Kuwaiti interest in Egypt's burgeoning investment atmosphere is emphasized by Sheikha Al-Bahar.
## Strengthening Economic Ties: Egypt-Kuwait Investment Forum Highlights Opportunities
Recently, the Egyptian-Kuwaiti Cooperation Council hosted a working luncheon, emphasizing the shared commitment of both nations to economic integration and mutual growth. The event, chaired by Sheikha Khaled Al-Bahar from the Kuwaiti side, served as a platform for discussions on deepening investment partnerships and enhancing private sector engagement between the two countries.
Sheikha Al-Bahar reaffirmed Kuwait's strong interest in continuing to support Egypt's development journey, highlighting the strategic potential of deepening Egypt-Kuwait ties. This sentiment was echoed by Lieutenant General Kamel El-Wazir, Egypt's Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry, who emphasized the Egyptian government's support for Arab and foreign investors, particularly those from the Gulf region and Kuwait.
The discussions centered around continued support for Egypt's development journey, with a focus on Egypt's broad structural reforms and investment incentives. The Egyptian government is actively seeking to attract foreign and regional investment to revitalize its industrial, transport, and infrastructure sectors, as outlined by Minister El-Wazir.
### Industrial Sector
Egypt is developing new industrial facilities, such as a $108 million PVC panels and flooring plant in New Alamein City, a region designated as a strategic industrial hub. This project is expected to create over 2,000 jobs and introduce a new manufacturing segment to the Egyptian market. The government is also promoting labor-intensive, energy-efficient, and globally competitive sectors like textiles and garments, with two integrated textile cities launched in Minya and Fayoum.
### Transport Sector
Minister El-Wazir highlighted significant opportunities in shipping and ports, positioning Egypt as a gateway for regional and global trade. The country’s strategic location along the Suez Canal offers unique advantages for logistics and transport-related investments. Egypt is also pursuing large-scale transport infrastructure projects, including modernizing public transit systems and expanding road and rail networks, and is actively seeking private sector participation, including from Gulf investors, to fund and operate these projects.
### Infrastructure Sector
Egypt’s infrastructure push includes smart cities (e.g., New Alamein, New Administrative Capital), industrial parks, and utility upgrades. These projects are designed to attract high-value investment and position Egypt as a regional industrial and logistical hub. The government is encouraging Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models for infrastructure development, with a focus on sectors like energy, water, and urban development. Kuwaiti and other Gulf investors have shown interest in financing and partnering on such projects.
### Investment Climate and Strategic Partnerships
The government is upgrading utilities and infrastructure in industrial zones across several governorates (Beni Suef, Minya, Fayoum) to improve the investment climate. A joint technical committee has been formed to restructure the Industrial Utilities Support Fund, ensuring better services and more efficient land use. Egypt is also preparing tailored investment packages for foreign investors, with specific focus on US companies, highlighting opportunities in industrial zones, manufacturing, and technology transfer.
The Egyptian government is working to create a more transparent and predictable environment for foreign capital, introducing investor-friendly policies and aiming to remove bureaucratic obstacles. Bilateral engagements, such as the Egyptian-Kuwaiti Investment Forum, have brought together Egyptian and Gulf firms, with discussions on converting Kuwaiti deposits into direct investments in Egypt’s industrial and infrastructure sectors.
In conclusion, Egypt’s current investment opportunities span modern industrial manufacturing, transport and logistics, and large-scale infrastructure projects. The government is actively reforming the investment climate, upgrading industrial zones, and seeking strategic partnerships with both regional and international investors to accelerate economic recovery and sustainable growth.
In the context of strengthening economic ties, Egypt's Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry, Lieutenant General Kamel El-Wazir, emphasized the government's support for foreign investors, particularly those from the Gulf region and Kuwait, to invest in the industrial, transport, and infrastructure sectors. This follows Kuwait's strong interest in continuing to support Egypt's development journey, as stated by Sheikha Al-Bahar. Therefore, opportunities exist for finance, investing, and business in these sectors, as Egypt is actively seeking to attract foreign and regional investment.