Egypt Accelerates Steps to Become Regional Hub for Gold Production

FILE PHOTO: An employee sorts gold bars in the Austrian Gold and Silver Separating Plant 'Oegussa' in Vienna, Austria, December 15, 2017. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
FILE PHOTO: An employee sorts gold bars in the Austrian Gold and Silver Separating Plant 'Oegussa' in Vienna, Austria, December 15, 2017. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
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Egypt Accelerates Steps to Become Regional Hub for Gold Production

FILE PHOTO: An employee sorts gold bars in the Austrian Gold and Silver Separating Plant 'Oegussa' in Vienna, Austria, December 15, 2017. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
FILE PHOTO: An employee sorts gold bars in the Austrian Gold and Silver Separating Plant 'Oegussa' in Vienna, Austria, December 15, 2017. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger

The Federation of the Egyptian Chambers of Commerce announced launching the first of its kind 2022 Nebu Expo for the production, manufacture and export of gold jewelry.

The three-day event will kick off on Feb. 19, with the participation of 30 major local gold companies.

On the sidelines of the event, the government will present its strategy to transform into a regional and international hub for the production of gold and goldsmiths.

Chairman of the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce Ibrahim Elaraby said the locally designed jewelry have been developed to compete with international products in this field.

He issued a press statement, which Asharq Al-Awsat obtained a copy of, noting that launching the first edition of the exhibition marks a new step on the path of partnership between the Egyptian government and the private sector to achieve economic development.

“Over the past two years, the government has taken various steps, in partnership with the private sector, to establish a strong base for the production of raw gold and gold bars on Egyptian soil,” the statement read.

Among these steps are the establishment of an integrated city for the manufacture and trade of gold, the first gold refinery to maximize the added value of gold resources and complete the value chain for gold production by maximizing local content.

Head of the Gold Division at the Chamber of Commerce in Cairo Hany Milad said that the conference that will be held on the sidelines of the exhibition will discuss various issues related to the production of gold jewelry and the development of the internal and export trade system for Egypt’s goldworks.

It will further tackle the legislation that motivates the production of goldsmiths, which would allow Egypt to become a regional hub for gold industry and compete in global markets in one of the global trade’s key sectors.

He pointed out that the seminars will discuss the latest developments in the industry and arts of designing gold jewelry.



Oman's Asyad Group Plans to Sell at Least 20% of Shipping Unit Via IPO

Asyad Group plans to sell shares in its shipping subsidiary through an initial public offering. Photo: Oman News Agency
Asyad Group plans to sell shares in its shipping subsidiary through an initial public offering. Photo: Oman News Agency
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Oman's Asyad Group Plans to Sell at Least 20% of Shipping Unit Via IPO

Asyad Group plans to sell shares in its shipping subsidiary through an initial public offering. Photo: Oman News Agency
Asyad Group plans to sell shares in its shipping subsidiary through an initial public offering. Photo: Oman News Agency

Oman's state-owned logistics firm Asyad Group plans to sell shares in its shipping subsidiary through an initial public offering, it said on Wednesday, as part of the country's privatization drive.

The group, owned by Oman's sovereign wealth fund, plans to sell a stake of at least 20% in Asyad Shipping Co and float it on the Muscat stock exchange, it said in document detailing its intention to float.

"The intended listing would provide investors with the opportunity to invest in one of the world's largest diversified maritime shipping companies and a key player in the Omani economy," the company said.

Asyad Shipping focuses on transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude oil and other products. It lists energy firms BP and Shell as well as trading firm Trafigura among its customers and partners.

The offering will be made in two tranches, with 75% made to eligible investors in Oman and qualified institutional and other foreign investors. Of the 75% tranche, 30% of shares have been earmarked for anchor investors, the firm said.

The remaining 25% will be sold to retail investors in Oman.

The subscription period is expected to start next month, after the company has received regulatory approval.

Asyad Shipping plans to pay dividends semi-annually, beginning in September 2025 for the first six months of this year.

Oman Investment Bank, EFG Hermes, JP Morgan and Jefferies are acting as joint global coordinators. Sohar International is acting as joint global coordinator and as issue manager.
Credit Agricole and Societe Generale are joint bookrunners.