Doha – President Abdel Fattah El Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to creating a secure and stable climate conducive to investment during a high-level meeting on Sunday with members of the Qatari business community in Doha.
The meeting was attended by Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, alongside several Qatari ministers, senior officials, and representatives from the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Qatari Businessmen Association. Prominent figures from leading Qatari companies also participated in the discussions.
President Sisi highlighted the global economic challenges that have emerged in recent years, including the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, volatile food and energy markets, and ongoing trade tensions. These challenges, he noted, underscore the urgent need for enhanced Arab economic integration and stronger cooperation between Arab nations. He stressed the vital role of the private sector in driving this integration.
Calling on Qatari investors to expand their business ventures in Egypt, President Sisi emphasized the country’s many competitive advantages. These include its strategic geographic location, a large and skilled labor force at competitive wages, favorable energy pricing, and a legislative and regulatory framework designed to support and attract foreign investment. Egypt also benefits from a network of free trade agreements with Arab and African nations, providing investors with expansive market access.
President Sisi outlined the broad investment opportunities available in Egypt, particularly in sectors such as communications and information technology, manufacturing, renewable energy, and tourism. He emphasized the government’s focus on localizing industries and embracing advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence. He also expressed Egypt’s openness to various forms of partnership with Qatari investors.
Highlighting the country’s infrastructure development efforts, the President noted that Egypt continues to implement transformative national projects, including the construction of smart cities, expansion of transport networks, and development of international logistics hubs. He encouraged Qatari investors to explore these opportunities firsthand.
Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El Khatib provided a comprehensive overview of Egypt’s decade-long efforts to modernize its infrastructure, revealing that the government has invested approximately $550 billion in development projects. These include the construction of 7,000 kilometers of roads, multiple new ports, and 24 new cities.
The minister also outlined Egypt’s current economic policies, noting that the government is focused on creating a more competitive investment environment regionally and globally. This includes adopting a disciplined monetary policy to curb inflation, ensure macroeconomic stability, and support growth. Fiscal and trade policies are also being implemented to reduce financial burdens on investors, streamline processes, and boost exports.
Egypt aims to increase its exports to over $145 billion by 2030 and improve its standing in global trade rankings — targeting inclusion among the top 50 countries within three years and the top 20 by 2030.
Minister El Khatib further highlighted priority sectors for foreign direct investment, including industry, agriculture, logistics, education, healthcare, tourism, and renewable energy, noting that Qatar is a key partner in this endeavor.
President Sisi acknowledged the recent economic difficulties Egypt has faced but reassured investors that key reforms have been implemented to stabilize the economy. He confirmed that there are no longer restrictions on the repatriation of profits in foreign currency and emphasized efforts to streamline licensing procedures, including the implementation of the “golden license” and a one-stop shop for investors.
He also discussed Egypt’s ambitious tourism strategy, aiming to more than double annual tourist arrivals from 16 million to 30 million, and pointed to significant infrastructure investments including the establishment of seven major logistics stations linking the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.
President Sisi concluded the meeting by inviting Qatari investors to visit Egypt and explore the wide range of opportunities available, emphasizing the country’s readiness and openness to deepen economic collaboration.
