revenues, along with attracting further investments in the transportation, logistics, and export industries.
He affirmed that the state is continuing to implement comprehensive development plans aimed at maximizing the benefits of the canal's strategic geographic location and strengthening its role as a regional and global hub for trade and investment in the coming phase.
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