Dr. Mohamed Farid Saleh:
- The State’s strategy is shifting from assembly to full manufacturing to maximize the added value of Egyptian exports.
- Egypt is accelerating digital transformation to serve investors through integrated and transparent electronic platforms.
- Regulatory reforms and investment incentives ensure transparency and sustainable growth.
Dr. Ahmed Rostom:
- The economic reform has strengthened the State’s ability to manage the impacts of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
- The government continues implementing reforms to enhance macroeconomic stability and achieve development that improves citizens’ lives.
Dr. Mohamed Farid Saleh, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade (MIFT Minister), and Dr. Ahmed Rostom, Minister of Planning and Economic Development (MPED Minister), participated in a high-level roundtable organized by the MENA Futures Lab at the headquarters of the Atlantic Council in Washington, on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
The session—moderated by Khaled Azim—provided a comprehensive review of Egypt’s macroeconomic outlook, focusing on fiscal and monetary policies to address the current global challenges and government efforts to improve the investment climate, enhance export competitiveness, and attract additional foreign capital.
In terms of business environment, MIFT Minister highlighted promising opportunities in the Egyptian market in light of regulatory reforms aimed at simplifying procedures and reducing operating costs.
Dr. Farid Saleh revealed MIFT’s ambitious plan to expand investment zones and industrial cities, encouraging industrial localization through the transition from “assembly” to “full-scale manufacturing,” deepening the local component and maximizing the added value of Egyptian exports.
MIFT Minister reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to removing obstacles facing investors and noted a comprehensive review of the system for establishing and operating projects and investment incentives, alongside accelerating digital transformation through interactive e-platforms serving investors and exporters. Such platforms provide transparent access to data and opportunities, while full integration between The General Authority for Investment and Free Zones, The Financial Regulatory Authority, the Egyptian Exchange, and Misr for Central Clearing, Depository, and Registry aims to automate the entire investment lifecycle, facilitate the business environment, and enhance governance.
Moreover, MIFT Minister indicated that Egypt is adopting an integrated strategy linking foreign direct investment flows to increased productive capacity and export competitiveness in global markets, with a focus on advanced technology and TradeTech solutions to enhance supply chain efficiency in key sectors including renewable energy, technology, and financial services.
Dr. Farid also highlighted the momentum of the Government IPO Program and the pivotal role of the Sovereign Fund of Egypt in building successful investment partnerships with the private sector.
In his remarks, Dr. Ahmed Rostom, MPED Minister highlighted the Egyptian government’s efforts to strengthen macroeconomic stability through a package of effective fiscal and monetary policy measures. He explained that these policies, along with the Central Bank of Egypt’s monetary easing cycle to support growth, have helped curb inflation despite pressures arising from the current crisis in the Middle East.
Furthermore, he highlighted the government’s efforts to control public debt levels, improve public spending efficiency, and strengthen governance of public investments to create more space for private sector investment, while directing government spending toward priority projects. These proactive measures have provided the State with sufficient flexibility to manage regional crises and preserve the gains of economic reform.
Dr. Rostom affirmed that legislative and economic reforms are continuing strongly within the framework of Egypt Vision 2030, to ensure inclusive growth that positively impacts citizens’ living standards in partnership with the private sector.
Eventually, the roundtable witnessed strong engagement from leading economists, decision-makers, and representatives of international institutions in Washington, who praised Egypt’s proactive steps to enhance economic resilience and transition toward a more inclusive and sustainable growth model. The participation comes as part of a series of intensive meetings by the Egyptian delegation to strengthen international confidence in Egypt’s economic path and attract further foreign direct investment.
