Egypt Explores New Prospects for German Investments

Cairo seeks to explore more prospects for cooperation to attract German investments to Egypt (Reuters)
Cairo seeks to explore more prospects for cooperation to attract German investments to Egypt (Reuters)
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Egypt Explores New Prospects for German Investments

Cairo seeks to explore more prospects for cooperation to attract German investments to Egypt (Reuters)
Cairo seeks to explore more prospects for cooperation to attract German investments to Egypt (Reuters)

Head of the General Authority for Free Zones and Investment (GAFI) Mohamed Abdel Wahab said on Thursday that the authority seeks to open new scopes for cooperation with Germany to attract more investments in the country and draw on German expertise, especially in industry and clean energy.

Abdel Wahab made the remarks during a meeting with CEO of the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) Martin Wansleben.

During the meeting, the two officials discussed increasing German investments in Egypt in light of the Egyptian government's efforts to provide an investment-magnet atmosphere and tax privileges to companies operating in the green economy sector, artificial intelligence, and localization of industry.

Abdel Wahab reiterated his keenness on taking part in all investment activities taking place inside and outside of Germany and holding regular meetings with German companies willing to pump money to the Egyptian market.

He said he agreed with Wansleben to form joint working groups to keep in regular contact with German investors to iron out any hurdles facing them.

Wansleben lauded the strategic relations between Egypt and Germany in the economic domain. He praised the economic reforms carried out by the Egyptian government and the measures taken to face the consequences of global crises.

Moreover, the German Ambassador to Cairo Frank Hartmann affirmed that the German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce (GACIC) is a pillar in forming economic ties between businessmen and firms in Germany and the Arab world.

He expressed delight for participating in the 70th anniversary of the GACIC establishment.

The German-Arab Chamber was established in Egypt in 1951. It plays a pivotal role in Egyptian and German business cooperation thanks to the efforts of its more than 2500 members, according to the German Embassy in Cairo.

It is not only a forum to form ties and provide consultations, but is also part of the network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs).



Saudi Chambers Federation Asks Companies to Benefit from Temporary Admission System for Goods

The King Abdullah Economic City Port in Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The King Abdullah Economic City Port in Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Chambers Federation Asks Companies to Benefit from Temporary Admission System for Goods

The King Abdullah Economic City Port in Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The King Abdullah Economic City Port in Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Chambers Federation is making rapid efforts to ensure that all local companies and institutions can benefit from this international customs system after Saudi Arabia issued its first ATA Carnet (Temporary Admission Document) last week.

The ATA Carnet is an international customs document issued by an authorized chamber of commerce. It simplifies customs procedures for the temporary admission of various types of goods into countries that are part of the international ATA Carnet guarantee chain, without restrictions, duties, or taxes.

According to information available to Asharq Al-Awsat, the Saudi Chambers Federation has informed all companies and institutions that the federation’s ATA Carnet unit will now be accepting service requests from interested parties.

This step follows the federation's acceptance as an issuing and guaranteeing body for the ATA Carnet, granting carnet holders exemption from customs duties and taxes in member countries’ customs checkpoints.

On Thursday, the Saudi Chambers Federation announced the issuance of the first ATA Carnet since the system was officially implemented. Saudi Arabia has now become the 80th country globally to adopt this international customs system.

In June, the Saudi Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority announced that it would start accepting ATA Carnets across all its land, sea, and air customs points. The move is part of the Kingdom’s commitment to the Istanbul Convention, which supports the business sector and bolsters Saudi Arabia’s position as a global destination for events, exhibitions, and activities.

The authority added that accepting the ATA Carnet is a positive step toward enabling the growth of the international events, exhibitions, and conferences sector. It also supports efforts to attract global exhibitions and conferences while adhering to international best practices and boosting the country’s status as a global destination for economic, tourism, and entertainment events.

The goods eligible for temporary import under the ATA Carnet include items intended for display or use at exhibitions, markets, meetings, or similar events, professional equipment, containers, pallets, packing materials, samples, and other goods related to commercial processes. It also applies to goods imported for educational, scientific, or cultural purposes.