Access to Finance for Investment Opportunities: Advancing Eco-Industrial Parks in Egypt!

GEIPP Egypt successfully concluded a workshop on sustainable finance, titled “Access to Finance for Investment Opportunities,” an important initiative under the Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme (GEIPP) – Egypt, implemented by UNIDO Egypt in partnership with the Ministry of Transport and Industry and funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). The workshop took place on 30 August 2024 online.

Why was this important?

Access to finance remains a significant hurdle in implementing sustainable projects within Eco-Industrial Parks (EIPs). The new Access to Finance Tool, developed by GEIPP Egypt was introduced to help park management entities and tenant companies navigate the range of financing options available for Eco-Industrial Parks initiatives.

The session offered a range of valuable insights:

The workshop began with an overview of GEIPP Egypt and the rationale for introducing this essential tool to the market, presented by Mr. Rana Singh, Industrial Development Officer and Project Manager. Mr. Singh highlighted the critical need for financial solutions that facilitate the adoption of sustainable practices in Egypt’s industrial parks.

Prof. Amiena Bayat, UNIDO consultant and academic at the University of the Western Cape, South Africa, then provided a step-by-step guide on how industrial parks and companies can benefit from the tool.

Finally, UNIDO consultants Dr. Hoda Sabry, a Sustainable Finance Expert, and Dr. Mohamed Abdel Hameed, a Development Finance and Investment Advisor, presented the adapted version of the tool for the Egyptian market. Their presentation showcased how the Access to Finance Tool can be practically applied, offering a clear pathway to identify funding for green initiatives.

The Access to Finance Tool was designed to achieve several outcomes. It provides a comprehensive overview of various financing mechanisms that are suitable for eco-industrial park initiatives, along with guidance on how to access these resources effectively. The tool also includes activities to help identify funding sources at both the national and international levels and directs park managers and companies to relevant contacts and websites for further information and support.

This session marks an important step in the collective effort to facilitate access to sustainable finance opportunities and support the development of eco-industrial parks in Egypt.

#SustainableFinance #EcoIndustrialParks #GEIPP #Egypt #InclusiveDevelopment #UNIDO #SECO #AccessToFinance