Heiba affirmed that e-commerce companies have contributed positively to the Egyptian economy by developing trade, providing goods through innovative methods, creating thousands of job opportunities, and expanding commodity distribution networks across the market. He also praised the sector’s role in increasing reliance on electronic payments and promoting financial inclusion for both customers and workers.
Heiba's remarks came during his participation in the annual
partners celebration for food delivery giant Talabat, marking its five-year
anniversary in the Egyptian market.
A number of top officials attended the ceremony, including
Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk, Supply and Internal Trade Minister Dr. Sherif
Farouk, Labour Minister Mohamed Gaber, Information Technology Institute (ITI)
Chairwoman Dr. Heba Saleh, and Vice Minister of Finance for Fiscal Policies Yasser
Sobhi. They were hosted by Talabat Egypt Managing Director Hadeer Shalaby.
Heiba pledged GAFI's continued support for Talabat's
expansion in Egypt, promising all necessary incentives and facilities to ensure
the company's sustained growth. He noted that the company’s
objectives—including high labor intensity, localization of technology,
development of logistics, and environmental sustainability—align with the government’s
priorities.
Heiba highlighted the company's increasing reliance on
bicycles and electric bikes, which also cuts the environmental cost of
customers travelling to buy goods themselves.
He added that the Egyptian government considers these companies to be successful partners capable of providing goods and stabilizing prices in the market at competitive rates. Furthermore, the companies' storage capabilities, managed through modern technological systems, help protect the Egyptian market from sudden fluctuations in commodity prices and availability.