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.



Three Saudi-Yemeni Companies Established in Energy, Telecom to Support Yemen's Reconstruction

The Saudi-Yemeni Business Council holds meeting in Makkah, announces strategic initiatives (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi-Yemeni Business Council holds meeting in Makkah, announces strategic initiatives (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Three Saudi-Yemeni Companies Established in Energy, Telecom to Support Yemen's Reconstruction

The Saudi-Yemeni Business Council holds meeting in Makkah, announces strategic initiatives (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi-Yemeni Business Council holds meeting in Makkah, announces strategic initiatives (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi-Yemeni Business Council, part of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, announced six initiatives to boost trade and support Yemen’s economic development at a meeting in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Over 300 Saudi and Yemeni investors attended, agreeing to establish three companies to help rebuild Yemen and improve its infrastructure.
The initiatives include upgrading border crossings to improve logistics and increase trade, currently valued at 6.3 billion riyals ($1.6 billion). Yemen’s exports to Saudi Arabia, worth only 655 million riyals ($174.6 million), highlight untapped potential in mining, agriculture, livestock, and fisheries.
Key recommendations to enhance trade and support Yemen’s economic recovery include setting up quarantine facilities for Yemeni livestock and agricultural products to increase exports, as well as building smart food cities near border areas to improve food security and sustainable cooperation.
The Council urged action to address banking challenges faced by traders, suggesting reforms in Yemen’s financial sector and stronger ties with Saudi banks. It also proposed creating a club for Yemeni investors in Saudi Arabia to encourage joint projects and partnerships.
Three new Saudi-Yemeni companies will be established. One will invest $100 million in solar energy to provide sustainable electricity in Yemen. Another will focus on boosting telecommunications via Starlink satellite services. The third will organize events to promote Saudi products and support Yemen’s reconstruction.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Council President Dr. Abdullah bin Mahfouz emphasized the private sector’s critical role in stabilizing Yemen’s economy and society through investments that support development, create jobs, improve infrastructure, and promote small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
He stressed the importance of empowering Yemeni entrepreneurs and securing funding for reconstruction projects, encouraging public-private partnerships to execute large-scale initiatives under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model.
The Makkah meeting ended with agreements between Saudi and Yemeni companies to develop key sectors such as energy, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Streamlined customs, improved logistics, and upgraded Yemeni ports and airports were also highlighted as priorities to facilitate trade.
Yemeni delegation leader Abdulmajid al-Saadi, praised Saudi Arabia’s new investment law, noting Yemeni investments in the Kingdom have reached 18 billion riyals ($4.8 billion), ranking third among foreign investors.