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).



Oil Prices Rise as Concerns Grow over Supply Disruptions

Oil Prices Rise as Concerns Grow over Supply Disruptions
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Oil Prices Rise as Concerns Grow over Supply Disruptions

Oil Prices Rise as Concerns Grow over Supply Disruptions

Oil prices climbed on Tuesday reversing earlier declines, as fears of tighter Russian and Iranian supply due to escalating Western sanctions lent support.

Brent futures were up 61 cents, or 0.80%, to $76.91 a barrel at 1119 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude climbed 46 cents, or 0.63%, to $74.02.

It seems market participants have started to price in some small supply disruption risks on Iranian crude exports to China, said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo.

In China, Shandong Port Group issued a notice on Monday banning US sanctioned oil vessels from its network of ports, according to three traders, potentially restricting blacklisted vessels from major energy terminals on China's east coast.

Shandong Port Group oversees major ports on China's east coast, including Qingdao, Rizhao and Yantai, which are major terminals for importing sanctioned oil.

Meanwhile, cold weather in the US and Europe has boosted heating oil demand, providing further support for prices.

However, oil price gains were capped by global economic data.

Euro zone inflation

accelerated

in December, an unwelcome but anticipated blip that is unlikely to derail further interest rate cuts from the European Central Bank.

"Higher inflation in Germany raised suggestions that the ECB may not be able to cut rates as fast as hoped across the Eurozone, while US manufactured good orders fell in November," Ashley Kelty, an analyst at Panmure Liberum said.

Technical indicators for oil futures are now in overbought territory, and sellers are keen to step in once again to take advantage of the strength, tempering additional price advances, said Harry Tchilinguirian, head of research at Onyx Capital Group.

Market participants are waiting for more data this week, such as the US December non-farm payrolls report on Friday, for clues on US interest rate policy and the oil demand outlook.