Egypt Opens Door to Local, Foreign Investments

Egypt's Forum for International Cooperation and Development Finance (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Egypt's Forum for International Cooperation and Development Finance (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Egypt Opens Door to Local, Foreign Investments

Egypt's Forum for International Cooperation and Development Finance (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Egypt's Forum for International Cooperation and Development Finance (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Egypt's robust infrastructure and supportive political will that supports the private sector has opened its doors to local and foreign investments to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development, said the country's Finance Minister.

Mohamed Maait met with the CEO of the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) and Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), Hani Sonbol, on the sidelines of Egypt's Forum for International Cooperation and Development Finance in the New Administrative Capital.

The Minister asserted that Egypt seeks to increase its efforts to diversify sources and financing tools which would reduce the cost of development investments, especially with the current global economic crisis.

He pointed to the growing opportunities for cooperation with the ICD in many projects, and benefited from its experiences in Egypt's issuance of green Sukuk in a way that attracts new investors, helps sustain the economy, creates job opportunities, and boosts living standards and services provided to them.

The Minister explained that Egypt is studying with Japan the issuance of green Samurai bonds during the coming period.

Egypt successfully offered the first Samurai bonds in the Japanese market, valued at 60 billion Japanese yen, which attracted many Japanese investors.

He indicated that Egypt is also on ongoing joint venture with China to issue Panda bonds in the Chinese market.

Sonbol stressed that ICD's work is based on its significant experience in issuing sovereign Sukuk, noting that the Organization's work was praised by international institutions, explaining that there is an opportunity to cooperate with Egypt in this field.

"We look forward to working together to issue sovereign Sukuk or green Sukuk in Egypt," said Sonbol, adding that the Organization is experienced in the water, energy, and food sectors and can offer ambitious programs that support the national platform for green projects.

Later, Maait discussed with the co-chair of the High-Level Expert Group on Climate Finance, Vera Songwe, establishing a mechanism for exchanging commodities between African countries, primarily wheat and fertilizers.

During their meeting, Maait and Songwe exchanged views and ideas on mechanisms for achieving food security at the continental level to optimize the available resources, especially in light of the severe disruption in supply chains.

The Minister lauded Songwe's achievement during her tenure as Under Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, wishing her success in her new duties.

Maait invited Songwe to attend the "Finance Day" and adopt African visions to facilitate development funds that support green transformation and contribute to combating climate change.



Lebanon’s Struggling Economy Slides Toward Full Recession

The Jousieh crossing between Lebanon and Syria following an Israeli strike on October 25. (AFP)
The Jousieh crossing between Lebanon and Syria following an Israeli strike on October 25. (AFP)
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Lebanon’s Struggling Economy Slides Toward Full Recession

The Jousieh crossing between Lebanon and Syria following an Israeli strike on October 25. (AFP)
The Jousieh crossing between Lebanon and Syria following an Israeli strike on October 25. (AFP)

The ongoing Israeli war on Lebanon has led to significant economic losses estimated between $10 billion and $20 billion.

This range reflects the difficulty in accurately assessing the damage amid Israel’s ongoing military operations, including airstrikes and ground attacks.

The destruction of homes, infrastructure, and farmland has contributed to a state of uncertainty, along with an unprecedented wave of displacement affecting many families.

Experts agree that reliable economic data is hard to obtain while the conflict continues.

Reports from the Ministry of Health and international organizations said nearly 3,000 people have been killed and around 15,000 injured, mostly civilians.

Additionally, about 1.4 million people have been displaced from their homes, representing roughly a quarter of Lebanon’s population.

Growing economic crisis ahead

The war came at a time when Lebanon’s economy was already struggling after five years of crisis.

According to Mohammad Choucair, head of the Economic Bodies Association, the situation is worsening rapidly, threatening serious economic and social consequences.

Current estimates suggest that direct losses from the conflict could reach between $10 billion and $12 billion, impacting various sectors.

As the war continues, key sectors like tourism, agriculture, and trade are experiencing a sharp decline in business activity.

Many small and medium-sized enterprises are being forced to close or suspend operations due to direct damage from attacks, reduced consumer demand, and disruptions in trade and supply chains caused by the influx of displaced people.

International financial institutions are warning that the ongoing Israeli attacks could continue for several more months, possibly lasting until mid-2025.

The Institute of International Finance (IIF) forecasts a 7% contraction in Lebanon’s GDP by the end of this year, followed by a 10% decline next year.

This would bring the total economic decline to nearly 60% from the peak GDP of around $53 billion recorded at the end of 2018.