German-Egyptian Business Forum kicks off to boost investment, trade
Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El-Khatib on Monday highlighted the country’s economic reforms and infrastructure drive as he opened the Egyptian-German Business Forum in Cairo, in the presence of senior German government and diplomatic officials.
El-Khatib said more than 1,500 German companies operate in Egypt with total investments of about $4.9 billion, while bilateral trade reached $5.1 billion in 2025 under the Egypt-European Union Partnership Agreement.
He said Egypt’s strategic location, modern infrastructure and more than $550 billion in infrastructure investments over the past decade position the country as a regional manufacturing and logistics hub capable of integrating global supply chains and serving multiple markets.
El-Khatib pointed to recent economic reforms, saying inflation has fallen from nearly 40 per cent to around 12 per cent, net foreign reserves have exceeded $50 billion, and remittances have doubled to about $37 billion. He added that trade and logistics costs were cut by 65 per cent, saving about $1.5 billion, while the trade deficit fell to its lowest level since 2010 at $34.2 billion, with total trade reaching $132 billion.
The minister also announced the launch of a digital investment platform offering more than 460 permits and services for company establishment, as well as an upcoming Egyptian Trade Platform providing instant commercial data based on HS codes.
He said Egypt offers competitive operating costs, a skilled workforce and access to global markets, highlighting opportunities in renewable energy, automotive manufacturing, advanced industries, green hydrogen, low-carbon exports, technology, and semiconductors.
Germany’s Parliamentary State Secretary Stefan Rouenhoff said Egypt’s large-scale railway and transport projects have enhanced connectivity and economic efficiency, adding that German companies are increasingly interested in expanding investments in the country. He cited Siemens as an example of successful industrial cooperation and technology transfer.
Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
Subediting: Y.Yasser