Egypt's Net Foreign Assets Fall in September

A general view shows Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt July 13, 2020. (Reuters)
A general view shows Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt July 13, 2020. (Reuters)
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Egypt's Net Foreign Assets Fall in September

A general view shows Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt July 13, 2020. (Reuters)
A general view shows Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt July 13, 2020. (Reuters)

Egypt's net foreign assets (NFAs) fell by $591 million in September having dropped off sharply in August, central bank data showed on Friday.

NFAs declined to the equivalent of $10.31 billion at end-September from $9.72 billion in August, according to Reuters calculations based on the official central bank currency rate at the time, Reuters reported.

NFAs fell by $3.53 billion in August.

Egypt had been using its NFAs, which include foreign assets at both the central bank and commercial banks, to help prop up its currency since at least September 2021. NFAs turned negative in February 2022.

Foreign assets rose slightly at commercial banks in September but dipped at the central bank, while foreign liabilities climbed at commercial banks and eased at the central bank.



Saudi PIF, Hong Kong Monetary Authority Sign MoU on Investment Fund

The MoU was signed at FII 8th Edition in Riyadh. SPA
The MoU was signed at FII 8th Edition in Riyadh. SPA
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Saudi PIF, Hong Kong Monetary Authority Sign MoU on Investment Fund

The MoU was signed at FII 8th Edition in Riyadh. SPA
The MoU was signed at FII 8th Edition in Riyadh. SPA

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) signed on Thursday a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work towards jointly anchoring a new investment fund, with a target size of $1 billion.

The MoU was signed at FII 8th Edition in Riyadh.

Under the MoU, the fund would explore investment in manufacturing, renewables, fintech, and healthcare, supporting the localization of companies connected to Hong Kong and the Greater Bay area in Saudi Arabia. It would create highly skilled local jobs and drive economic growth by fostering regional champions in the target sectors. It would reinforce Hong Kong’s position as one of the world’s leading financial hubs, leveraging its diverse talent pool, efficient financial infrastructure and deep liquidity. The signing of this MoU is a new milestone that underlines the economic ties between two leading institutions: PIF and HKMA.

The proposed new fund aligns with PIF’s economic diversification and sustainability strategy.

This partnership has the potential to drive shared prosperity by investing in industries that will shape future economies. It combines HKMA’s long-term investment expertise with PIF’s strategy for the target sectors.

The new fund would promote foreign direct investments via Hong Kong, providing a platform for companies to internationalize their businesses and access attractive investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia.