Egypt’s FinMin promotes “one region” model for Arab economic integration at London event

Egypt’s Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk on Thursday called for stronger economic integration across the Middle East and North Africa, saying the region should function as “one region” with shared economic interests.

Speaking at the Arab Bankers’ Association (ABA) annual Eid dinner in London during the British Egyptian Business Association (BEBA) UK business mission, Kouchouk said investment flows into Egypt from Saudi Arabia had strengthened significantly across real estate, hospitality, and other sectors.

He also pointed to recent high-level delegations from Morocco, Lebanon, and Nigeria, saying bilateral trade with those countries had grown “significantly” over the past few months. “With all of those countries, our trade is growing significantly,” he said.

“This year, there is a lot for you to see in Egypt,” he said, citing ongoing projects including infrastructure and tourism developments.

He said Egypt expected the completion of the first phase of Ras El-Hekma next month, alongside new railway and hotel openings, adding that recent investment activity reflected continued momentum.

Kouchouk also highlighted a recent major investment agreement with Qatari partners.

Emphasising regional cooperation, he said: “My key message is that we are one region. We share one fate in shaping the future, and it is in the benefit of all of us to maintain close ties and work hard together.”

He urged the private sector to take greater risks and deepen cross-border cooperation, saying regional economies had the resources, population, and geographic advantages to play a larger global role.

“We need to strengthen more ties and encourage the private sectors in our countries to do more and take more risks,” Kouchouk said. “This is the time to find accord in the region, not to try to be separated. This is the right time to come together and play a bigger role.”

He added that Arab countries shared a “one destiny” and should focus on economic collaboration rather than fragmentation.

“We have everything. We have young talent. We have resources. We have proximity. And we have one language, which is not quite common in many regions. We share a lot of similar culture, and we have one destiny.”

“The message from Egypt is that this will pass, and what will remain are our ties and our shared destiny. We are all here for each other.”