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 Mortgage Loans Reach Record Highs

The Cityscape International Real Estate Exhibition 2024 in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Cityscape International Real Estate Exhibition 2024 in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Mortgage Loans Reach Record Highs

The Cityscape International Real Estate Exhibition 2024 in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Cityscape International Real Estate Exhibition 2024 in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Mortgage lending provided by financing companies has reached an all-time high by the end of the third quarter of 2024 amid developments in Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector.

According to data from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), the companies issued approximately SAR 28 billion ($7.4 billion) in real estate loans.

The data indicates that corporate borrowers accounted for SAR 5 billion, while individuals received SAR 23 billion. Additionally, financing companies in the Kingdom reported their highest net income since 2022 during the third quarter, amounting to SAR 768 million ($204.5 million).

Mortgage loans from commercial banks also rose for both individuals and companies, recording a 13% year-on-year increase to SAR 846.48 billion ($225 billion) by the end of Q3, compared to SAR 747 billion ($199 billion) during the same period in 2023. Of this, individual loans comprised 77.6% of the total, amounting to SAR 657 billion—an 11% annual increase—while corporate loans represented 22.4%, growing by 22%.

Commenting on the market’s growth, Mohammed Al-Farraj, Senior Director of Asset Management at Arbah Capital, told Asharq Al-Awsat that “the Saudi real estate market is experiencing unprecedented momentum, driven by a significant increase in mortgage lending to individuals by financing companies. Last year witnessed record growth in this type of lending.”

Al-Farraj predicts the upward trend in the mortgage financing market will continue into 2025, with a projected 12% growth. He attributes this to reduced interest rates, rapid economic growth, rising purchasing power, increased consumer confidence, successful government housing policies, a broader variety of real estate products, and growing demand for housing. He also anticipates that this growth will stimulate economic activity and increase demand for various goods and services.

The US Federal Reserve has played a significant role in the global economic climate by cutting interest rates three consecutive times between September and December 2024, reducing them by approximately 100 basis points to a range of 4.25%-4.5%.

Saudi Arabia has placed considerable emphasis on the mortgage market to enhance liquidity in the real estate financing sector. Several agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) have been signed to develop and strengthen this vital sector.

The Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company (SRC), wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), recently signed an MoU with Hassana Investment Company to develop the market, attract local and international investors, and expand the secondary real estate market.

Additionally, SRC signed an agreement with US-based BlackRock to enhance mortgage financing programs in the Kingdom and increase institutional participation in capital markets. In November, it entered an MoU with King Street, a capital management firm, to activate initiatives aimed at creating a sustainable ecosystem for mortgage refinancing.