- Minister Inspects Luxor Mattress Factory and Eagle Wood Industries Project
- El-Khatib: Importance of Supporting Local Products and Deepening Egyptian Industry Across Governorates
- Upper Egypt Governorates Witness Significant Infrastructure and Investment Environment Development, Supporting Attraction of More Investments
Eng. Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, conducted a field visit to the Qeft General Free Zone in Qena Governorate, inspecting the factories and ongoing projects within the zone. This visit is part of continuous follow-up on the implementation status of investment projects and supporting industrial investment in Upper Egypt.
The Minister was accompanied by Dr. Khaled Abdel Halim, Governor of Qena, Eng. Mohamed El-Gawasski, Chief Executive Officer of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), along with senior officials from the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade.
The Qeft General Free Zone is located 50 kilometers north of Luxor city and approximately 150 kilometers from Safaga Port on the Red Sea. The allocated area for projects is approximately 441,600 m², while the available vacant area for new projects is around 52,200 m², reflecting the continued availability of investment opportunities within the industrial free zone.
Currently, the free zone hosts seven operational projects, with a total capital of approximately USD 9 million and total investment costs of USD 15.4 million, providing numerous direct employment opportunities.
This tour is part of efforts to monitor the performance of free zones, maximize the utilization of industrial capacities, enhance their contribution to export growth, and create more job opportunities.
During the visit, the Minister inspected Luxor Mattress Factory, which specializes in manufacturing mattresses and springs, targeting the export of 80% of its production. The project’s total investment cost is USD 3.3 million, and it occupies an area of 28,668.71 m². The Minister reviewed the production lines, followed up on engineering progress, and inspected the completion of the first production hangar and perimeter walls, with construction of the second production hangar and administrative building ongoing. The project operates under a valid license until May 13, 2026.
El-Khatib emphasized the importance of supporting local products and deepening Egyptian industry across all governorates, noting that projects such as Luxor Mattress represent a successful model of industrial investment in free zones, contributing to export growth, job creation, and local production chains.
The Minister also visited Eagle Wood Industries, specialized in manufacturing plywood, veneer, and related products. The project targets exporting 70% of its production, with a capital of USD 1.5 million and total investment cost of USD 7.5 million, covering an area of 7,313.29 m². He reviewed operational progress, inspected engineering works, and observed the final preparations of production lines and the administrative building. The project operates under a valid license until November 16, 2026.
El-Khatib highlighted that wood industry projects are among promising sectors supporting local industry and increasing exports, as they contribute to replacing imported products and deepening domestic manufacturing. He noted that Eagle Wood Industries reflects Upper Egypt’s potential to attract productive investments that create jobs and stimulate local economic growth.
The Minister also pointed out that Upper Egypt governorates are witnessing notable improvements in infrastructure and investment environment, which support attracting more investments in the coming period and reinforce Upper Egypt’s role as a key engine of national development.
