Egypt and Qatar discussed developing a new strategy and work mechanism to increase economic and investment cooperation between the two countries.
CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) Hossam Heiba met with Qatari Ambassador Tariq Ali al-Ansari in Cairo to explore avenues for increasing economic cooperation.
After the meeting, GAFI issued a statement, a copy of which was received by Asharq Al-Awsat, saying they focused on establishing cooperation mechanisms that would facilitate seamless economic integration.
The mechanisms may involve implementing mutually beneficial projects in Egypt or the infusion of joint investments into emerging markets, particularly the African market, especially after activating the African Free Trade Area Agreement and Egypt's accession to the BRICS Plus group.
Heiba asserted the importance of continuous communication with Qatari companies investing in Egypt, stressing the need to engage with them, encouraging them to inject new investments and overcome any challenges they may encounter.
Additionally, efforts were made to connect with major Qatari companies interested in investing in Egypt, presenting them with attractive opportunities in various sectors such as real estate, entrepreneurship, logistics, and distribution centers.
During the meeting, Heiba reviewed investment developments in Egypt and the new investment guarantees and incentives provided to investors.
The official also explained the facilities provided to investors, including facilitating land ownership, expanding the issuance of the golden license, and enhancing governance, transparency, and competitive neutrality in the Egyptian market.
He highlighted the integrated and competitive package of incentives and facilities for each economic sector, which contributed to achieving a qualitative shift in the rate of establishing companies.
The Qatari ambassador praised Egypt's economic reforms and measures, expressing the confidence of Qatari investors in the Egyptian economy.
Ansari announced plans for the coordination between representatives of the Egyptian government to hold the Qatar-Egypt Investment Forum regularly after its success in 2023.
Cairo hosted the Qatar-Egypt Investment Forum last November, during which Egyptian and Qatari companies signed several agreements and memorandums of understanding in real estate, food industries, and cars.