Egypt, Belgium’s BIO Invest discuss expanding cooperation in SMEs, renewable energy

Egypt’s Investment and Foreign Trade Minister Hassan El-Khatib met officials from Belgium’s Investment Company for Developing Countries (BIO Invest) in Brussels on Monday to explore opportunities for expanding investment in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), renewable energy and agriculture.

According to a ministry statement, the talks reviewed BIO Invest’s financing programmes, which channel long-term funding to private institutions, financial intermediaries and infrastructure projects in developing countries. The company also supports local banks, microfinance firms and leasing companies to expand access to credit for entrepreneurs, while providing direct support for SMEs, particularly in agriculture and food value chains, the statement added.

BIO Invest entered the Egyptian market in 2021 with a $10 million investment in the Ezdehar Mid-Cap Fund II, aimed at supporting medium-sized and family-owned companies in agribusiness, food processing, healthcare and consumer goods. The fund contributes to economic diversification and job creation.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser