Investment and Foreign Trade Minister Mohamed Farid Saleh said the ministry’s strategy is aligned with presidential directives to improve the investment climate and enhance the competitiveness of the business environment as key drivers of productive investment, export growth and sustainable economic expansion.Farid made the remarks during a meeting of the parliament’s economic committee, chaired by lawmaker Tarek Shoukry, to discuss state targets for supporting investment and stimulating economic growth amid regional and international developments.
He said the government’s investment and trade policies are based on realistic and implementable measures aimed at improving the investor experience, adding that Egypt has the competitive advantages needed to become a regional hub for investment and trade. The minister said the ministry is implementing a series of coordinated reforms to improve the efficiency of the investment and foreign trade system, stressing that building a stable, transparent and efficient business environment requires gradual and sustainable implementation to strengthen investor confidence.He added that the government is developing an integrated digital model to streamline the corporate lifecycle from establishment to operation and exit, while updating legislation related to digital transformation, including electronic signature, digital authentication and electronic archiving services.
Farid said the Sovereign Fund of Egypt operates under a model aimed at maximizing returns on state assets rather than managing surpluses, adding that the government also seeks to promote balanced regional development by redirecting investments across the country.
He said the ministry is expanding investment incentives and the “golden license” system, while accelerating licensing procedures, approving general assembly records and improving post-establishment services to reduce project startup times and speed up operations.
On foreign trade, Farid said the current strategy aims to enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian exports through proactive mechanisms based on data analysis and global indicators to protect exports and expand market access, alongside wider use of digital systems to simplify procedures, shorten customs clearance times and reduce costs.
He added that the ministry is working to support innovation in foreign trade by creating a flexible regulatory environment for testing technological solutions aimed at simplifying procedures and supporting exports, while improving the efficiency of technical laboratories and strengthening oversight of exports and imports to ensure compliance with international standards.
Farid stressed the importance of promotional campaigns and improving Egypt’s investment image to raise awareness of incentives, investment regulations and dispute resolution mechanisms in order to strengthen investor confidence and attract more investment. He said Egypt will continue implementing a comprehensive economic and institutional reform program based on coordination among ministries and policies to reinforce the country’s position as a regional hub for investment and trade.