Ministry of Planning Announces EGP 9.7 Billion Investment Plan for Suez Governorate, Encompassing 189 Projects for 2023/2024

The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development has released a comprehensive report detailing the Citizen Investment Plan for Suez Governorate for the fiscal year 2023/2024. This announcement marks the fifth consecutive year of unveiling the Citizen Investment Plan across all governorates in the republic. The initiative aims to increase public awareness about the objectives and priorities of the Sustainable Development Plan for 2023/2024, as well as its critical role in achieving the goals outlined in "Egypt Vision 2030."

Her Excellency Dr. Hala El-Said, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, emphasized that the updated version of Egypt Vision 2030 places significant importance on ensuring citizen participation in development-related decision-making processes. This participation is beneficial not only for individuals, who are at the heart of development, but also for promoting spatial justice, reducing geographical disparities, and economically and socially empowering local communities. Furthermore, it ensures the provision of essential services across all geographic areas, contributing to genuine societal development. Dr. El-Said highlighted that these principles align with the State General Planning Law No. 18 of 2022, which prioritizes enhancing the involvement of active stakeholders in the development process, encourages scientific research and innovation, and aims for balanced sustainable development geographically, sectorally, and environmentally. She added that citizen participation in the development process necessitates the availability of detailed data on the state's development plans, enabling citizens to regularly monitor their implementation within a comprehensive and integrated framework to enhance participatory planning.

Regarding the Citizen Investment Plan for Suez Governorate, Dr. El-Said explained that the number of developmental projects in the governorate reaches 189, with public investments amounting to EGP 9.7 billion directed to Suez Governorate in the 2023/2024 plan.

In terms of the sectoral distribution of public investments targeted for Suez Governorate in the 2023/2024 plan, the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development's report indicated that EGP 4.2 billion, representing 43%, is allocated to the petroleum sector. The Suez Canal sector follows with EGP 1.6 billion, representing 16%. The transportation sector receives EGP 1.4 billion, representing 15%, while the higher education sector is allocated EGP 778 million, representing 8%. The health sector receives EGP 261.5 million, representing 3%. Other sectors are allocated investments totaling EGP 1.5 billion, representing 15%.

The report also highlighted that the plan aims to implement 10 developmental projects in the health services sector in Suez Governorate. These include the completion of the Suez Chest Hospital development and the upgrading of primary care units. Additionally, 11 projects are planned in the higher education sector, including the establishment of Galala University and the university hospital at Suez University, along with the construction of a central laboratory complex for the Faculty of Science.

The report also mentioned the current situation indicators (2022/2023) for the Suez Canal sector, noting that the number of ships passing through the canal is 25,911, with a total tonnage of 1,526.9 million tons. The canal's revenues have reached EGP 245.8 billion.