Page 285 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - APRIL 2025 (Part 2)

Takaaki Nakamura, Director of NIFCO Inc., emphasised sustainable manufacturing and NIFCO's
wide product reach. "You cannot go more than one metre in Japan without being next to a NIFCO
product," Nakamura remarked.
Moreover, the Africa Regional Forum under the theme "From Zones to Impact: African SEZs
Reimagined" gathered key voices to discuss the evolution of SEZs into innovation-driven, inclusive,
and integrated economic ecosystems.

Laura Paez, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), noted Africa's SEZs have grown
from 20 in the 1990s to over 237 by 2020, but many face challenges in diversification and
infrastructure.
"There are more than 200 SEZs currently operational across the continent, with varying levels of
success. The emerging SEZ 2.0 model emphasises technology, regional integration, and local value
creation aligned with development goals," said Paez.

Jasveer Singh, Cluster Director at Arise IIP, emphasised sustainable industrialisation through
public-private partnerships. He said, "We focus on identifying industrial gaps and enabling value-
added production at scale through public-private partnerships. Our zones are not just industrial
parks — they are platforms for inclusive economic transformation."

Dr. Manuel Francisco Pedro, Chairman of Luanda-Bengo SEZ, Angola, stressed stronger governance
and infrastructure, noting, "SEZs must be linked to AfCFTA goals to drive intra-African trade,
harmonise standards, and create a coherent investment climate. Institutional support and strong
governance are key."

https://www.wam.ae/en/article/bj3b4mu-aim-congress-2025-enhances-investment-cooperation