Dr. Rania Al-Mashat: We are working with the World Bank and relevant stakeholders to develop an ambitious vision to diversify and increase foreign direct investments, thereby enhancing macroeconomic stability.

Eng. Hassan El-Khatib: We are making every effort to create an attractive and stable investment climate to enhance the competitiveness of the Egyptian market as a primary destination for investment and trade in the region.

H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, and Eng. Hassan El-Khateeb, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, met with the World Bank delegation led by Mr. Stephane Guimbert, the World Bank Regional Director for Egypt, Yemen, and Djibouti, along with his accompanying delegation. 

The meeting was held at the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation's headquarters in the New Administrative Capital to discuss the progress of the development of Egypt’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Strategy for the period 2025-2030. The strategy is being prepared in collaboration with the World Bank Group, one of Egypt’s key development partners, in line with presidential directives and decisions made by the Supreme Council for Investment. The meeting was attended by Dr. Dahlia El-Hawary, Deputy CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI).

At the beginning of the meeting, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat expressed her appreciation to the World Bank teams, as well as to the teams from the Ministries of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, and Investment and Foreign Trade, and the General Authority for Investment for their efforts in developing the FDI strategy for Egypt during the technical meetings. 

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted the importance of the new FDI strategy, as well as the Industrial Development and Trade Enhancement Strategy (IDTES), as major strategic goals the Egyptian government is striving to achieve in order to improve the investment environment in Egypt.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat pointed out to the government's efforts to enhance the efficiency of managing public investments, governance, and establishing a clear cap on investments to curb inflation and create more opportunities for the private sector. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that the technical cooperation with the World Bank in preparing the FDI strategy aligns with this direction and implements the directives of the Supreme Council for Investment by providing a clear vision for FDI in Egypt. It also reinforces the state’s efforts to attract and encourage foreign investments as part of the government's program to build a competitive economy that attracts investments while leveraging Egypt’s significant economic potential. 

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat also stressed that the state’s relations with international partners involve preparing numerous diagnostic reports and studies that provide recommendations and initiatives being implemented on the ground across various sectors to drive development efforts.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat confirmed that the new FDI strategy for Egypt will present an ambitious and achievable investment vision for the country, offering a coherent strategy for investment growth and diversification. This will contribute to achieving the goals of inclusive economic growth and economic diversification in Egypt. The core of this strategy is to increase the country’s competitiveness in attracting sustainable foreign direct investment.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat added that the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation is working in coordination with the Ministry of Investment, the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones, and the World Bank Group to continue consultations with various stakeholders, holding several workshops to address all feedback on the new strategy. This is in line with the government’s emphasis on driving and increasing both domestic and foreign investments and empowering the private sector.

Eng. Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, emphasized that the Ministry is making every effort to create an attractive and stable investment climate, aiming for significant growth that matches the aspirations of the Egyptian people. He noted that in the coming period, the ministry will finalize the formulation of its investment strategy, which includes a plan to attract foreign direct investment, focusing on improving the business environment and simplifying procedures. This will enhance Egypt’s competitiveness as a leading destination for investment and trade in the region, reflecting the Ministry’s commitment to providing sustainable investment opportunities that support economic growth.

El-Khatib also pointed out that Egypt possesses advanced infrastructure and new, developed cities, and that the Egyptian market is characterized by a skilled and qualified workforce. He mentioned that Egypt is a large consumer market with a strategic geographic location at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. He also noted that Egypt enjoys diverse energy sources, including renewable energy from solar and wind power. Furthermore, Egypt is party to a variety of trade agreements, including free trade agreements with over 70 countries, as well as offering a range of investment incentives, including both general and specific incentives, along with additional benefits.

It is noteworthy that the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, in coordination with the General Authority for Investment, hosted technical-level meetings as part of the preparation for the strategy, with the participation of approximately 20 relevant national entities, along with the World Bank Group.