Investor Dispute Resolution Center Leads Mediation Process for Settlement Agreement
Mediation Proven as an Effective Mechanism for Swift Dispute Resolution, Enhancing Investor Confidence
As part of the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade’s vision to strengthen confidence in Egypt’s investment climate and establish a competitive, attractive environment for both domestic and foreign investments, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Farid Saleh, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, witnessed the conclusion of a settlement agreement between the major shareholders of Misr Italia Holding for Financial Investments, which holds an investment portfolio exceeding EGP 100 billion.
The settlement was reached through mediation efforts led by the Investor Dispute Settlement Center of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), following a series of intensive meetings and negotiations involving all concerned parties. These efforts were conducted in a spirit of transparency and cooperation, ensuring the continuity of private investments and supporting their expansion plans, particularly in the real estate sector.
The Center’s efforts resulted in comprehensive consensus-based solutions that helped create a stable environment for the continuation of projects, thereby supporting urban development plans and reinforcing investor confidence in the Egyptian market as an attractive investment destination.
The Investor Dispute Settlement Center emphasized that this agreement reflects the effectiveness of mediation as one of the most efficient and flexible mechanisms for resolving investment disputes. Such mechanisms require specialized technical expertise to safeguard the rights of all parties, ensure business continuity, and prevent disruptions to investments—ultimately contributing to a more stable business environment and strengthening investor confidence.
This settlement aligns with the Ministry’s ongoing role in supporting investors and addressing challenges and obstacles through an integrated dispute resolution framework. This framework relies primarily on mediation and negotiation to achieve sustainable solutions, alongside other mechanisms provided under Investment Law No. 72 of 2017 and its Executive Regulations.
The Investor Dispute Settlement Center continues to play a vital role in amicably resolving disputes between investors, contributing to expedited justice and reduced litigation timelines. This serves as a key pillar in enhancing the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy and strengthening its position on the global investment map.
The settlement agreement was signed in the presence of H.E. Dr. Mohamed Farid, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade; Eng. Mohamed El-Gouski, GAFI CEO; Dr. Eman Mansour, Director of the Investor Dispute Settlement Center; Dr. Sherif Eid, Deputy Director of the Center; and the Center’s team.
Also in attendance were Mr. Mohamed Khodeir, Eng. Mohamed El-Bostany, and members of the Al-Assal family, including Mr. Khaled El-Assal, Eng. Mohamed Khaled El-Assal, Mr. Karim Khaled El-Assal, Mr. Hany El-Assal, Eng. Mohamed Hany El-Assal, Ms. Salma Hany El-Assal, Ms. Hend Hany El-Assal, Ms. Hoda Rashad, and Counselor Ahmed Abu Hendeya, along with legal advisors representing both parties, including Dr. Hany Sarie Eldin, Mr. Ehab Hamdy, and Mr. Tamer El-Hennawy.
It is worth noting that the Investor Dispute Settlement Center at GAFI was established pursuant to Ministerial Decree No. 170 of 2009. The Center is responsible for resolving disputes arising between investors—whether between partners, companies, or shareholders—upon agreement of the parties to resort to its services, ensuring swift, fair, and amicable solutions without prejudice to the parties’ right to seek judicial recourse.
All parties to the dispute, as well as the mediator, are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of information and documents exchanged during the settlement process. This creates a secure environment that fosters trust, facilitates amicable solutions, and preserves the commercial reputation of the parties without affecting their contractual relationships.
The Center’s mandate is limited to disputes between investors, where the State is not a party. In contrast, the Ministerial Committee for the Settlement of Investment Disputes and the Committee for the Settlement of Investment Contracts handle disputes in which the State is a party.
