Minister El-Khatib emphasized the strategic nature of Egyptian-Swedish relations and the importance of increasing bilateral trade and joint investments. He highlighted Egypt's attractive investment opportunities across various sectors and the government's efforts to create a favorable investment climate through ongoing reforms. El-Khatib positioned Egypt as a key regional investment and production hub, serving as a gateway to markets in the Middle East and Africa.
Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic
Development, and International Cooperation, underscored Egypt's strong appreciation
for its decades-long relationship with Sweden. She emphasized the importance of
leveraging these historical ties, encompassing trade, cultural exchange,
education, infrastructure, and Swedish investments, to foster comprehensive and
sustainable economic development amidst global shifts and Egypt's economic
progress.
Al-Mashat highlighted that the recent Egyptian-Swedish
Business Forum, attended by major Swedish firms, showcased significant
opportunities for economic collaboration. She outlined Egypt's national
economic development strategy, centered on four key pillars: sustaining macroeconomic
policies, attracting foreign direct investment, supporting industrial
development and localization, and strengthening labor market mechanisms. These
pillars, she noted, bolster national efforts to improve the business and
investment climate, enhance macroeconomic stability, and advance structural
reforms.
Furthermore, Al-Mashat pointed to the diverse nature of
Egyptian-Swedish relations, including advisory services from the Swedish
Development Fund (SwedFund) for development projects in Egypt. She affirmed the
Ministry's commitment to integrating local resources with international
partnerships to maximize economic development and drive private sector
investments, particularly through investment guarantees with the European
Union.
Minister Dousa reaffirmed Sweden's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Egypt, recognizing it as a crucial economic partner in the region. He stated that his visit aimed to explore further bilateral trade and investment opportunities.