General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) CEO Hossam Heiba and Head of the Egyptian Customs Authority (ECA) Ahmed Amoui Monday discussed with French Ambassador to Egypt Eric Chevallier prospects of boosting French investments in Egypt.
During the meeting, Heiba affirmed that Egypt is continuing to implement reforms to modernize the customs system and improve the investment climate, noting that French investments represent a key pillar in supporting Egypt’s economic growth with several French companies are expanding their activities across various industrial and service sectors.
This came during an Egyptian–French meeting that was attended by senior French officials and representatives of French companies operating in the Egyptian market to discuss developing procedures and boosting investment.
The government is working to accelerate pre-clearance procedures, expand the use of digital systems, improve customs valuation, and reduce cargo release times, positively impacting trade flows and enhancing the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy, Heiba said.
He stressed that French investors can benefit from the Permanent Unit for Solving Investors’ Problems and the dispute resolution center, which provide fast and effective mechanisms to support the stability of investment activities.
Heiba added that the meeting marks the launch of a regular dialogue platform between GAFI, the French Embassy and French companies, helping address challenges and provide practical solutions to improve the business environment.
For his part, the French ambassador reaffirmed France’s keenness to strengthen economic and investment cooperation with Cairo, noting that French companies are major partners in supporting the Egyptian economy.
Chevallier added that periodic meetings allow exchanging expertise and facilitate procedures for French investors.
Meanwhile, the head of the Customs Authority reviewed the most prominent ongoing customs reforms, particularly in simplifying procedures, developing digital infrastructure, and accelerating trade movement in line with international best practices, thereby improving the quality of services provided to investors.
