Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem asserted on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, the strength of economic relations between Egypt and Spain, which are based on a long history of cooperation across various fields, converging views between the two countries’ political leaderships, and reciprocal visits by officials.
He noted that the ministry could host a roundtable for Spanish companies interested in making new investments in Egypt, with the aim of introducing them to available industrial investment opportunities and investment incentives. The remarks came during Hashem's meeting with Spainish Ambassador to Egypt Sergio Román Carranza Forster to discuss ways of strengthening industrial cooperation and attracting more Spanish companies and investments to the Egyptian market.
The two sides reviewed industrial cooperation opportunities available in Egypt in which Spanish companies could invest during the coming period, as well as initiatives by the Spanish Embassy to encourage Spanish companies to expand their presence in the Egyptian market in areas of mutual interest.
They also reviewed successful examples of Spanish companies operating in Egypt’s industrial sector and ways to build on those successes. At the beginning of the meeting, the minister stressed the Ministry of Industry’s commitment to deepening industrial cooperation between the two countries during the coming period and attracting more Spanish investments to the Egyptian market.
Hashem affirmed the ministry’s commitment to addressing any challenges facing Spanish companies operating in Egypt, thereby supporting the expansion of their investments and activities. He noted that the ministry seeks to increase the presence of Spanish companies in sectors targeted under Egypt’s updated industrial strategy, particularly textiles and ready-made garments, automotive, and renewable energy.
He explained that expanding these sectors aims to deepen local manufacturing, enhance Egypt’s industrial capabilities, and benefit from Spain’s advanced expertise and technology, thereby supporting industrial development in both countries and strengthening their competitiveness.
The two sides also discussed opportunities to expand local manufacturing, with Hashem stressing the ministry’s interest in transferring advanced Spanish technologies to Egyptian industry across various fields. Hashem highlighted the importance of Spanish companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), benefiting from the Industrial Franchise system currently being developed by the Ministry of Industry as one of the new mechanisms for expanding local manufacturing and facilitating investors’ entry into the market.
He explained that the system would reduce the burdens and procedures facing companies seeking to invest and manufacture in Egypt, enhancing their ability to enter and expand in the Egyptian market.