Challenges:
The Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) aimed to attract and facilitate investment through streamline of its one-stop-shop (OSS) services. After the successful completion of Phase 1, which identified gaps and provided recommendations for improving seven priority services, there remained a need to expand these reforms to a broader range of services. SCZONE required additional support to streamline the remaining services, create a self-sufficient OSS, and ensure the effective delivery of services without external assistance.
Solutions:
In Phase 2, AAA, in collaboration with the EBRD, provided targeted support to re-engineer the OSS establishment services for the SCZONE. The objectives of this phase included re-engineering the remaining targeted services to enhance the functioning of the OSS, restructuring the Investor Services Department (ISD) to improve service delivery in alignment with the re-engineered services, implementing the new processes for the reformed services along with necessary institutional and HR reforms, and building the capacity of the ISD employees and other related departments involved in service delivery.
Key activities included:
Additionally, a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework was created, consisting of 150 indicators to assess performance at the impact, outcome, and output levels.
Impact:
Phase 2 of the project led to a significant transformation in the way SCZONE’s OSS operates, with the reform of business incorporation. These reforms have resulted in more efficient service delivery, reducing bureaucratic obstacles and enhancing the overall experience for investors. The ISD staff is now better equipped to manage and deliver services independently, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the reformed OSS. This initiative has strengthened SCZONE’s ability to attract and retain investors, positioning it as a competitive economic zone in the region.
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