Egypt: Parliament Confirms Reappointment of Central Bank Governor

Egypt's Central Bank Governor Tarek Amer speaks at a news conference in Cairo, Egypt, November 3, 2016. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany
Egypt's Central Bank Governor Tarek Amer speaks at a news conference in Cairo, Egypt, November 3, 2016. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany
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Egypt: Parliament Confirms Reappointment of Central Bank Governor

Egypt's Central Bank Governor Tarek Amer speaks at a news conference in Cairo, Egypt, November 3, 2016. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany
Egypt's Central Bank Governor Tarek Amer speaks at a news conference in Cairo, Egypt, November 3, 2016. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany

Egypt's parliament approved the appointment of central bank governor Tarek Amer to a second four-year term on Thursday, state media reported.

The parliament, in a recess, held an emergency session to vote on the decision by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to reappoint Amer, whose first term ended on Wednesday. The approval was required under the constitution.

Amer was first appointed in 2015 when Egypt was in a currency crisis. A three-year IMF economic reform program included a sharp devaluation of the pound currency, the introduction of a value-added tax and the elimination of subsidies on most fuel prices.

"Clearly the heavy lifting is done but then we need to have someone to protect these gains and build on them," said Mohamed Abu Basha, head of macroeconomic analysis at EFG Hermes.

Steps still needed include a full transition to inflation-targeting and further development of the banking sector, especially digitalization and pushing banks to lend to wider sectors, Abu Basha said.

Allen Sandeep, head of research at Naeem Brokerage, said: "The challenge now will be to walk a balanced path between easing monetary policy and keeping inflation in check."

Governors are allowed only two terms under the constitution.



Madinah Investment Forum to Kick Off on Sunday

Madinah Investment Forum to Kick Off on Sunday
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Madinah Investment Forum to Kick Off on Sunday

Madinah Investment Forum to Kick Off on Sunday

The Madinah Investment Forum, organized by Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah Chamber under the theme "Invest in Madinah", will start on Sunday and run for two days.
The forum consists of a diverse range of programs, events, and four specialized dialogue sessions focusing on key aspects of the national investment strategy. It will host 18 speakers and more than 40 entities, and present 200 investment opportunities, valued at over SAR57 billion, in more than ten targeted sectors, SPA reported.
The event will highlight Madinah's significant achievements and showcase development and investment projects in the region. It will explore promising investment sectors, comparative and competitive advantages, and the region's potential to support investment growth. Key areas of focus include hospitality, logistics, agriculture, and real estate.
The forum's objectives include identifying investment opportunities in Madinah, fostering investment partnerships, attracting new investments, and introducing financing solutions and business sector services for major development projects.
The event is aimed at a broad audience, including local and international investors, government agencies, development organizations, private sector representatives, investment agencies, financial institutions, consulting firms, and professional service providers.