Cabinet initially approves special economic zones bill

The Cabinet, at its meeting Tuesday under Prime Minister Atef Ebeid, approved in principle, a 57-article draft law on special economic zones prior to referring it to the People's Assembly and Shura Council.

A special economic zone is a zone set up in new urban areas and will have a main port to set up export-oriented industrial and services projects. The zone will be set up by a decision of the President of the Republic.

There will be a main development company which will be in charge of the development and promotion of the special economic zone and oversee the maintenance of the infrastructure within the boundaries of the zone.

A port will serve the special economic zone.

Cabinet reviewed reports on security conditions, the state of the market and the economic situation.

The Cabinet also discussed the amendment of the law on control on precious metals and a law on weight and measures.

Secretary General of the Cabinet, Ahmed Abu Taleb, said that Minister of Interior Habib Al Adli presented a report on security conditions in which he stressed the stability of security conditions as a result of continued security campaigns against outlaws and the commitment of police to protect citizens and enforce the rule of law in the Egyptian street.

The Minister reported that traffic patrols will be increased on the main roads to enforce discipline and take measures against violators.

Adli reported that there is an active security cooperation between Egypt and the majority of the countries of the world.

This is bearing fruit in the field of following up and giving pursuit to criminals and fugitives and handing them over.