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).



China to Cut Import Tariffs on Some Recycled Copper, Aluminium Raw Materials

People walk along a bridge in Beijing, China, 28 December 2024.  EPA/JESSICA LEE
People walk along a bridge in Beijing, China, 28 December 2024. EPA/JESSICA LEE
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China to Cut Import Tariffs on Some Recycled Copper, Aluminium Raw Materials

People walk along a bridge in Beijing, China, 28 December 2024.  EPA/JESSICA LEE
People walk along a bridge in Beijing, China, 28 December 2024. EPA/JESSICA LEE

China will reduce import tariffs on ethane and certain recycled copper and aluminium raw materials from next year, the government said on Saturday.
The Ministry of Finance announced adjustments to various import tariff categories, effective Jan. 1, aimed at increasing imports of high-quality products, expanding domestic demand and promoting high-level opening-up, Reuters quoted it as saying in a statement.
Provisional import tariffs below the most-favored-nation rates will be applied to 935 items, the ministry said. Import tariffs will be reduced on ethane and certain recycled copper and aluminium raw materials to advance green and low-carbon development.
Tariffs will rise on commodities including molasses and sugar-containing pre-mixed powders will increase but be reduced on items such as cyclic olefin polymers, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers and automatic transmissions for special-purpose vehicles such as fire trucks and repair vehicles.
Import tariffs will also be reduced on items such as sodium zirconium cyclosilicate, viral vectors for CAR-T tumor therapy, and nickel-titanium alloy wires for surgical implants.
The China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement will come into effect on Jan. 1, with tariff reduction implementations, the ministry said.